On October 3-4, 2024, Mindoro State University (MinSU) hosted a significant Orientation and Workshop focused on Internationalization, Global Citizenship Education (GCED), and the strategic application of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and World University Rankings for Innovations (WURI). The two-day event, held in collaboration with the CHEDRO MIMAROPA, marked a significant step in MinSU’s ongoing pursuit of global excellence, visibility, and academic credibility.
The event highlighted the importance of key factors such as internal quality assurance, outcomes-based education, Institutional Sustainability Assessment, and community-based programs—all fundamental pillars of internationalization. On the first day, MinSU faculty and staff engaged in discussions with CHEDRO MIMAROPA officials, focusing on these foundational concepts. The takeaway from the session was the reminder that all university efforts should ultimately center around enhancing the student experience and preparing graduates for success in a global context.
The second day of the event was dedicated to a hands-on workshop where MinSU representatives, led by University President Dr. Enya Marie Apostol together with the IRO Director Dr. Jerrel Reyes, were given the opportunity to collaborate in groups. Each team reviewed and shared the institution’s ongoing projects, particularly those related to sustainable development and community engagement. These initiatives were examined in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to assess their alignment with global development priorities.
As part of the workshop, MinSU teams were tasked with filling out the WURI template, which would serve as the foundation for their application to the WURI. The projects presented included impactful initiatives such as Project Moses, GADly, and CalaMinSU, all of which have made tangible contributions to the university and the surrounding community over recent academic years.
Following each group’s presentation, the CHED team—led by Director Dr. Jimmy Catanes, along with Dr. Kris Hanley Dalan and Mr. Kenmark Hernandez—provided valuable feedback. They offered recommendations for refining the project descriptions, emphasizing the need for clear, concise, and compelling narratives with provocative project names. They also advised MinSU to gather and present documentary evidence to substantiate the outcomes of these initiatives, ensuring that their submissions would effectively demonstrate the university’s contributions to sustainable development and innovation.
This collaborative event reaffirmed Mindoro State University’s commitment to advancing its international reputation and fostering a culture of global citizenship, ensuring that its graduates are equipped with the skills and values necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.