By Shayne Elizabeth T. Flores

Far Eastern University (FEU) Academic Affairs Office (AAO) presented the new FEU Vision and Mission statements during its first town hall meeting at the Admissions Building Interactive Room 207A yesterday, September 9.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria Teresa Trinidad Tinio approximated that the old statements were created more than 15 years ago.

“Vision and Mission statements need to be regularly reviewed and so the old one was really due for review,” she said.

In contrast to the previous vision statement which outlined the FEU core values of fortitude, excellence, and uprightness along with the aim to be a “university of choice in Asia,” the new statement focuses on the Institution’s role to foster inclusivity and sustainability.

“Far Eastern University envisions itself as contributing to the creation of an inclusive and sustainable society that is progressive in outlook, provides equitable opportunities, and upholds Philippine culture, values, and history,” it read.

According to the SVP, FEU’s initial vision is “unrealistic” as its educational scope does not extend to a substantial portion of Asia.

“It had to be revised because the university is very different from what it was 20 years ago,” she added.

Similarly, the Tamaraw graduates’ core values were also excluded from the new mission statement, which instead emphasized producing independent thinkers, highly employable, and globally competitive professionals.

“Far Eastern University provides inclusive, learner-centered education that produces graduates who are independent thinkers, highly employable and globally competitive professionals; serves as a catalyst for the creation of new, practicable knowledge in solution of pressing societal concerns and as an active repository of Philippine art, culture, and heritage; shares its intellectual resources with a wider community to enhance the economic prospects of the communities it serves,” it stated.

Additionally, the meeting recapped the University’s innovations over the past year such as its new academic programs and Artificial Intelligence policy.

Tinio also outlined looming events, including the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance’s visit in November, new initiatives for the Student Enrichment Office, Times Higher Education, and Priority Impact Research Initiatives.

Moreover, upcoming facilities were briefly introduced such as the expansion of the Alfredo Reyes Hall and the placement of a Mindfulness room in the Arts Building.

The session concluded with a focus group discussion on the University’s newly-drafted protocol for learning modalities during class suspensions. 

The town hall meetings aim to address various University affairs with students, faculty, and staff on a weekly, and, eventually, monthly basis.

(Photo by Kayla Babista/FEU Advocate)