Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Expanded academic collaboration between Central Mindanao University (CMU) and Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Indonesia, is being pursued through initiatives in international learning, academic programs, research, student and faculty mobility, and experiential learning.
During the weekly flag-raising ceremony, CMU President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe said the university is further strengthening its international academic partnership with UMY following an academic meeting attended by Dr. Raquelyn J. Dadang, Director of the Office of International Relations, and Ms. Louiela B. Joromat, University Registrar, from August 4 to 8, 2026.
The meeting focused on advancing the implementation of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and exploring joint degree and/or double degree programs and micro-credentials that could provide students and faculty with expanded international learning opportunities. It also explored joint research, collaborative scholarly projects, and co-authored publications to strengthen knowledge production and academic exchange.
According to Dr. Dadang, these are among the future plans being explored with UMY. Discussions with UMY’s Faculty of Social and Political Science included aligning academic objectives, identifying courses for COIL integration, and developing teaching strategies, online platforms, and assessment methods. The discussions also opened the possibility of joint or double degree programs.
Another planned initiative is the development of a CMU summer camp, which the university intends to launch by 2027, drawing from UMY’s experience in implementing 20 summer camp programs. The proposed program could provide international students with opportunities to experience CMU’s expertise in agriculture, behavioral and social sciences, forestry, and biodiversity.
Academic collaboration in nursing was also explored, particularly in student and faculty mobility, scholarships, research collaboration, and joint publications.
For Dr. Dadang, the visit strengthened her commitment to CMU’s internationalization efforts.
“I am always happy working for CMU’s greater glory, especially in internationalization. Through this visit, I learned about COIL integration, developing dual degree programs, establishing summer camps, expanding collaboration, and reinforcing cultural diplomacy,” she said.
She added that the experience could help establish innovative programs that benefit the university community and strengthen CMU’s role as a globally engaged institution.
Meanwhile, Ms. Joromat highlighted the opportunities that international partnerships can create for students through experiential learning and cultural engagement. She cited UMY’s Summer School and Cultural Immersion Programs as examples of learning that extends beyond the classroom through field activities, community engagement, and interaction with students from different countries.
“The key opportunity is not simply to send students abroad, but to create structured learning experiences where students become active participants, cultural ambassadors, collaborators, and leaders,” Ms. Joromat said.
Ms. Joromat also emphasized the need for a clear and integrated student mobility system covering application, academic advising, pre-departure approval, enrollment, credit transfer, and recognition of courses completed abroad. She noted that international mobility should be integrated into students’ academic journeys and properly recognized without causing delays in graduation.
The strengthened partnership supports CMU’s continuing internationalization efforts and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. [Iyren Dalipe Neri with information from Dr. Raquelyn J. Dadang, ORI Director]
