With the successful implementation of the mentoring program in 2022 with the Graduate School – Doctor of Business Administration and Master in Business Administration, the Office of International and Alumni Affairs in coordination with the Graduate School and Gender and Development Office, replicated and facilitated a series of mentoring sessions through a hybrid set-up which aimed to empower the students and enhance their entrepreneurial and business skills.
The first mentoring session was held on September 30, 2023 via Zoom platform, preliminaries was facilitated by OIAA Director Dr. Joanna Paula E. Verano and staff Mr. Dexter C. Diamante and Ms. Kaye Xandra D. Racelis, where Dean of CABHA Dr. Chona V. Cayabat, formally opened the program with a warm welcome remark and shared how the mentors play a crucial role in the success of the students, followed by words of inspiration from the Dean of Graduate School Dr. Mari Jane A. Lee. Dr. Verano briefly discussed the objectives of the mentoring program and introduced the Catalyste+ Advisor Dr. John O’Dwyer.
On October 20, 2023, the delegations from Catalyste+ arrived at SLSU Main Campus, Lucban, Quezon for the facilitation of the face-to-face mentoring sessions. The Catalyste+ Advisor met with the GS faculty and students on October 21, 2023 for the continuation of the mentoring program.
The Catalyste+ Advisor Dr. John O’Dwyer paid a courtesy visit to SLSU officials starting with the Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gondelina A. Radovan, Dean of CABHA Dr. Cayabat, and the Head of Gender and Development Office Dr. Leomar C. Miano. A campus tour was also facilitated where Dr. O’Dwyer had the opportunity to learn and visit the facilities of SLSU, specifically the following offices: College of Allied Medicine, College of Administration, Business, Hospitality and Accountancy, SLSU Gymnasium and University Library.
The mentoring program finishes off with a Culminating Activity, hosted by Dr. Verano. OIAA prepared an AVP on the proceedings of the mentoring with Catalyste+, Canada. CABHA Dean Dr. Cayabat and GS Dean Dr. Lee gave an inspirational message, appreciating the Catalyste+ through CA Dr. O’Dwyer in providing an insightful mentoring to the GS students of SLSU and to OIAA as well for organizing such program, and reiterating to the students the wonderful opportunity they had with the program. Synthesis of learning from the student was shared, acknowledging Dr. O’Dwyers generosity in sharing his expertise and confirming on the topics they learned from the series of mentoring and application of the insights at their respective workplaces. A Certificate of Participation to the students and faculty and a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. John O’Dwyer were awarded as a gesture of acknowledgment in completing and facilitating the mentoring sessions. Closing remarks was delivered by GAD Head Dr. Miano. Evaluation on the mentoring sessions via QR code and a photo opportunity with Dr. O’Dwyer were facilitated afterwards. Indeed, the Part 3 of mentoring program with the Graduate School Business Administration students and faculty was another productive undertaking with the SLSU’s international partner, Catalyste+, Canada.