The Ateneo de Davao University convened its first Institutional Convocation and Strategic Conversations on 22 August 2024 at the Martin Hall, Jacinto Campus. This gathering provided an opportunity to reflect and build on discussions from the faculty convocations, assess the institution’s current state, reflect on contemporary challenges and responses, and propose directions for the upcoming academic year.
The assembly began with a call to order and a welcome message from the Executive Vice President, Mr. Jeremy S. Eliab. Attendees included administrators, faculty members, and staff from the Basic Education Unit, Higher Education Unit, Formation Cluster, Research Centers and Institutes, Engagement and Advocacy Centers, and Central Administration.
University President Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, delivered an insightful address highlighting the University’s achievements from the past year and the vision for the new academic year. Fr. San Juan’s remarks set a contemplative tone for the group strategic conversations that followed.
An intermission then featured a performance by the non-teaching personnel. Following the intermission, Dr. Epifania Melba L. Manapol, Director of the Office of Strategic Management and Quality Assurance, outlined the roadmap for the afternoon’s discussions.
After lunch, full-time employees from offices, centers, departments, councils, and clusters reconvened in assigned rooms for the strategic conversations. The small group discussions involved reflecting and analyzing the University’s vision for the next five years, focusing on both external and internal challenges, including opportunities and threats, and strategizing on how to leverage the University’s strengths to support its mission. Each group has a facilitator to guide their discussions and a documenter to summarize key points. These conversations are part of Phase 3 of the University Strategic Planning Process 2025-2030 and will continue for a second round until November.
The Institutional Convocation and Strategic Conversations is a critical event for the Ateneo community to reflect on its shared mission and engage in thoughtful discussions about its future. Aligning with the guiding principles of complexity, conversation, and contemplation is the formulation of the University Strategic Plan, Fortiores 2030.
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