ISFODOSU hosts Quality Week to strengthen excellence in higher education

Santo Domingo.- The Félix Evaristo Mejía campus of ISFODOSU in Santo Domingo recently concluded its highly anticipated Quality Week, a dynamic event aimed at fostering dialogue and reflection on educational standards to solidify a culture of excellence in higher education.

The week-long initiative featured expert-led conferences, panels, and workshops designed to inspire both faculty and students. The event kicked off with opening remarks from Dr. Carmen Gálvez, Academic Vice Rector of ISFODOSU, who spoke on behalf of Rector Dr. Nurys del Carmen González.

Dr. Gálvez emphasized the vital role of student satisfaction in achieving quality education. “According to UNESCO, quality in education encompasses all facets of the learning framework—from teaching and evaluation to infrastructure and services—addressing five critical dimensions: relevance, equity, efficiency, pertinence, and effectiveness,” she stated.

Global perspectives on quality

On the first day, international consultant José David Montilla delivered the keynote presentation, “Quality in Higher Education: Global and Local Perspectives.” His insights set the tone for discussions on innovation and the future of education.

A notable highlight was the panel discussion titled “Innovation and Quality: The Future of Education,” featuring Dr. Dinora García Romero, Director of the Pedro Poveda Institute for Advanced Educational Studies, and Porfirio Quezada, an expert in administrative reform and strategic planning. The session was moderated by Dr. Dinorah Altagracia de Lima, advisor to ISFODOSU’s academic vice-rector.

Fátima Pons (Extension Coordinator), Glenny Bórquez (Executive Vice Rector), and Belkis Duarte (Research Coordinator) were among those present at the event held in the ‘Auditorio Fuensanta’ of the Félix Evaristo Mejía campus of ISFODOSU. (Photo: Isfodosu)

Another significant session, “The Role of Teachers in Managing Educational Quality,” brought together esteemed faculty members to share their expertise. Moderated by Dr. Glenny Bórquez, Executive Vice-Rector of the FEM campus, the panel featured Nelson Jorge Acevedo, Coordinator of Physical Education at the Ministry of Education; Belkis Duarte, Head of the Research Division at FEM; Bilda Valentín, Pedagogy Coordinator; and Rossely Alcántara, Director of Student Welfare at ISFODOSU. Their discussion highlighted the pivotal role educators play in upholding and advancing quality standards in education.

Focusing on students and alumni

Students and alumni took center stage with two engaging panels: “Challenges and Opportunities to Enhance the Student Experience” and “Perspectives on Educational Quality from Alumni.” Moderated by Loida Madera, Head of Student Welfare at FEM, these discussions offered valuable insights into the evolving needs of learners and graduates.

The week concluded with a practical workshop on the “5S Methodology,” delivered by workplace safety specialist Guillermina Fulcar Pérez of INFOTEP. Fulcar explained how the Japanese principles of Seiri (Sort), Seiton (Set in order), Seiso (Shine), Seiketsu (Standardize), and Shitsuke (Sustain) can streamline tasks and improve organizational efficiency.

Quality Week reaffirmed ISFODOSU’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence and innovation. By uniting educators, students, and industry leaders, the institution continues to set the benchmark for quality in higher education.