Transforming training programs and the school's development orientation.

On March 22, 2012, the 5th Session of the Scientific and Training Council for the 2009-2014 term of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities took place under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh (Rector) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Vice Rector).The Council members listened to and discussed important issues related to the transformation of undergraduate and postgraduate training programs, and the future development orientation of the University. The specific reports included: - The situation of transforming training programs according to output standards and implementing strategic tasks at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, presented by Dr. Tran Ngoc Lieu, Head of the Training Department. - The situation of transforming postgraduate training according to output standards, presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Quyet, Head of the Postgraduate Training Department. - The report on the University's scientific research activities in 2011 and the plan for 2012, presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh, Vice Rector of the University. - The orientation for adjusting and developing the centers, presented by Dr. Hoang Van Luan, Head of the Scientific Research Management Department. Regarding the transformation of training programs according to output standards and the implementation of strategic tasks, Dr. Tran Ngoc Lieu emphasized several key tasks for 2012-2013: adjusting the project with objectives, content, and roadmap suitable to the school's conditions; developing a specific plan to develop the teaching staff in professional expertise and foreign languages; continuing to invest in building a learning materials system; strengthening innovation in teaching methods and assessment methods; and applying advanced university management solutions in managing the project under the strategic tasks of the language department. Regarding the situation of converting postgraduate training programs according to output standards, the report particularly focused on the progress of implementing the conversion of postgraduate training programs: the conversion of training programs has been carried out by the University since October 2011; however, through practical inspection of the work on developing output standards and converting training programs at the units, three issues need immediate attention: the faculties have only focused on converting undergraduate training programs and have not paid sufficient attention to postgraduate training programs; some faculties have not implemented the work evenly. The report also clearly stated that to ensure the time for evaluation and approval, the units need to quickly complete the work by the beginning of April 2012. Regarding the university's scientific research activities, Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh emphasized the key tasks for 2012: Developing 1-2 state-level projects and several state-level scientific research topics; actively participating in the research program on Hanoi (phase 2); organizing at least 5 international conferences; building strong research groups, primarily in the fields/specializations where strengths exist; and focusing on increasing the publication of research results in international scientific journals. At the same time, Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh presented specific solutions: diversifying funding sources for scientific research; strengthening scientific information, closely and promptly connecting with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the NAFOSTED Fund, Hanoi, and several localities; creating conditions to increase the number of basic-level research projects, and improving the method of assigning basic-level projects by prioritizing teaching staff who are doctoral and postgraduate students. The meeting aimed to promote the search for resources from foreign partners. The draft report, "Orientation for Adjusting and Developing Centers," presented by Dr. Hoang Van Luan, proposed adjustments, reorganization, and the establishment of several centers to leverage the strengths of existing units and staff, meeting the needs of integration. The council also heard and discussed the Report on the Establishment of a Center for Research, Training, and Application of Culture and Arts, presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Duc Phuong – Head of the Faculty of Literature, and the Report on the Establishment of a Center for Research and Training in Vietnamese Language, presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Con – Head of the Faculty of Linguistics. During the discussion, the opinions expressed by senior professors and educators such as Prof. Dinh Van Duc, Prof. Phan Huy Le, Prof. Do Quang Hung, Prof. Tran Tri Doi, Assoc. Prof. Pham Xuan Hang, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Quoc Hung, etc., showed their support and agreement with the university's future research and development orientation. In addition, the professors also made important recommendations regarding the transformation of training programs, scientific research orientation, and restructuring of the operational mechanisms of the centers, emphasizing the need for a proper assessment of the current situation and, in particular, a focus on quality. At the end of the session, Professor Nguyen Van Khanh summarized the main points of the conference and stressed the key tasks in training and scientific research for the University in the coming period, aiming to build the University of Social Sciences and Humanities into a research university on par with advanced universities in the region and around the world.