OVCRE holds back-to-back dialogues for UPLB REPS
- Written by Czarlina May Magnata and Jemo Azores
- Published in News
Screenshot of Zoom meeting with some of the UPLB REPS who attended the virtual dialogues
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE) held two virtual dialogues to discuss issues and guidelines relevant to the welfare and development of UPLB Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) on 17 and 24 November 2020.
The first dialogue targeted REPS on temporary status to encourage them to apply for tenure. OVCRE re-oriented the staff on the interim tenure guidelines and clarified issues about the process.
A week after, OVCRE consulted the sector about the three proposed guidelines for their welfare and development, one of which aims to improve the process of hiring of REPS through a revised criteria.
Additionally, REPS who experience grievances can formally file a complaint to the REPS Welfare Council (RWC) and the UPLB administration as specified in the proposed grievance procedure. The guidelines on REPS Development Fund (RDF) was also discussed in the consultation. It offers financial support for REPS attending academic fora and staff development training, fellowship support, and a one-time incentive to finish postgraduate degrees.
In her welcome remarks, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Merdelyn Lit expressed that she aims to further strengthen the REPS sector.
Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Fides Tambalo moderated the discussions and guided the REPS on how the proposed guidelines were crafted in relation to their counterpart with other UP constituent universities.
Members of the UPLB RWC, REPS Personnel and Fellowships Committee, and RDF Committee answered the questions and other clarifications from the REPS during the open fora.
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jean Loyola also expressed her full support to the endeavors of UPLB REPS. “All unfair processes and practices will continue unless we do something to stop them and today is the best time to do it,” she said.
The dialogues are part of OVCRE’s objective to be more proactive in improving the welfare of the REPS sector.
Around 150 REPS attended the first and second virtual dialogues.
