OSA Director Tats Quiblat advocates mindfulness in strategic communications at the Eastern Visayas Student Affairs Conference 2024

The recently concluded Eastern Visayas Student Affairs Conference and General Assembly, held on 27-28 November 2024, at Sabin Hotel Resort in Ormoc City, welcomed renowned speaker and Ateneo de Manila University’s Office of Student Activities (OSA) Director, Mr Tats Quiblat, as one of its keynote speakers. Addressing a diverse audience of student affairs professionals, school administrators, and educators, Director Quiblat spoke on “Effective Communications in Student Affairs: Building Authentic Relationships with Students.”

In his presentation, Director Quiblat delved into the evolving landscape of student engagement, emphasizing the importance of tailoring communication strategies to resonate with Gen Z and Gen Alpha learners. He explored practical strategies for fostering authentic relationships, aligning with his belief that “effective communication begins with understanding students’ contexts, needs, and unspoken expectations.”

Central to his advocacy is the practice of Mindfulness, which he underscored as vital in crafting strategic communications, particularly in the social media era. Quiblat championed approaches that prioritize values-based policy-making and storytelling that is true, emotional, and transformative. He encouraged participants to embrace a holistic perspective, reflecting his deep commitment to values formation and ethical leadership.

Mr Quiblat remarked, “Strategic communication in student affairs has three essential goals: to help students pay attention to their experiences, help them reflect on their meaning, and help them decide how to act.” This philosophy is evident in his leadership of Ateneo de Manila’s OSA, where communication is a tool for inspiring students and fostering community.

Upcoming Social Media Summit 

In line with Mr Quiblat’s advocacy, the Ateneo Office of Student Activities is gearing up for the First Student Affairs Social Media Summit in April 2025. The event will feature discussions on social media etiquette, digital media ethics, artificial intelligence, and values-driven policy-making. Initial talks are underway with international collaborators, including the National University of Singapore, promising a global perspective on best practices in digital engagement.

This summit embodies the same visionary communication strategies Mr Quiblat highlighted during his talk—meeting students where they are and leading them toward meaningful, transformative experiences. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting initiative!