Concerned UTAG-GIJ members petition on dev’t in UNIMAC-GIJ

UTAG-GIJ members are concerned about dev’t in UNIMAC-GIJ

Concerned UTAG-GIJ members have petitioned for development at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-GIJ).

Part of the petition on December 1, 2022, the secular was shown from the office of the registrar of the Institute about the main appointment that started Act 1039, the Act that created the University of Media, Arts and Communication, now UniMAC.

The integration has so far been characterized by a lack of communication, clarity, and deficiencies in structural, administrative, and procedural issues, especially in the case of UniMAC-GIJ.

The following paragraph explains our contention: Unlike other constituent Institutes (GIL, NaFTI), it appears that UniMAC-GIJ is denied the institutional autonomy it has in ACT. While the rectorate of other constituent institutions remains the same in structure and operation, in the case of GIJ, the rectorate appears to be ceremonial and without authority relative to decision-making and direction at the institutional level. It appears that the GIJ rectorate remains an extension of the registry and the chancellery, which has never happened with other constituent institutions. Until the VC continues to chair Academic Council Meetings at Institute level, and ONLY for GIJ.

“From the above, there is a clear indication that GIJ funds have supported all UniMAC activities until now. Although it is not illegal, perhaps because the action combines all assets to the holding university, good corporate governance practices require, first, a participatory process including financial commitment by all constituent institutions to the merger and integration process. The situation can be proven to cause anxiety and worry among the rank and file of academic and non-academic staff. The most important analogy is that mergers have become an existential threat to the GIJs we work for and can damage our service conditions.

“We want to remind the good offices that the era without numbers has the former chancellor and now the Ag. Vice Chancellor reminded the meeting about the financial situation of the institution. For this reason, the faculty has expanded its strategic revenue mobilization efforts that are realized in several accreditation programs and in various levels of the accreditation process.

Below is the full petition…

PETITION ON DEVELOPMENT IN UNIMAC-GIJ

On December 1, 2022, the secular was divided from the Institute’s registrar’s office on the main appointment that initiated Act 1039, the Act establishing the University of Media, Arts and Communication, now UniMAC. The integration has so far been characterized by a lack of communication, clarity, and deficiencies in structural, administrative, and procedural issues, especially in the case of UniMAC-GIJ. The following paragraphs explain our claim.

1. Unlike other constituent Institutes (GIL, NaFTI), UniMAC-GIJ appears to have been denied the institutional autonomy inherent in ACT. While the rectorate of other constituent institutions remains the same in structure and operation, in the case of GIJ, the rectorate appears to be ceremonial and without authority relative to decision-making and direction at the institutional level. It appears that the GIJ rectorate remains an extension of the registry and the chancellery, which has never happened with other constituent institutions. Until the VC continues to chair Academic Council Meetings at Institute level, and ONLY for GIJ.
2. Relative to the above, there is indeed a clear indication that GIJ funds have supported all UniMAC activities so far. Although it is not illegal, perhaps because the action combines all assets to the holding university, good corporate governance practices require, first, a participatory process including financial commitment by all constituent institutions to the merger and integration process. The situation can be proven to cause anxiety and worry among the rank and file of academic and non-academic staff. The most important analogy is that mergers have become an existential threat to the GIJs we work for and can damage our service conditions.
3. We would like to remind your good offices that times without number has the former rector and now Ag. The Vice Chancellor reminded the meeting about the financial situation of the institution. For these reasons, the faculty has expanded its strategic revenue mobilization efforts that are realized in several accreditation programs and at various levels of the accreditation process. Such efforts seem wasteful as the result may be merger funding that has no return, but takes away from the merger and its key stakeholders.
4. The above asks a simple question, if Ag. VC and Ag. The registrar is appointed from elsewhere and not from the constituent institution, will the situation be different? Predictably, this will be a case of territorialism and protectionism.
5. We also note with disdain the exclusion and lack of representation of UTAG leaders in the interim governing council. This smacks of disregard for the teacher force and flies in the face of the principle of stakeholder engagement.
6. It also appears that UniMAC Ag. Registrars perform day-to-day administrative duties at GIJ, while the case is not the same at other constituent institutions. There is an urgent need to appoint a GIJ registrar to take care of the day-to-day affairs of the institution.
7. As noted earlier, the current arrangement is shrouded in secrecy, non-transparent, non-collaborative and downright autocratic.

With this letter, we ask the good office to request an immediate UTAG meeting to work out a way forward and seek, among others, the following compensation:

1. The full empowerment of the GIJ rectorate, means, restoring the authority and mandate of the institution in all areas, especially financial administration, as in the case of GIL and NaFTI and as envisioned by the UniMAC Law.
2. The ROADMAP details activities & timelines for a smooth, synergistic, reasonable, ethical, and legal integration of the three institutions. The road map, when well developed and considering all the operational areas of the university and institute and how the integration will be rolled out with a reasonable timeline, can remove all tension and uncertainty, especially from GIJ. Maybe an ad-hoc committee for that purpose could help.
3. A somewhat strategic and consultative approach to drafting the University’s statutes, and must, in all sense and clarity, guarantee the autonomy of the constituent institutions provided for in the act.
4. Financial arrangements between holding universities and constituent institutions as may be provided in financial and accounting manuals contemplated or prepared, shall be subject to full consultation and examination. If you even need the services of lawyers and financial consultants who are sought in this regard, UTAG must give them the highest consideration.

Conclusively, good corporate governance is important in organizational science. How can we assume a higher authority and, when the replacement is appropriate, in this case, the representative assumes the position of successor, without a clear reason, the authority in all senses and purposes remains in the occupant? Who oversees who is involved in this case, and how does the arrangement ensure honesty and accountability?

We call for immediate action, especially on the labor front, to bring some sanity. May our prayers and relief be fulfilled soon.

We rely on your commitment and dictate your oath of office.

thanks.

Concerned UTAG-GIJ Members.

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