NWU, HAU ink MOU for Criminal Justice Education Partnership
Northwestern University, through its College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Holy Angel University (HAU) in Angeles City, Pampanga, for collaborations in the field of criminology. The two universities sealed the MOU via Zoom conference on February 16, 2022.
The MOU was signed by Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, NWU President, and Mr. Leopoldo N. Valdez, OIC-President of HAU, which was witnessed by Dr. Jonah Badua, NWU-CCJE Dean, and Dr. Niño M. Kabiling, HAU-CCJEF Dean.
Dr. Badua stressed that the aim of the MOU is “to establish partnership for the purpose of student and faculty development.” Specifically, it will facilitate cooperation for the enhancement of the different advocacies, projects and programs of the two colleges, which may include continuing professional development, community projects and business education. These encompasses webinars/seminars/training and workshops, research, co-hosting for conferences, academic expertise sharing, continuing professional development advisory, and curriculum and program development.
With HAU’s expertise, NWU-CCJE also seeks the inclusion and development of the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science in their department.
In their messages of commitment, Atty. Nicolas and Mr. Valdez pointed out that they are open to further partnerships outside the criminology field.
“We do hope to continue to seek other avenues where we can collaborate and really enhance the productivity of both our universities,” said Atty. Nicolas.
Mr. Valdez, on the other hand, stated, “One of our goals is to become a role model catalyst for countryside development, and so we collaborate very quickly with universities, HEIs that are outside of Metro Manila, and in Cebu, but we’re looking at all these partnerships because they are right and fruitful for endeavors such as faculty development, and…not just limited to the criminal justice domain.”
Dr. Chita Gonzales, NWU Vice President for Academic Affairs, in her welcome remarks, shared the university’s objective: “Together with HAU, NWU’s goal is to create awareness among youth and the next generation, especially in the field of criminology. We aim to ignite their interest in looking forward to a career of addressing the criminality in the country with character and competence to meet the challenges of globalization.”
Also present in the event were Prof. Ma. Liza S. Nicolas, NWU Chairperson of the Board and Executive Vice-President, Prof. Jerry dela Cruz, and Dr. Winston Flores from NWU’s College of Criminal Justice Education, and Dr. Anthony John Jimenez, Prof. Camille Shiela Verano, Prof. Edward Dimalanta and Ms. Edna Santos, are the representatives from HAU.
