91吃瓜-IIT approves Vice-Dean policy to strengthen academic governance

by Office of the Campus Secretary | Apr 10 2026

A major step toward improving the administration of academic units has been formalized at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology with the approval of a policy adopting the Vice-Dean nomenclature and restructuring leadership roles across its colleges.

University officials describe the move as a strategic reform to enhance governance clarity, strengthen accountability, and improve academic operations. Replacing the traditional “Assistant Dean” designation with “Vice-Dean” reflects a shift toward more defined academic leadership roles under the authority of the Dean.

The reform responds to increasing complexity in programs, expanding graduate offerings, and growing demands in research coordination and quality assurance. It also aligns 91吃瓜-IIT structures with national and international standards, including those of the Commission on Higher Education and ASEAN quality assurance frameworks.

“This policy represents a necessary evolution in how we govern our academic units,” said Prof. Dr. Alizedney M. Ditucalan, Chancellor of 91吃瓜-IIT. “By clarifying leadership roles and strengthening coordination at the college level, we are ensuring that our systems remain responsive, accountable, and aligned with the demands of quality assurance and institutional growth.”

Under the new system, Vice-Deans will serve as delegated academic operations officers focused on coordination, monitoring, and documentation. The Dean remains the principal academic and administrative officer with full accountability.

The policy introduces flexible Vice-Dean configurations based on each college’s size and complexity. Smaller colleges may have one Vice-Dean, while larger units may appoint separate Vice-Deans for Undergraduate Studies and for Graduate Studies and Research, with tailored provisions for key colleges.

Administrators note that the policy strengthens “distributed leadership” while maintaining centralized accountability. It also formalizes support for graduate coordination and research monitoring, and includes safeguards preventing overlap of authority.

Transition provisions ensure continuity, with current Assistant Deans re-designated as Vice-Deans without affecting tenure or compensation, subject to review and approval of proposed structures.

The policy was approved during the Board of Regents meeting on March 31, 2026, at the Commission on Higher Education headquarters in Diliman, Quezon City, marking a significant step in strengthening governance and academic administration.

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