Caraga State University (CSU), through its College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS), formally conducted its first Midyear Academic Exchange on July 1-2, 2025, with its international partner, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (UPJS) in Košice, Slovakia. The academic engagement featured Dr. Renata Bacarova, a distinguished faculty member of UPJS, who delivered an insightful lecture titled “The Use of AI in Education: Challenges and Threats.”
This milestone event marks the inaugural collaboration between CSU and UPJS, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in April 2025. The agreement outlines a strategic partnership between the two institutions in the areas of computing, artificial intelligence, AI governance, information sciences, and technopreneurship, with the shared goal of advancing international academic and research endeavors.
Dr. Bacarova’s lecture focused on the multifaceted implications of integrating artificial intelligence in educational systems. She discussed both the opportunities and threats posed by AI, emphasizing ethical concerns, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the evolving role of educators in AI-driven learning environments. Faculty members and researchers from CCIS participated actively in the session, contributing to a meaningful exchange of perspectives and expertise.
During her visit, Dr. Bacarova was welcomed by University President Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, along with Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension (VPRIE) Dr. Jeffrey T. Dellosa, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Vicente A. Pitogo, and CCIS Dean Dr. Jaymer M. Jayoma, during a courtesy call held at the Office of the University President. In the meeting, Dr. Daguil underscored the significance of the partnership with UPJS in fostering innovation, enhancing CSU’s research and academic capabilities, and advancing the University’s global engagement. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with CSU’s broader internationalization efforts, which aim to develop globally competent graduates, strengthen institutional networks, and promote impactful, cross-border research collaborations.
The partnership with UPJS was made possible through CSU’s participation in the Asia-Europe Foundation Innovators’ Lab (ASEFInnoLab), held in 2023 at Fudan University, China. Representing CSU was Dr. Vicente A. Pitogo, who at the time served as Dean of CCIS and currently holds the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs. His involvement in ASEFInnoLab facilitated connections with academic institutions in Europe and paved the way for establishing formal collaborative initiatives such as this academic exchange.
This engagement reflects CSU’s continued efforts to build meaningful international partnerships in support of its strategic direction on institutional internationalization. These efforts are firmly rooted in the University’s commitment to excellence and global relevance in instruction, research, innovation, and service, fulfilling SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals). │via Jenie Plender-Nabas, CCIS
