De La Salle University - Manila

Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL 2012)

Emerging Challenges in University Leadership and Management
De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
April 11 - 12, 2012

The modern world of the 21st century, characterized by the relative ease by which commodities, wealth, and talent can cross borders in an increasingly mobile global community, is creating opportunities for modern universities to take advantage of. At the same time, many challenges have emerged. University Leaders must then confront pressing issues and must do a delicate balancing act towards sustainable pursuit of the University Mission.

Target participants: University Presidents, Rectors, Vice-Chancellors, and other University leaders such as Vice-presidents for Academics and Research, VP for International Relations, Deans, and Research Directors

Conference Sub-themes

1. Interfacing with government

   There are countries where most universities are public in nature, while others have a significant, or an increasingly significant, private sector involvement. Regardless of whether a university is private or public, the interface with government can be at best challenging, if not confrontational at its worst. On the one hand, government may provide huge infrastructural gifts, grants and scholarships, and large subsidies. On the other hand, government may impose hefty taxes, control and regulate increases in tuition and fees, prevent the offering of certain degree programs, and prohibit various entrepreneurial practices that can benefit universities. In some situations, universities may not want government to get in the way; in others, universities may clamor for a more visible government hand.

2. Entrepreneurial Universities

   For universities that had sought for independence and autonomy from government, the future poses the challenge of taking bolder, more creative strategies to stand firmly, face competition, and thrive in a global setting. No longer relying on government for a significant portion of their budget, universities also face the often-whimsical nature of the student market. In pursuit of the mission entrusted to them, university leaders have effectively taken the entrepreneurial route, run their universities like a private corporation, vigorously pursue externally-funded research, partner and collaborate with industry partners, and initiate innovative programs to optimize university resources.

3. Collaboration and Networking

   Universities have long known the need to establish and nurture academic linkages with industry partners as well as with universities and laboratories in the local and international scenes. The modes and forms of collaboration and networking are rich and diverse, going from joint and collaborative research and faculty exchanges to more elaborate twinning programs, cross-country virtual learning, and locating learning laboratories within manufacturing and testing laboratories of partner companies.

4. The University in a Globalized World

   In an increasingly global society, universities are called to move towards internationalization, increase student mobility, and align their programs with foreign counterparts in preparation for a highly mobile labor market. Education reforms as a result of the Bologna Process and the Washington Accord, for example, have led to major restructuring of university curricula, heightened pressure for partnerships, alliances, and industry-academe linkages, higher expectations for research output, and other consequences on the mobility of students, researchers, and University professors. Internationally recognized quality assurance systems become increasingly important. Regional and worldwide university rankings, though often the subject of contention for the conduct of survey, criteria used, and advertising support, continue to influence public perception. Universities must seek ways to keep pace with the global trends while remaining faithful to their specific thrusts and mission.

5. University Leadership

   University leadership is a constant, delicate balancing act. Rectors, Presidents, and Vice-Chancellors need to attend to individual academic interests and research pursuits of its professors, and yet remain conscious of the University's critical role in various developmental aspects of the nation. Promoting the institution's teaching and research thrusts while also giving priority to the university's social responsibility can be a source of tension, as all major university activities are costly and all dip into the same university budget pie. Even with a clear vision and direction, and even if resources are abundant, a leader must keep a balancing act, should provide an open line of communication to the various stakeholders of the university, is expected to be bold and decisive, and must exercise leadership through major changes and shifts.

   Indeed, the "Class Act of University Leaders" is the underlying theme of the conference and would underpin the first four subthemes. University Presidents, Rectors, Vice-Chancellors and other senior and seasoned university leaders will be invited to share their experience, insights, and wisdom during the "Leader's Forum" which will be held after the talks.

Call for Country Papers

Each member country of the ASAIHL is invited to submit a country paper on any of the 5 themes, with preference given to actual experiences and case studies of university leadership and management. Each country paper must be endorsed by the ASAIHL country head who would be representing the country in the ASAIHL Board.

Proposals for paper presentations must be sent to asaihl.papers@delasalle.ph by January 31, 2012. Proposals should include a title, abstract of not more than 250 words, and a 3-page extended abstract (Specifications: A4 with 1-inch margins, Times-Roman 12 font, single space, pdf file). Please also submit a CV of the paper presentor.

Registration Fee

Foreign participants: US$300 (includes airport transfers, welcome dinner on April 10, lunch, dinner, and snacks on April 11 and 12, and conference kit)

An additional US$50 will be charged for those who will join the out-of-town cultural trip on April 13. This will cover transportation and meals.

A 50% discount will be given to up to three participants of ASAIHL member
institutions and to its rectors. Discount does not include the out-of-town trip.

Local participants: Php7,500 (includes lunch, dinner, and snacks on April 11 and 12, and conference kit)

An additional Php2,000 will be charged for those who will join the out-of- town cultural trip on April 13. This will cover transportation and meals.

A discounted rate of Php5,000 per participant will be given to the first
three delegates of ASAIHL-Philippines member institutions. Discounted
rate does not include the out-of-town trip.

Early bird rate: 10% discount for early registration. Vaild until February 28, 2012.

For local payments, please deposit the registration fee to the following bank details:

Name: De La Salle University
Account No. 120-114711
Bank: United Coconut Planters Bank

For foreign payments, please refer to the following bank details:

Name: De La Salle University
Account No. 01-120-300035-8
Beneficiary Bank: United Coconut Planters Bank
Bank Address: Upper Ground Floor, Lorenzo Tower
Vito Cruz cor. Taft Avenue, Manila
1004 Philippines
Bank International Code: UCPBPHMM

Accredited Hotels

CSB Hotel
Arellano Avenue corner Estrada Street
Malate 1004, Manila
Tel: (632) 400-3333
Email: sales@dls-csb.edu.ph
Website: www.dls-csb.edu.ph/hotel

Bay Leaf Hotel
Muralla corner Victoria Streets, Intramuros 1002, Manila
Tel. No. (632) 318-5000
Website: www.thebayleaf.com.ph

Orchid Garden Suites Manila
620 P. Ocampo Sr. Avenue
Malate 1004, Manila
Tel: (632) 523-9870
Email: orchidgarden@pldtdsl.net
Website: www.orchidgardenhotel.com

Century Park Hotel
599 P. Ocampo Sr. Avenue
Malate 1004, Manila
Tel: (632) 528-5814 to 16
Email: information@centurypark.com.ph
Website: www.centurypark.com

Contact Us

Secretariat:
Prof. Arnulfo Azcarraga, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Research
De La Salle University

Jaimer F. Espiritu
Coordinator, ASAIHL 2012 Conference
Tel. No. (632) 524-4611 local 401 and 266
Telefax: (632) 536-4226
Email: jaimer.espiritu@delasalle.ph
Mobile Nos. (0916) 525-4841 (Globe)
(0922) 877-1673 (Sun)

Registration: asaihl.registration@delasalle.ph
Country papers: asaihl.papers@delasalle.ph
General inquiries: asaihl.inquiries@delasalle.ph

ASAIHL Conference 2012
Emerging Challenges in University Leadership and Management

Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium
Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall
De La Salle University
Manila, Philippines
April 11-12, 2012