Academic challenges of AUP
Dr. Miriam Narbarte had been the dean of AUP College of Business for almost eleven years. Then in September 2001, she and her husband left the country to accept the call of the University of Eastern Africa in Kenya, East Africa, and worked as Dean of School of Business for three years. In 2007, the couple were called back to AUP, and she was appointed Director of the Human Resources Office where she served for barely nine months because the Board of Trustees, on its meeting of May 13, 2008, voted her as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs.
The following interview took place in her office during a quick “break” from a series of long meetings that day. Dr. Narbarte is an epitome of a dynamic, career woman who is output-oriented, though a “busy bee” as she is, but she can still manage to listen and socialize with her co-workers.
News&Views: How do you find your new post as VPAA?
Dr. Narbarte: Honestly, at first I was reluctant to accept my new post. I’d been into this kind of work in the past. I had 11 years in COB and 3 years in Kenya. I find administrative work uninteresting anymore. I accepted the post because of my mission to help our University.
N&V: If you were to choose between HR and VPAA, which one would you prefer?
DN: I want the HR more, I find the work fulfilling because I was able to apply the theories I teach in human resources and personnel administration. I regret it was short lived.
N&V: Why? Is there anything else you wish to accomplish in HR?
DN: Actually I have almost done what I wanted to do but 9 months for the job is quite short to prove my worth.
N&V: They say HR is now in good hands with Dr. Reuel Narbarte. He can continue what you have started and he is very capable to further the cause of AUP workers.
DN: (She simply smiled and looked us silently in agreement, we assumed.)
N&V: Now as VPAA, how would you assess AUP as University.
DN: It’s good. Not bad.
N&V: What do you mean by good? How would you rate it from 1-5, where 5 is the highest and 1 the lowest?
DN: 4 naman!
N&V: Ok. Where do you think AUP is wanting?
DN: We need to strengthen our research capability. We need to pursue our ETR (“every teacher a researcher”) program. We need to publish more research journals. Our faculty members should produce more refereed researches. We appreciate the two issues of research journals you have published but we need to publish more. To sustain our autonomous status we need to show we are a research University. In fact, they are evaluating our performance in the last five years.
N&V: Why do you think most of our faculty members don’t do research?
DN: There are several reasons. The most common reason is heavy teaching load. The second obvious reason is incapability and ineptness in research methods and processes. This is my challenge to the new URC director.
N&V: What other challenges do we face in terms of instruction?
DN: Instruction will have quality if our faculty members are qualified teachers. What I mean is every teacher should at least a master’s degree holder. We want to go beyond the requirement of CHED. We aim to have at least 30% of the faculty possess doctoral degrees while 75% should be master’s degree holders. We have at present an equivalent of only 16% doctoral holders and 58% masters, short of 14% and 17% for the doctoral and master degree holders, respectively. While AUP graduates have performed very well in professional board examinations, it is important for AUP to aim for higher passing rates in board exams.
N&V: How do you intend to resolve this qualification inadequacy in our teaching force?
DN: More faculty upgrading and faculty development. We need to produce and hire credentialed faculty who are determined to specialize in their field of knowledge. Every teacher should have the passion to teach effectively and should be a model to students as a good researcher.
N&V: The decline of our enrolment for this semester is alarming. We are short of about 600 students compared with the last enrolment. What is your appeal to our academic personnel?
DN: Our faculty members should make sure they promote AUP not only in their methods inside the classroom but also by life example. We must always bear in mind that students are our major clients. They are the main reason why we are here in the University. We must treat our students as our valued customers by providing them quality service and quality time. We should maintain good faculty-student relations.
N&V: For our non-teaching staff, what is your message? How can they help in promoting AUP?
DN: It’s everybody’s business to make AUP the most conducive place for learning. More so, in providing it with a genuine spiritual atmosphere for everybody! From the highest official to the lowliest member of the community – they should take part in making this University a “paradise” or a “little heaven” for everyone.
N&V: How do you translate these ideal situations into workable activities?
DN: Let’s practice courtesy, respect, and fairness at all times. Even in our physical appearance and grooming… let’s dress up for success, wear proper hairstyle, haircut. Most all, be example to students by religiously attending and involving in all church activities.
N&V: What do you consider your advantage as VPAA which makes you smile to these academic challenges?
DN: My assets are the quality of people I am working with. First, I have a very supportive President. I have a team of qualified and capable deans, we have an active PR office and administrative support-staff I am lucky. My reluctance to accept this job has vanished because I realized I am surrounded by lovable people. I thank them for all the support.
N&V: Do you think we can carry out all these challenges soon?
DN: Of course, if we are determined to do them. Our commitment and our preparedness to God’s work is the key to our academic success. Unless God backs our human efforts and struggles, they will be in vain. But God works through agents like us. With God, nothing is impossible.?
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AUP 5-YEAR ACADEMIC STRATEGIC PLAN
1. A conducive learning environment that stimulates quality educational experience for faculty, staff and students by:
- reviewing academic programs based upon student enrollment and interests while meeting the expectations of employers, graduate schools and emerging career options;
- developing curricula for relevant degree programs both at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
- restructuring academic departments for a focused supervision of programs in similar areas;
- maintaining the long-established reputation of the university in the licensure exam performance of graduates and accreditation levels.
- exploring the needs of different students and assure that exposure to coursework and extracurricular activities meet those needs;
- providing a mechanism for receiving feedbacks on academic programs and student services for improvement purposes.
- facilitating teaching through innovative instructional methodologies and technologically-based instruction.
2. An academic climate that promotes excellence in research and publication by providing comprehensive research training for faculty and students both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
3. A collaborative program that links the community, the constituents, and the stakeholders in providing academic programs, spiritual outreach and humanitarian services by:
- offering educational opportunities for non-traditional students and the public through distance learning, continuing education, and self-directed learning;
- strengthening existing linkage agreements with other universities and institutions;
- exploring development of linkages with other institutions.
AUP hosts the 6th Suzuki music summer camp
It was a rare privilege for the Adventist University of the Philippines to host the 6th Suzuki Summer Camp on May 26-30, 2008. It is the first time for a Suzuki camp to be held outside of Metro Manila. Participants came from as far as Pangasinan to the North and Leyte to the South with about 100 participants in the violin and cello camp that was held in the Graduate School building and 40 in the piano camp held at the Music Center and Day Care Center. The five-day camp included individual lessons and group tutorials, recitals, orchestra classes, ensemble classes and a grand concert featuring the participants of the music camp.
The Violin Faculty included Prof. Hwang Kyung Ik, President of the Asia Suzuki Association, Jeong Cheol Woong, Hyun Min Ja of Korea, and Mr. Ariel Arambulo of the Philippines. Piano faculty included Professor Carmencita G. Arambulo, President of the Philippine Suzuki Association (PSA), Prof. Carolyn K. Cheng, Ms. Gigi Arambulo, Ms. Katherine F. Asis, Ms. Vita Jamandre and Ms. Aurora Pedro. AUP participants were piano teacher trainees: Ms. Nerilyn Beratio and Ms. Ermilin Diamante and their Suzuki piano students, Cedric Lacheral and Sugar Durante as violin teachers trainees and their students
During the Suzuki Concert at the Finster Hall on Thursday night, May 29th, the brand new AUP President Dr. Gladden Flores warmly welcomed the guests and participants of the camp while PSA President Mrs. A, (as she is fondly called), expressed her joy and heartfelt appreciation for the AUP administration who gladly opened her gates to accommodate this year’s summer camp. She also commented on the healthy food served by the Cafeteria and more so the Adventists who are very friendly, very musical and very spiritual people. Both members of the faculty and participants loved the peaceful ambience of the University Campus amid fresh air, beautiful flowers, stately trees and manicured parks. They are looking forward to hold another Suzuki camp here in AUP in the near future.—Ermilin Diamante (Faculty-Music Department).
AUP Gateway
The excerpts below were taken from the Special Issue of the AUP News & Views today, June 13, 2008 which I just received. I have added my comments under ‘MRP’:
"Interview with the New President:"
"...News & Views: Can you please update us about the status of our newly inaugurated AUP gate? Why is it still closed up to this time?"
"President Flores: The new gate is still undergoing construction. It needs some finishing touches, landscaping, and a waiting shed for our commuting residents on campus. The most important and critical part of it is the 'permit to occupy' from the City Engineer's office which we still don't have. They will only allow us to use the gate when it is complete and has passed the building standards required by the government."
MRP: I did mention this problem in my earlier communications with Bros. Sam Villanueva, Charles Fegarido and Dr. Samuel L. Roda. Is the Gateway properly situated on that side of the road - a curve where there is potential danger to vehicles and pedestrians?
"News & Views: Our alumni, even our students and clients are very eager to know the reasons behind this..."
"President Flores: I want to tell you that the new AUP gate is one of the best things that ever happened in the campus. The magnificent design and the imposing structure is great and at par with the best landmarks in the world. We really appreciate their generosity and love for AUP. Thank you for this lasting gift and legacy from our alumni and friends. With the help of God, rest assured that in due time when all requirements are met, it shall be utilized fully."
MRP: My assumption is that the Alumni abroad, particularly EASNAC for sure, are the persons President Flores is referring to because there is no report of any AUP worker, student, or alumni now residing in the Philippines who had made a financial contribution. Maybe there are, if they have other valuable contributions not measured in terms of pesos.
But how about those AUP manual laborers who skipped their meals with their family, just to work overtime at the
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AUP faculty placed 5th in bouldering competition
Albrecht Delft Pagaduan, faculty of Fine Arts and representing the Philippines team had joined the 2008 Thailand Bouldering Competition, an open international competition, in May 18, 2008, at Queen Serekit Convention Center. Albrecht brought home a trophy for placing 5th among other competitors coming from 5 different countries. As a conditioning exercise for this competition, he joined 7 other professional climbers at Slopony Adventures in Vietnam weeks before the Thailand competition.
Bouldering or “rock climbing” is a challenging sport that had attracted Albrecht who started as a mountaineer in the Philippines in 2002. Later he became one of the founding members and instructor of “Power-Up”, a local club of rock climbers. Albrecht, an artist, had already brought prestige to AUP by taking the 1st prize in the National Students Artist Competition sponsored by Shell Philippines in 1997. This time, he hopes to be among the top 3 in the Philippines in rock climbing where he was number 11 during the 2007 Philippine National Sport Climbing Competition in Pasig City.
COH dean attends nutrition conferences at Loma Linda University, lectures in Sabah
Dr. Miriam R. Estrada, Dean of the College of Health, attended two General Conference-sponsored Nutrition Conferences held at Loma Linda University, California, on March 4-6, 2008. One was the International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition and the other is the Adventist Nutrition Conference.
On June 3-5, 2008, Dr. Estrada, answered the need of the Sabah Mission to educate ministers and their wives on the role of optimal nutrition for achieving optimum health. She was guest lecturer during the Nutrition Seminar sponsored by the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) and Southeast Asia Union Mission (SAUM) held in Sabah, Malaysia. Dr. Estrada has been a regular guest lecturer being tapped by SSD. She has given lectures in Sarawak, Malaysia (2004), and in Bangkok, Thailand (2007).
Turnover ceremony for the new home deans
The turnover ceremony for the new Home Deans last June 15, 2008, was well received by the dormitorians. Mrs. Raquel F. Capiendo, new dean of women, and Mr. Jun Tayaben, new dean of men, were welcomed by loud applause coming from dormitorians when the keys of responsibilities were transferred to them. The outgoing home deans were given recognition for their untiring efforts and dedication during their term. Three new graduate assistant deans were represented, Mrs. Emily A. Rada for Ilang-Ilang Hall, Mrs. Liberty A. Uy for Gumamela Hall, and Mr. Samuel Casel for Eastern Hall. Vice President for Student Affairs Pastor Arden Perdon, through his message, challenged all Home Deans who were present, to deal with young people under their care with love and compassion. He solicited the cooperation of all boarding students, so as to make their stay in the dormitories memorable.—Edwin C. Pajarito (Staff, Students’ Services)
AUP in You Tube?
From: samvilla@aol.com
My curiosity of YouTube.com was heightened when I first watched an interview in CBS's Sunday Morning With Charles Osgood, of Filipino singer Arnel Pineda, new lead singer of an American band named "Journey," which was a famous band during the '80s. He was discovered by the band in YouTube, when they were looking for a replacemement for their lead singer. Arnel Pineda sounded very much like Steve Perry, the lead singer who had left. The band sent for Arnel from the Philippines for an audition with their band in San Francisco, CA. With the group's overwhelming approval, Arnel Pineda is now the lead singer of Journey and they are doing a tour of Europe and the United States. They sound just like the original band and have been given a rebirth of their original group.
When I went to YouTube.com and searched for Arnel Pineda, I again saw the video of the original interview with CBS and a list of other subjects in Video attributed to Arnel and the band Journey.
I wondered, if I searched for Adventist University of the Philippines as a subject, would there be anything on Adventist University of the Philippines, and if there was, what would it be about? I tried. Voila!!!
There were myriads of video subjects on the AUP Ambassadors performing and winning in Xiamen, China. Their reactions to their winning moments are all captured in video and shown in YouTube. What a boisterous group they were. I understandably will be too! It makes you proud to be a Filipino and a niche more, as an alumni of AUP. There are other video subjects of the Ambassadors performing in the PIC, Finster Chapel, California tours, and even rehearsals. You should read other viewer's comments.
Not to be outdone, some performances of the Celestial Echoes, the Indonesian Choral, other outstanding singing group of AUP are there too. Even a video of the campus and construction of the AUP Gateway can be seen. There are a lot more more about AUP. I suggest you watch it yourself. It does not have to remain a mystery much less a secret. YouTube.com knows all about AUP!
site? Why are their names not "engraved"? And why was the architect who drew the plan not consulted when the AUP Board/Administration decided to move the construction from its original location to its present place? Or was there really an AUP Board Action for that matter? Some, I heard say, there was. Others say, WALA! This has to be clarified also by President Flores, among other questions. I believe I was the very first person who wrote him a congratulatory letter upon his election as president of AUP. He is a very good friend of mine. You can ask him if there is anybody who wrote him ahead of me.
One engineer who was here when the planning stage of the physical plant of PUC was on the drawing board said in effect that, "God (through the church) paid a big amount of money to a certain company in the United States, DMJM, who studied all aspects of the land, as to where the gate, the buildings should be placed and erected. The present gate is where they recommended to be placed and the next leaders and planners followed those recommendations." I believe those papers are still preserved and are still intact in the files of the administrative offices.
News & Views editor says, "...President Flores gave his 'no holds barred' answers on the issues..."
by: Erwin Michael R. Pedernal
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