Benilde Signs MOU, Builds Newfound ‘Relationship’ with Red River College Polytechnic of Canada
Benilde Signs MOU, Builds Newfound ‘Relationship’ with Red River College Polytechnic of Canada
7 October 2024
To further its pursuit for continued academic excellence, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Red River College (RRC) Polytechnic, which is based in Manitoba, Canada.
During the signing of the MOU last October 2 at the Benilde Atrium, both parties were able to verbalize what they foresee as outcomes of this new collaboration.
Benilde Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life Maria Veronica Templo-Perez said in her message that the MOU signing signifies a strong bond of friendship and collaboration between Benilde and RRC Polytechnic. In her words, the momentous occasion marked the significant step toward both parties’ shared commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and cooperative learning.
“Through our joint synergies, we can foster a globalized and interconnected academic community in our pursuit of an equitable and an inclusive society,” she furthered.
RRC Polytechnic President Fred Meier was also present during the signing. While in conversation with the Benilde Administrators, Meier emphasized that RRC Polytechnic is the largest institution of learning and research in Manitoba and that they are one of the 13 polytechnics within the country.
“We are very focused on the aspects of academics but also research. We have done research in energy, electric vehicles, food, manufacturing, aerospace, and many other different areas as well,” Meier stated.
The RRC Polytechnic president also acknowledged the importance of the new collaboration with Benilde, as they recently launched a brand new institute in media arts. Meier also spoke about seeing plans come to life and less about getting ideas shelved and affirmed that Benilde and RRC Polytechnic have similar interests.
“I think this is a great way to magnify our impact together and the possibilities are essentially endless. I think there’s an opportunity for faculties to collaborate. We think there’s an opportunity to look at program development, to create joint programs that benefit both our institutions,” he furthered.
Ultimately, Meier shared that he hopes to “redefine educational benchmarks so that the next generation of learners can have a global perspective of what they do.”
Dr. Jeanine Webber, RRC Polytechnic Executive Director for Academic, also commented that what she finds exciting is both their students and Benilde’s will have the opportunity to become global citizens.
“We are creating this network for our students to learn together, whether it’s through a virtual conversation, through applied research projects, through exchanges, joint programs—there are so many opportunities,” she expressed.
The collaboration between the two institutions will focus on several key areas, including the development of joint programs that leverage overlapping strengths in media arts, technology, and applied research. RRC Polytech’s state-of-the-art research centers, such as the Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre, Prairie Research Kitchen, and the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts, align with Benilde’s advanced digital media and creative technology programs, particularly those within the Design+Arts Campus. This synergy opens opportunities to enhance both institutions’ offerings and to collaborate in cutting-edge fields like creative industries and applied sciences.
Additionally, both institutions aim to develop research partnerships and create student mobility programs that allow students from each institution to gain international experience. Faculty and staff will also benefit from joint professional development opportunities, enabling them to exchange knowledge and best practices in education and research. This collaboration also includes the sharing of scientific and academic resources, as well as the delivery of both in-person and online courses, expanding access to high-quality education across borders.
Further areas of collaboration involve joint teaching and supervision of graduate students, participation in academic conferences and seminars, and the creation of new experiential learning opportunities. Both institutions also plan to explore the development of Globally Networked Learning (GNL) experiences, which will enable students to collaborate on projects virtually. This partnership ensures ongoing communication between designated representatives from both schools, providing a framework for further activities that will benefit their education and research programs well into the future.
The partnership between Benilde and RRC Polytechnic will go on until 2029 and will be open to amendments.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs and Benildean student life, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
