International Relations Office
GIANINNA ELAINE M. LABICANE
Director
The Director of the International Relations Office is responsible for implementing the university’s internationalization strategic plan in alignment with the university's overall goals. It is also their responsibility to identify and establish partnerships with international institutions, organizations, and government agencies; secure membership to international education networks; facilitate agreements with partner universities for student mobility, and ensure compliance with local and international regulations governing international education.
Futures and Foresights
for Sustainable Development Center
- Mainstream and democratize futures thinking and foresight in the operations and services of the University while upholding the UN’s sustainable development goals and ensuring alignment with the International Relations Office’s overall goals and strategic priorities.
- Embed futures and foresight tools and methodologies in the regular monitoring, assessment, and reporting of the university's overall performance in SDG integration
- Develop and implement plans, programs, and organize capacity development initiatives such as workshops and conferences within and beyond the university to raise awareness, localize SDGs, and foster actions among students, faculty, staff, and community partners for a more robust and extensive SDG integration.
- Oversee research activities concerning futures and foresight that involve horizon scanning, emerging trends analysis, and futures scenarios related to international development and sustainability.
Forge partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders, including international organizations, research institutions, LGUs, NGOs, and other institutions to enhance and extend the impact of the FFSD Center's initiatives.
- Support the Unit Head in achieving the unit goals and objectives.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and other communication materials including data visualizations and infographics to communicate the activity results and research findings effectively.
- Liaise with key stakeholders, including international organizations, research institutions, LGUs, NGOs, and other institutions to enhance and extend the impact of the FFSD Center's initiatives.
- Manage and maintain the unit’s knowledge base including databases and resources.
- Assist with project management including logistics and specific arrangements relevant to the FFSD Center’s and the International Relations Office’s activities.
- Act as the Unit Head in their absence.
Faculty and Student Mobility Unit
- Foster a culture of academic and cultural exchange by actively promoting mobility programs across the university community.
- Oversee and assist with the application process for faculty and student mobility programs
- Assist with visa application processes, when necessary.
- Conduct pre-departure orientations for outbound faculty and students.
- Perform debriefing sessions for returning faculty and students and assess their experience within their respective programs and their contributions to the university as a result of their international exposure.
- Assist in coordinating logistics for faculty and students participating in mobility programs.
- Maintain regular communication with partner institutions and participants during the exchange period.
- Ensure the submission of terminal reports and follow-up on re-entry action plans upon return of mobility program participants.
- Maintain accurate records and reports on mobility activities.
Industry Relations Unit
- Analyze the specific needs of different sectors to match students with suitable internship opportunities that align with their academic and career goals.
- Explore partnerships with agencies and organizations offering potential internship opportunities for students locally and overseas.
- Ensure legal compliance with provisions and standards set by the Commission on Higher Education on the deployment of students in internship programs.
- Facilitate agreements and contracts between the university and industry partners.
- Coordinate with the Faculty and Student Mobility Unit in initiating and facilitating preparatory programs and orientations for students to engage in internships.
- Coordinate with internship coordinators in establishing a monitoring system to assess the success and impact of internship programs.
- Maintain accurate records and reports of internships initiated by IRO, including industry partners, placement details, and effectiveness of student participation.
Global Rankings Unit
- Raise the awareness of the university community on the criteria and methodologies employed in various ranking systems, underpinning its significance towards building the university’s global reputation.
- Provide strategic guidance to the top management and decision-making bodies in aligning the university’s program, policies, and initiatives with standards and requirements set by world university ranking systems.
- Oversee and facilitate the preparation and submission of comprehensive data sets, ensuring accuracy and adherence to specific ranking criteria.
- Regularly monitor key performance indicators and prepare regular reports on the university's performance.
Logistics and Operations
- Ensure a smooth flow of communication by serving as a liaison between RSU and other organizations, units, and agencies.
- Assist in planning and organizing logistics for events, meetings, and other activities.
- Coordinate reservations for travel and accommodations as required.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to international activities.
- Provide general administrative support to the International Relations team as needed.
University Website Administration
- Coordinate with units and colleges to update website content, including academic offerings, faculty and staff profiles, directories, and other relevant data.
- Manage the publication of news articles, press releases, event announcements and other campus updates on the website.
- Implement analytics to track user behavior and engagement within the website.
- Conceptualize, develop and integrate mechanisms into the website to enhance customer support.
- Enforce security measures and perform routine checkups to protect the website from cyber threats.