By Carla Adeline Via
Various deans and chiefs will temporarily take on the roles and responsibilities of Dr. Margaret Helen Alvarez following her retirement as Silliman University Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research (VPAAR).
In a memorandum released last Aug. 1, the Office of the President arranged four interim appointees who will temporarily oversee duties to “ensure immediate transitional measures” until a new VPAAR is appointed.
Dr. Ralton Bancairen, chief of the Office of Registration and Records Management, will ensure management of the academic calendar, enrollment processes, and regulatory compliance.
“My focus is on making sure […] that we remain compliant with regulatory requirements. It’s all about helping improve the efficiency and integrity of our academic operations,” Bancairen said.
Director for Quality Instruction and Excellence Dr. Lily Ann Bautista will closely oversee accreditation matters and review academic program schedules.
“As stated in the memo, I will ensure quality teaching and learning experiences and of course compliance with regulatory bodies,” she said.
Meanwhile, College of Agriculture Dean Jose Edwin Cubelo and Dean of Student Services Dr. Edna Calingacion are tasked to coordinate with colleges and departments, and manage student affairs such as programs and services.
“My primary focus would be in addressing student concerns and ensuring that programs and services for students in the OSS strategic plan are implemented,” Calingacion said..
The four interim appointees, which constitute the transitory Working Group for Academic Affairs, will be reporting directly to SU President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann.
Moreover, McCann will directly oversee the concurrent capacity of the VPAAR in consultation with the University Academic Council, Deans Conference, and other academic committees.
Search for new VPAAR
A new VPAAR is expected to be appointed within 60 to 90 days from the release of the memorandum.
The process of selection begins in the current academic year, while the call for nominations will remain open until the second week of August.
A shortlisting and interview process will then follow the nominations to be led by a selection committee composed of McCann and representatives from the Board of Trustees, senior faculty, academic administrators.
The guidelines further provide that the committee shall seek a candidate who embodies SU’s “academic integrity, Christian character, and commitment to excellence.”
Alvarez was previously appointed as the VPAAR last 2024, succeeding Dr. Earl Jude Cleope, and has been a faculty member at SU for over 25 years.
