The Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo (PLSP) held its second consultation meeting on the proposed consortium in the offering of the program of Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCpE) at the Conference Hall of the LSPU-San Pablo City Campus (LSPU-SPCC), Nov 13.

The consultation meeting led towards the potential of cross enrolment of students between the two institutions in completing the program. 

Focusing on the preference and benefit of students, the proposed consortium opts to allow students to cross enroll from their home institution to the host institution. The emergent concept of “home” and “host” institution allows the exchange of students from PLSP to LSPU and vice-versa in the selection of institution to take a particular course(s) for the program. 

Engr. Rachael Alimbuyog, Coordinator for the BSCpE at LSPU, suggested that the LSPU and PLSP identify their strong areas of specializations and offer electives in the said areas for students to cross enroll. 

On the expansion of the proposal, Dr. Eden C. Callo, Vice President for Academic Affairs of LSPU, said: “We believe that the consortium is the collaborative effort of the two organizations, and in this case, two academic institutions in the sharing of resources, expertise, and learning materials.” 

Dr. Callo also noted the challenges needed to be addressed for the consortium such as coordination in the management of conflict, assuring quality, sustained commitment, and harmonization of curricula. She also emphasized the identification of specific conditions in the memorandum of agreement (MOA) in the implementation of the consortium. 

Some of the other concerns that were raised during the meeting included the student discipline policy to be referred to for the cross enrolled students, disparity of fees to be paid between the institutions, and the alignment of the academic calendars, among others. 

The PLSP and LSPU are set to conduct their respective feasibility studies and other necessary preparations for their next meeting. PLSP also laid out their calendar of activities which included benchmarking activities in different institutions and consultation meeting with agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) set for the following months. 

The LSPU delegates were composed of Dr. Callo; Engr. Enrico Puyo, Associate Dean for the College of Engineering (COE); Greg R. Reyes, Director for Admission and Registrarship; Mrs. Maribel P. Lat, Chairperson for Budget and Finance; Allen Pasia, Chairperson for Curriculum and Instruction Development (CID); Lorena Garcia, Chairperson for Quality Assurance (QA); Kevin A. Amante, Information Officer; Engr. Alimbuyog; faculty; and staff. 

Meanwhile, delegates from PLSP included Dr. Solita M. Costales, Dean of COE; Engr. Estelita U. Cura, Program Chair of BSCpE; Engr. Jomar Escobido, Department Chair for Engineering; Vrenali Tolentino, University Registrar; Jay Ann Consignado, Assistant Dean of the College of Teacher Education; Paul Avecilla, Admission Officer; Oscar Tapay, Director for Community Engagement and Development; Dennis Gambuta, Information System Analyst; and Mary Grace C. Santiago, Administrative Assistant of the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs and Finance. 

The program started with a brief rationale by Dr. Callo, introduction of delegates of both institutions, review of consortium implementation from different institutions, and dialogue proper.