August Meeting of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities

Following the opening remarks by Rector Hoang Anh Tuan, Dr. Pham Huy Cuong (Director of the Center for Educational Quality Assurance) presented a summary of the Report on the results of the evaluation and the direction for improving the quality of the university in the period 2022-2026. Accordingly, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has just achieved the accreditation of educational institutions by the Center for Educational Quality Accreditation – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City according to the standards of the Ministry of Education and Training, cycle 2 (Circular 12/2017-TT-BGD&ĐT). The self-assessment report has been completed with high results (nearly 91%). At the same time, based on the recommendations of the evaluation organization, and aiming to improve the overall quality of the university, the Report also clearly outlines the direction for improving educational quality in the coming period, focusing on the following areas: strategy; systems; functional implementation; and operational results. Improving the quality of educational institutions requires a synchronized approach based on the following principles: ensuring system quality (adhering to the mission, strategy, core values, and educational philosophy), implementation and monitoring processes (to achieve results); strengthening the participation and cooperation of stakeholders inside and outside the institution; the improvement cycle must be conducted continuously according to the PDCA cycle; and developing a culture of quality among all students, faculty, and staff. Associate Professor Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong (Vice Rector) shared very encouraging results regarding training activities in the past month: organizing the third graduation examination and holding a solemn graduation ceremony for 1443 students graduating in 2022. August is the month when students research and finalize their application preferences, while this year's admissions process has many new features. Therefore, she requested that all units actively communicate about their academic programs to attract students, ensuring both the highest quantitative and qualitative targets are met. Regarding quality accreditation, Vice Rector Thu Huong emphasized that the results of the school's evaluation for the period 2017-2022 acknowledge many achievements the school has attained and serve as a declaration to society about the quality of its training. However, she also pointed out several areas for improvement in the future, particularly focusing on: systematic approach, evidence, and a focus on community service.
Regarding scientific research and cooperation, Vice Rector Dao Thanh Truong emphasized the key tasks for the coming month: continuing to refine the institutional framework for scientific research activities, issuing documents recognizing strong research groups of the university, innovating student scientific research, and issuing specific guidelines on organizing scientific conferences, workshops, and seminars at all levels. In the past, the university has also signed many cooperation agreements with localities, organizations, and businesses in Hanoi and other provinces. This will serve as a legal basis for faculties to proactively register research topics and projects in cooperation with local authorities.
Vice Rector Lai Quoc Khanh happily shared information about the success of the meeting between the Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The two sides signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement covering various aspects: training, scientific research, university administration, etc. Specific cooperation activities will be implemented in the near future, and faculties are requested to proactively coordinate. Regarding administrative work: August is a peak month for repairs and renovations to building E, therefore contacting functional departments may be inconvenient; we hope for your understanding and cooperation. The university is also developing a comprehensive plan to improve the entire university's information technology system based on information and proposals from faculties and departments.
At the briefing conference, representatives from faculties/departments, affiliated units, and functional departments engaged in lively discussions and proposed numerous ideas to successfully complete the work for August and the coming period. The report on the accreditation of educational institutions provided valuable information, particularly regarding specific considerations and solutions for improving quality in the future; it was suggested that this information be sent to the faculties for study and implementation. Specifically, for training programs that have not yet been accredited, lessons learned will be used to prepare self-assessment reports more effectively and efficiently. The representative from the Student Affairs and Student Support Department also emphasized the importance of compiling statistics on student employment after graduation, urging early implementation to provide data for reporting to the Ministry of Education and Training and to support other school activities.        
Before concluding the conference, Rector Hoang Anh Tuan further shared: Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has agreed to provide active financial and professional support to the University in completing the 1/500 scale planning of the Humanities Sub-zone in the VNU urban area in Hoa Lac; and to support the University in the renovation of the 336 Nguyen Trai campus: improving the facade facing Nguyen Trai street; increasing the self-study area for students; and supporting scholarships for students in 9 basic science majors (approximately 50-60 million VND/year) including tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, etc. The university will also strengthen cooperation with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Ho Chi Minh City, to enhance inter-university collaboration in several fields: cross-study for credits; and increasing the exchange of scientific research activities among staff…
Based on listening to the opinions and discussions at the Conference, Principal Hoang Anh Tuan concluded with several key points to be implemented in August and the following period:
Regarding Party/Youth Union workFinalize the guidelines for the Party branch congresses for the 2022-2025 term; complete the restructuring of organizational structures and management personnel at the units according to the plan.
Regarding administrative reform and innovation in university governance: Decisions were issued to establish Steering Committees/Working Groups: the Working Group for the implementation of the 1/500 scale planning of the Humanities sub-area at the VNU project in Hoa Lac; and the Steering Committee for administrative reform and innovation in university governance. The Student Affairs and Student Support Department was assigned as the focal point for implementing activities to promote the "care - support - management" aspect of student affairs, coordinating closely with the Training Department and the Youth Union/Student Association, and quickly completing the CASA Project in August for official operation from September 1, 2022. The Youth Union/Student Association needs to strengthen interaction in a "proactive" and "positive" manner to contribute to the overall work.
Regarding student recruitment and trainingFocus on adjusting training programs for all systems in accordance with VNU's directives on curriculum reform; implement a tuition fee collection plan for training programs based on technical and economic standards; and successfully complete accreditation programs. Simultaneously, improve communication efforts to be more professional and effective.
Regarding scientific researchThe international conference for faculty and postgraduate students of the university is scheduled for October, but preparations for the conference must be carried out urgently to meet the deadline. The Research Management Department is tasked with quickly finalizing and issuing management documents regarding scientific research activities and innovation in student research…
Regarding student affairsComplete and put into operation the one-stop administrative support software; implement student surveys as prescribed by the Ministry/Department; complete the database of students after graduation.
Other areas of work: We request that the relevant departments/divisions and offices implement the plan accordingly…