Aiming to empower new faculty members with the essential knowledge and resources to excel in their roles as educators and researchers, UP Manila recently held its 2023 New Faculty Orientation-Workshop at the Manila Prince Hotel in Ermita, Manila on the 19th and 20th of October with the theme “Navigating Academic Horizons: Faculty Onboarding in UP Manila.”
Day One
The first day of the orientation featured a heartfelt recorded message from Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, then-Chancellor of UP Manila, who emphasized the crucial role of faculty in shaping the future generation of leaders. She encouraged the new faculty members to mold their students’ minds, nurture their hearts, and equip them with skills, wisdom, and love for the country.
Also on the first day, Asst. Prof. Ignatius H. Vinzons, Associate Dean for Planning and Development of the College of Arts and Sciences, delivered the keynote speech, in which he inspired the attendees with his own pedagogical approach of treating students as they would like to be treated. He stressed the importance of reading, listening, knowing, empathizing, and empowering students to effective teaching.
Dr. Arlene A. Samaniego, then-Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, and Dr. Nymia P. Simbulan, then-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, shared valuable insights regarding their respective offices’ missions and responsibilities, while Dr. Edward H. Wang, then-Vice Chancellor for Research, emphasized UP Manila’s robust research infrastructure and its noteworthy contributions, particularly during the pandemic, encouraging new faculty members to utilize the available resources for research. Thereafter, then-Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development and incumbent Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tee stressed the UP Manila administration’s commitment to providing faculty members with the opportunity to teach and pursue advanced degrees while supporting research and publication efforts. Their vision centers on enhancing the well-being of Filipinos through research, product patents, and publications.
In her discussion, Dr. Erlyn A. Sana of the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTCHP) emphasized Teaching Philosophy, Principles of Outcome-based Education (OBE), outcomes, objectives, competencies and taxonomy. According to Dr. Sana, “Ang mahalagang maintindihan natin bilang mga teachers, why our course will be relevant, and that question can only be answered by doing a formal needs assessment: what do you assess, who you are as a teacher, what do you bring to the classroom or to the university or college.”
The first day also featured an open forum session, where faculty members could ask questions and engage with various university offices and personnel.
Day 2
Day 2 continued with discussions on core teaching competencies and the role of faculty in recognizing psychological and emotional red flags among students.
Dr. Joffrey Sebastian E. Quiring from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine stressed the importance of faculty members in addressing students’ mental health concerns. Dr. Melflor A. Atienza, Dean of the NTTCHP, presented strategies for selecting teaching-learning methods, encouraging new faculty to focus on outcomes and consider teacher-centered or student-centered approaches. Dr. Coralie Dimacali, Associate Dean of the College of Medicine, discussed the significance of student assessment and test construction, emphasizing that assessment drives learning and influences the quality of education.
The New Faculty Orientation-Workshop successfully prepared new faculty members for their roles in teaching, research, and contributing to the university’s mission of excellence and service. The event highlighted UP Manila’s commitment to nurturing and empowering its faculty members to shape the future of the Philippines through education and research.
Charmaine A. Lingdas
