2023 Training Conference: Enhancing Digital University Governance Capacity and Online Training at VNU-USSH

The conference was organized into two sessions, covering the following topics: a summary of student recruitment and training activities in 2022-2023 and the direction and tasks for 2024, as well as the issue of digital technology in training; and the recruitment, management, and organization of undergraduate and postgraduate training. After listening to the presentations, the delegates focused on discussing and providing feedback on key adjustments in the management and organization of training at the University. In his keynote address at the Conference, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, emphasized: “The Conference is a forum for frank and constructive discussions on the contents of the training regulations, aiming to implement the regulations in a rigorous, humane manner, and with the best interests of the learners in mind.”
Furthermore, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan affirmed that the university is committed to maximizing the removal of bottlenecks and creating the most favorable conditions for lecturers to prepare materials, textbooks, and specialized books. The training activities of VNU-USSH always receive the support, cooperation, understanding, and close guidance of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi. This is a favorable point for the university to continue innovating and improving the processes and regulations in training at all levels. The picture of training activities has many bright spots.
Reviewing the 2023 admissions and training activities, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam - Head of the Training Department, stated that the admissions activities of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities last year were a highlight within the Vietnam National University, Hanoi. To date, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has completed the 2023 regular undergraduate admissions process with 2,023 students enrolled (including ethnic minority preparatory students and international students), achieving 101.15% of the announced target.
The doctoral admissions program at VNU-USSH is attracting a large number of research students, especially in fields such as Linguistics, Philosophy, and Political Science. The university has organized centralized enrollment in accordance with the admissions plan of the Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
Training organization remains stable, ensuring operation in accordance with current regulations at all levels. The application of information technology in training organization needs to be further strengthened, such as building a course feedback channel and tools to support academic advising in carrying out professional tasks. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, has affirmed its reputation and brand, making students proud to study in a high-quality and rigorous educational environment. Dr. Le Thi Thanh Tam - Head of the Department of Vietnamese Studies and Vietnamese Language - shared information about the achievements of the Department in fulfilling its professional duties, international cooperation activities, and cultural exchange tasks. Over the years, the Department of Vietnamese Studies and Vietnamese Language has attracted a large number of international students, and is a pioneering and reputable unit nationwide in implementing research and training activities in the Vietnamese language for foreigners in Vietnam and overseas Vietnamese in many countries around the world. Enhancing digital university governance and online training capacity at VNU-USSH
Dr. Dao Minh Quan, Director of the Communication and Information Technology Center at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, stated that digital transformation is a major policy that the university's leadership has resolutely directed and implemented, achieving many successes, especially in the context of the complex COVID-19 pandemic. VNU-USSH is considered one of the leading units in Vietnam National University, Hanoi in digital transformation. Digital transformation activities in university administration at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities over the years have focused on two main areas: digital transformation in the management of educational organizations and digital transformation in teaching and learning. Since transitioning to credit-based training, the university has applied modern training and student management software, built a one-stop administrative procedure support portal for students, minimizing the need for students to conduct transactions in person at the university's functional offices; implemented an online job portal; and synchronized the VNU-Eoffice document management system. The university has implemented software for registering and managing scientific research projects, and enhancing the digital capabilities of its faculty and students. However, the university's information technology infrastructure is currently becoming outdated; the server system does not meet requirements; there is no automatic data backup system; and security risks are present. Therefore, in the coming period, the university needs to continue promoting the digital transformation strategy in university management. Budget and resources should be allocated to ensure the feasibility and effectiveness of the digital transformation process. Priority should be given to investing in server systems and automatic data backup systems to ensure the stable operation of the training and student management systems; upgrading and expanding the Wi-Fi system to all training units; applying AI in student support and counseling; and developing and providing training courses and support for faculty and students in the digital transformation process. Develop and publish guidance and advisory materials to support faculty and students in the use of digital technologies. Discussing online training at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mr. Pham Van Hue, Deputy Head of the Training Department, stated that online training has diversified the teaching methods of the University, contributing significantly to the innovation of teaching methods (especially for courses implementing innovative teaching methods using online training systems (often referred to as course websites)). In the future, the University will continue to promote online training, effectively applying the positive aspects of online training in its organization: fostering the proactive role of teachers and students, diversifying teaching and learning methods, optimizing costs and learning time, and providing widespread access to knowledge. The University will strengthen the development of electronic lecture systems and digital resources in line with modern educational development trends. The goal is to increase the percentage of courses taught online and those taught using a combination of in-person and online methods to 30% of the total number of courses offered.
Develop an online teaching model for Political Theory courses based on the principle of prioritizing training quality, considering the specific characteristics of each course to determine an appropriate ratio of in-person and online teaching, and submit it to the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Central Propaganda Department for review and approval. Expand the scale of training for a second major at the undergraduate level. In his presentation "Developing Electronic Lectures - Experiences and Applicability at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities," Dr. Do Van Hung, Head of the Information and Library Science Faculty, shared that with the online training model and the development of electronic lectures, the role of lecturers shifts from knowledge transmitters to guides, fostering creativity in learners. Dr. Do Van Hung affirmed that online training and the development of electronic lectures are a trend and an inevitable requirement in higher education. However, practical implementation will face many difficulties and challenges. Therefore, political determination from the university leadership and the leadership of various units, along with the support and cooperation of faculty members, is needed for the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to keep pace with the trend and actively participate in the national digital transformation program and the development of a digital university in Vietnam. The 2023 Training Conference received consensus from delegates from faculties/institutes/centers on the technologization of teaching and learning activities at the university, with the goal of "technologizing to reduce teaching pressure for lecturers and bring convenience and efficiency to learners."
Improve training and policies related to basic science disciplines.
Associate Professor Dr. Dang Hong Son - Vice Head of the Faculty of History - outlined the overall picture of student recruitment and training in basic sciences. Over the past period, the university has consistently pursued two orientations: basic science and applied science, coexisting in all training, research, research result transfer, and community service activities. However, the field of science always faces numerous difficulties and challenges… Associate Professor Dr. Dang Hong Son also expressed his gratitude for the recent preferential policies of Vietnam National University, Hanoi and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in maintaining the passion and aspirations of students, trainees, and researchers in basic sciences. At the same time, they expressed their hope that "VNU and the University will continue to have more decisive, stronger, and more specific policies and actions to create the best environment for the development of passion and aspiration for contribution of teachers and students in basic science training programs at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, so that it can be nurtured, flourish, and shine." Concurring with Associate Professor Dr. Dang Hong Son, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu - Head of the Department of Political Science - stated that the enrollment landscape in basic science disciplines is facing difficulties, especially at the postgraduate level. Therefore, in the coming time, the University needs to review and evaluate the enrollment process to better meet social needs, strengthen communication efforts, expand the online registration portal, and further enhance the role of training units in postgraduate admissions counseling. The issue of second-degree training, raised in the report by Dr. Phan Van Kien - Director of the Institute of Journalism and Communication Training, received much discussion from the delegates. The opinions all affirmed the need to expand the scale of second-degree training at the university level. Focus should be placed on developing programs and recruiting students for second-degree programs in all training disciplines of the University. The target audience should be all students currently studying at member units of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi... Strengthening communication efforts to help students better understand the advantages of the second-degree training program.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Kim Oanh - Head of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien - Deputy Head of the Faculty of Literature, University of Social Sciences and Humanities Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Long - Head of the Department of Tourism Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities Dr. Ngo Tuan Thang - Deputy Head of the Department of International Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities

A comprehensive solution to improve and enhance the quality of training.
Based on the reports and discussions of the delegates, the 2023 Training Conference agreed on many solutions to improve and perfect the school's training activities. In particular, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong emphasized the need to continue developing guiding documents and innovating the school's training management process towards a streamlined, efficient, and scientific approach, ensuring the appropriate application of current training regulations. She also stressed the importance of promoting the application of information technology in organizing training and advising students, and building a "Professional - Friendly - Efficient" working environment.
The university continues to adjust the undergraduate training schedule for the entire course and each semester to shorten the training time, aiming for students to complete one bachelor's degree in 3-3.5 years; two bachelor's degrees in 4-5 years, or one bachelor's degree and one master's degree. It also continues to create flexible mechanisms to encourage students to participate in writing their graduation theses.
The Training Department continues to research, survey, evaluate, and propose solutions to innovate the examination and evaluation process and strengthen the empowerment of lecturers in examination and evaluation.
In the coming period, VNU-USSH will strengthen online training by leveraging the positive aspects of online education in its training organization. Units will proactively develop electronic lecture systems and digital learning materials, aiming to increase the percentage of online courses to 20% of the total number of courses offered.
Expand the scale of second degree programs at the university level. This includes focusing on developing curricula and enrolling students in second degree programs across all disciplines offered by the university.
Strengthen communication efforts regarding training programs to attract students to enroll at the school.
Some photos from the 2023 Training Conference of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi: