Samar State University (SSU) continues to push for global competitiveness as representatives from the institution’s Office of International Affairs (OIAs) participated in THE Masterclass 2024 Webinar Series which covered topics on: “Introduction to THE Impact Rankings and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”; “Integrating THE Impact and World University Rankings for Global Excellence, Internationalization, and Reputation”; and “Introduction to THE World University Rankings” which started on September 19, 2024 and ended today November 13, 2024. Leading SSU’s delegation were Dr. Elmer A. Irene, Director of OIAs, and Ariel N. Abarratigue, the office’s International Quality Assurance staff.
Today’s webinar was spearheaded by Times Higher Education (THE) Regional Director for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, Todd Hornal. He provided a comprehensive overview of THE World University Rankings, focusing on its methodology and key metrics. His presentation delved into regional performance trends, particularly within the ASEAN context, and offered practical guidance on optimizing data submissions for universities aiming to elevate their global standing.
Following the presentations, the webinar featured a dynamic Question and Answer session, moderated by Saruta Srichoosin, who also served as the event’s host. This interactive portion allowed representatives from higher education institutions (HEIs) to seek clarification on specific areas of the rankings process, ensuring a deeper understanding of how to enhance their institutional data submissions.
One of the most significant takeaways from the event was the emphasis on the importance of strategic reputation management and data accuracy. The webinar underscored that ASEAN universities could benefit from tailored approaches that align with their unique strengths and challenges in the global academic landscape.
Currently recognized as the world’s largest and most comprehensive university ranking system, THE World University Rankings analyzes data from 2,860 universities across 133 countries. Its robust methodology evaluates institutions based on teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook, providing a benchmark for academic excellence worldwide.
For SSU, participation in such events aligns with its commitment to internationalization and continuous improvement. By engaging with global standards, the university aims to position itself as a competitive player in higher education, not just in the Philippines but on the world stage.
As SSU builds on the insights gained from this webinar, it takes another step forward in its mission to achieve excellence and innovation in education. The university’s active participation in initiatives like THE World University Rankings highlights its dedication to fostering a culture of quality and global engagement, ensuring that its students and faculty thrive in an increasingly interconnected academic world.
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