Leadership transition and search for Vice President for University and Global Relations (Memo U2021-024)

The term of Fr Jose M Cruz SJ as Vice President for University and Global Relations (VP-UGR) will end on 31 May 2021. I have formed a Search Committee to conduct the search for his successor. This Committee will organize interviews and submit recommendations to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.

To aid the Committee in its work, I am requesting the community for inputs on the following:

1. Keeping in mind the various units of the University, from Basic Education to Graduate School, what are the priority needs and expectations for university and global relations of Ateneo de Manila at this time?
2. What would be the qualities most important for the VP-UGR to possess to enable the University to respond to these needs and expectations?
3. Who might be possible candidates for the VP-UGR?

I would appreciate it if inputs to the above questions and nominations for the position were submitted to the Office of the President via email (president@ateneo.edu) on or before Friday, 29 January 2021.

We hope that a decision could be made by the end of March 2021 in time for the consideration of the Board of Trustees during its May 2021 meeting.

Below is the job description of the VP-UGR with the main duties and responsibilities for your reference:

The Vice President for University and Global Relations directs the formulation and implementation of strategic initiatives that will strengthen the university’s capacity to operate in a global environment through effective engagements with schools, universities, and other organizations abroad. It shall also strengthen the university’s capacity to work with key local institutions by building strong links with them.

In collaboration with the academic units, this position will lead in:

• Formulating and implementing the University internationalization strategy;
• Cultivating a global and multi-cultural perspective across the University;
• Creating an environment conducive to international partnerships and collaboration, student and faculty mobility, and other international activities; and generative of new and expanded activities;
• Promoting the University abroad;
• Alerting the University to opportunities and resources abroad;
• Evaluating the international initiatives to ensure alignment with University goals and procedures;
• Advising the Office of the President on official protocol for visits of international dignitaries to the University;
• Building strong links with key local institutions (e.g. educational institutions, governmental agencies, corporate entities, churches and civic organizations)

Thank you.