The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) of West Visayas State University (WVSU) conducted a series of benchmarking visits to the Philippine Normal University (PNU), the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), and Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) from November 13 to 15, 2024. These visits aimed to explore innovative strategies and best practices to enhance WVSU’s student services.

 

Led by OSA Dean Dr. Ma. Pilar Malata, the delegation included key OSA personnel: University Guidance Counselor Maybelle de la Gente, University Psychometrician Windy de la Cruz, Career and Job Placement Coordinator Ludylie Buendia, Scholarship Coordinator Sarah Jane Dequito, OIC Dormitory Manager Marilou Bibanco, Communications Staff Nelly Gallego, and Student Affairs Staff Jhena Mae Berlin.

 

The team engaged in discussions with officials and toured student affairs offices at PNU, UPD, and AdMU, gathering insights to guide significant improvements at WVSU. Key projects include the enhancement of the WVSU Student Center, updates to the WVSU Student Handbook, and the establishment of Peer Support Services.

 

Dr. Malata emphasized the importance of expanding the OSA workforce, highlighting the need for additional plantilla positions to hire more guidance counselors and psychometricians. With continued support from WVSU’s top management, OSA envisions creating a vibrant hub to empower students academically, personally, and socially.

 

The WVSU-OSA Team would like to extend their sincere gratitude to PNU officials led by Vice President for Student Success and Stakeholders Services, Dr. Denmark Yonson; UPD Officials led by the OIC of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Jay-ar Igno; and AdMU Officials led by Vice President for Higher Education, Dr. Maria Luz Vilches.

 

Special thanks to Dr. Bryan Dayuta (Director of PNU Linkages and International Office), Dr. Jayeel Cornelio (Director of DOST Science Education Institute), Sir Michael Avelino of UPD Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Leland Joseph Dela Cruz (AdMU Assistant Vice President for Social and Environment Engagement for Development and Sustainability), Ms. Karen Sunico (AdMU Director of Partnerships and Engagement) for coordinating the schedules of WVSU-OSA’s benchmarking visits.

 

The insights gained from these exchanges are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of student services at WVSU.