University sector representatives conduct institutional reflection

As an avenue to voice out resolutions on the Lasallian Mission and Ministry, various sectors and stakeholders of the University held an Institutional Reflection last August 19 at the 4th Floor Multipurpose Room of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall.

This event was held in preparation for the regional reflection – which includes Lasallian schools from across the country – to be held on September to October this year as well as the upcoming Philippine Lasallian Family Convocation on April 2015. It will tackle multi-sectorial issues and themes pertinent to the Lasallian mission of De La Salle Philippines.

Institutional Resolutions

The Institutional Reflection centered on four themes, namely: leadership and vocation, accessibility, excellence in education and operational efficiency.

During the Institutional Reflection, multi-sectorial discussions were held, which focused on what institutional resolutions the different sectors want to propose in line with the four themes mentioned. Representatives from the student sector, faculty, staff, administration, and the external partners and alumni were divided into four groups for the breakout session.

At the end of their discussion, each group presented 2-3 resolutions for each of the themes around which the Institutional Reflection was centered.

For Leadership and Formation, the groups proposed a means to gauge the impact of activities, the implementation of formation programs for various stakeholders in DLSU, training for incoming leaders, and a mechanism to encourage alumni to continue serving the community. They also stressed the importance of having better relationships among members of the DLSU community.

For Excellence in Education, the groups furthered the institution and implementation of the New Lasallian Core Curriculum (NLCC), strengthening of internalization in preparation for the ASEAN integration, adapting to new technology and teaching methods, and increasing of the health awareness of students.

For Accessibility, the groups stressed the role of Alternative Learning System (ALS) in the education of adult learners and preschoolers.

They also suggested a support structure for students with special needs, decentralizing counseling services, increasing access to scholarships for the poor, providing for more than just tuition fee subsidies, and collaboration with different institutions in the community.

For Operational Efficiency, the groups emphasized the presence of state-of-the-art technology support and facilities in the University.

They also recommended sharing the efficient online enrollment system, specifically the animo.sys, to other La Salle schools, improving the waste segregation processes, increasing visibility of security officers outside campus, and strengthening partnership with parents in developing projects for the needs of the community.

Consolidation

After each group had presented their resolutions, the ideas were finalized and consolidated, narrowing down the resolutions to the major issues mentioned in each of the presentations.

The consolidated resolutions for the first theme focused on strengthening ties within the University among different sectors, stressing the importance of growth and development as a community.

The second emphasized the role of research within the University, and the significance of further improving the academic curriculum for global competence.

On Accessibility, much weight was given to developing an ALS for the University’s partner communities, as well as providing more scholarships to the less fortunate and giving support systems for those with special needs.

Lastly, advancements in facilities and better stakeholder collaboration were the main points on Operational Efficiency.

Representatives for the regional reflection were then decided, with one person and one alternate chosen from each sector of the University.

In his closing remarks, President and Chancellor Br. Ricky Laguda FSC shared how in the past, only the Lasallian Brothers would convene and discuss, unlike today, where all the stakeholders have a say in these matters.

He also mentioned that most of the resolutions cited by the various sectors are currently being undertaken by the University, but stressed that improvements must still be made.

“What we need to do is really come together and figure out for ourselves how [we can] contribute to make sure that it is executed better and implemented well,” he said.