By Carla Adeline Via
Admins oversee key functions, search ongoing
Three months after its vacancy, Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) Vice President Dr. Karl James Villarmea asserted that the unfilled position of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research (VPAAR) affects the morale and operations of the university.
The memorandum dated Aug. 1 wrote that the university eyed appointing a new VPAAR within 60 to 90 days from its announcement through a selection process led by SU President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann.
Representatives from the Board of Trustees, senior faculty, and academic administrators also compose the selection committee.
However, Villarmea expressed his disappointment at the absence of a new VPAAR, stating that it is “indispensable to the operation and life of the university.”
“I consider the VPAAR as the academic leader of the university. It is unfortunate that until now, after many months, we still have no one to call and look up to as our academic leader,” he said.
Villarmea added that the failure to appoint has also “hindered academic operations” such as backlogs of grievance cases filed by faculty members and settlement of other institutional issues.
“Institutional issues regarding academic life that need resolution, namely, organizational and academic structure within a college, remain as is,” he explained.
Despite the absence of a VPAAR, Director for Quality Instruction and Excellence Dr. Lily Ann Bautista assured that the university is “able to function” on its operations.
She added that the search for the role is a “priority of the higher admin.”
Bautista was appointed as the current academic liaison for the Office of the VPAAR who oversees the functions of the academic units under the Office of the University President.
Meanwhile, the interim positions of Dr. Edna Calingacion, Prof. Jose Edwin Cubelo, and Dr. Ralton Bancairen as part of the technical working group ended in November.
On the other hand, Office of Media and Public Affairs Chief Dr. Warlito Caturay Jr. clarified that the university’s search for a qualified candidate is still ongoing.
“The ideal candidate must possess a strong understanding of academic governance, curriculum development, assessment methodologies, and research funding, complemented by excellent communication and strategic planning skills,” he stated.
According to Caturay, the position calls for a “doctoral degree in a relevant field, extensive experience in higher education administration, and demonstrated leadership in academic and research management.”
He added that Dr. McCann concurrently provides direct oversight of the Office of the VPAAR through the assistance of Dr. Bautista.
While Bautista assists the president, all major academic decisions and policy matters are currently addressed in consultation with the Deans Conference, relevant academic committees, and the University Academic Council.
