SU to offer short courses, certificate programs online with Global Studies Center

Silliman University (SU) will establish the Dr. Mariano Lao Global Studies Center to offer short courses and certificate programs online, enabling students from anywhere in the world to experience SU’s whole person education.

The Center is named after Dr. Mariano C. Lao, a 2018 Outstanding Sillimanian Awardee who pledged to donate Php20 million for the Center’s facilities and equipment.

Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president, unveiled the plan to establish the Center during The President’s Hour, a fundraising event last August 26, 2022 at Silliman Hall.

Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president, presents the University’s priority development projects including the Dr. Mariano Lao Global Studies Center, during The President’s Hour last August 26, 2022 at Silliman Hall. (Photo by Natha Le Bureros, SU Camera Club member)

SU aims to position itself at the forefront of international and online distance education by offering short-term, online academic programs through the Center.

The Center will also help expand the reach of SU’s existing academic programs through ICT-enabled strategies.

The programs that can be completed online, including short courses and certificate programs, will include new topics that are interdisciplinary and globally oriented to develop new competencies among learners.

SU also aims to enhance and expand its partnerships and linkages through the Center, as it plans to develop academic programs and courses in collaboration with its network of alumni who are professionals in various fields, and its institutional partners in the country and abroad.

Lao supports the Center’s establishment as his way of “giving back” to his alma mater. He is also known for establishing in SU the Dr. Mariano Lao Innovation, Creation, and Invention Laboratory; Mariano and Lina Lao Hall Activity Center; Mariano and Lina Lao Scholarship Grant; Dr. Mariano Lao SOS Fund; Dr. Mariano Lao Educational and Emergency Support Fund; and the Dr. Mariano Lao Excellence Awards in Online Teaching and Learning.

Once established, the Center will have its main facility located at the Portal East building.