SLSU, industry partners sign MOU to further academic, research collab; launches alumni portal
MAASIN CITY—Two (2) initiatives were realized as Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) has inked partnerships with Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLCCI) and the Rotary Club of Maasin City to develop academic and research collaboration, and launched the university’s integrated alumni portal on July 19, 2021 at SLSU Maasin City Campus.
The partnership between SLSU and the industry partners is an initiative to leverage complementary strengths to expand research, service and education activities for the university.
Under the agreement, both parties will team up to conduct research projects, lectures and symposia, and community development. They will also exchange expertise through consultancy, and academic information materials to promote academic and club cooperation.
Furthermore, the agreement will see both parties embarking on collaborative activities such as knowledge-sharing sessions, joint academic and scientific activities, seminars and conferences, joint-publications in high impact journals, academic and student exchange opportunities as well as joint applications of research and development grants.
In her speech, the President of SLCCI and former SLSU President, Dr Gloria M. Reyes, shared that “working together in bridging the gap between knowledge and commercially viable technology will help solve real problems.”
“Let us all get to work for the progress of our community and people,” Dr. Reyes added.
Meanwhile, the President of the Rotary Club of Maasin City, Maria Luisa V. Gonzales, believes that “this joint collaboration recognizes the vital role that the private sector and government entities play in serving the country and society.”
“I believe that this partnership will strengthen our relationship as we enhance educational activities related to science, technology, and research,” Gonzales shared.
University President, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, believes that the collaboration of SLSU and the industry partners will facilitate knowledge and technology transfer that will provide consultancy and research services “which will contribute to the development and sustainability of the communities we serve.”
Witnessing the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) were the Vice President for Executive Operations and External Affairs, Dr. Juanita M. Costillas, and other members from both SLCCI and the Rotary Club of Maasin City.
Integrated Alumni Portal
The establishment of the alumni portal is an effort of the university to provide an avenue for alumni involvement to the university. They are considered to be one of the biggest sources of charitable donations in support to the attainment of the university’s goals and objectives.
SLSU established an alumni association as they provide networking opportunities and contact between the university and the alumni. Likewise, it allows the university to benefit from the skills and experience of its graduates by offering their support to the students, to the institution and to each other.
Facilitated by the offices of External Linkages and Extension Services (ELES) and Industry Relations (IR) headed by Dr. Rhoderick D. Malangsa and Cherry D. Gonzales, respectively, and Alumni Affairs Office, the university invested in the development of the alumni portal to seek membership and participation of its alumni.
“It is very important to give attention to our alumni because they are bringing the name of the university wherever they go. The university takes pride in their achievements and success,” Dr. Malangsa said, emphasizing that the university has been struggling to keep former students involved with academic activities.
This allows a seamless transition for alumni users between different facilities within the portal such as alumni dashboard and interaction, alumni journal and forum, facility for contacting classmates, making donations, employment opportunities, and outcomes and skill bridging.
Dr. Costillas said that the portal will serve as the window for matching the industry needs with university’s talents and the expertise of the alumni.
“Our industry partners can search for talents and expertise they need, while our students and alumni can promote their skills, knowledge and expertise therein,” Dr. Costillas added, saying that industry partners can provide their inputs in the revisions and improvements of the university’s curricular offerings to make SLSU relevant and responsive to the essentials of the time.
The initiative of implementing the alumni web portal is aligned with the university’s three-fold function of research, institution, and extension that implements outreach and community service activities which allow students, faculty, personnel, and stakeholders to apply new knowledge they generate to address specific social development problems.