What next for SiiUSS?
Sustainability, inclusiveness, integration for University support services (SiiUss) is the name of a project and joint initiative between University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD). After the successful running of the pilot project in 2023, with ten delegates, five from each partner institution, SiiUSS recently took its show to Japan.
Presenting in Osaka
This year, we extended our reach to Osaka, Japan, sharing our work results and future plans at the Inclusive Leadership Conference at the APU centre for Inclusive and sustainable Leadership on June 3-4, 2024. This provided us with a significant platform for showcasing the Sustainability, Inclusiveness, Integration for University Support Services (SiiUSS) initiative, a collaborative venture between Karolinska Institutet (KI) and the University of the Philippines Diliman aimed at transforming university support services by embedding sustainability and inclusiveness into their core operations, says Ms. Karen Gustafsson, one of the project managers for SiiUss.
SiiUSS presentation highlights
At the conference, Ms. Noelle Camilla R. Rivera (UPD) and Ms. Karen Gustafsson (KI) presented the SiiUSS course, drawing attention to its innovative approach and positive impact. They shared insights into how the initiative is designed to equip university support staff with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster inclusive and sustainable practices within their institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Collaborative development: The SiiUSS course is a product of strong international collaboration, combining expertise from both the University of the Philippines Diliman and KI. This partnership has facilitated a rich exchange of ideas, diverse perspectives, and best practices, enhancing the course's effectiveness.
- Empowering university staff: By focusing on the professional development of university support staff, SiiUSS aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for students and faculty alike. The course covers essential topics such as sustainability in higher education, inclusive leadership, and effective integration of diverse perspectives.
- Real-world applications: A significant aspect of the SiiUSS course is its emphasis on practical applications. Participants are encouraged to implement what they learn through hands-on projects that address actual challenges faced by their institutions. This approach ensures that the benefits of the course are immediately tangible and impactful.
Impact and future directions
The presentation at APU highlighted the successes of the SiiUSS initiative to date and outlined plans for its future expansion. With positive feedback from participants and measurable improvements in university support services, the program is set to become a model for other institutions aiming to enhance their sustainability and inclusiveness efforts.