AdNU Holds its First Faculty General Assembly for SY 2008-2009
By: Rex Perez, AB Journalism 1

In AdNU’s continuing effort to maintain and improve the competence of its faculty, the first General Faculty Assembly for School Year 2008-2009 was held last June 10, 2008 at the Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Hall.

The program started with an Invocation led by Fr. Danilo B. Isidro, S.J., Chairperson of the Digital Arts and Computer Animation Department. This was followed by the declaration of the intent and purpose of the assembly and the introduction to the body of the newly-hired faculty members for this school year.

The highlight of the event was the Presidential Address of the University President, Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. He announced to the audience the recent resolution of CHED, passed en banc last June 2, 2008, to grant an Autonomous Status to the University. He explained to the body the privileges and challenges that went with this distinction. He also shared the privileges and challenges posed on the University as a result of the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus held last January 7 to March  6, 2008.

The first half of the Assembly presented the following reports:

1. Student’s Absences, Dr. Michael Clores, URC research grantee;
2. Student’s English Writing Proficiency, Dr. Bernadette Dayan, chair, Department of Literature and Language Studies;
3. Focus Group Discussion on the Implementation of the English Rule, Dr. Ronald Elicay, chair, Psychology Department in collaboration with The College Guidance Center.

The second half began with demonstrations on the Use of the Scoring Machine and on Accessing the E-Journal Collection now made available to the Ateneo de Naga community. This was followed by a presentation of the Ignatian Formation Program Calendar of Activities for School Year 2008-2009, updates on the University Research Council (URC) and University Social Involvement Council (USIC), and a talk on the National Situation.

A Eucharistic Celebration, presided by Fr. Jose Embile Jr., S.J. as Main Celebrant, concluded the day-long activity.

The Master of Ceremonies for this event was Ms. Karen de los Santos, a Faculty Member of the College of Commerce and currently the President of the College Faculty Club.

This bi-annual event of the university is organized by the Office of the Academic Vice President.