ADDU Protocol on University Positions or University Advocacy
1. In this document, the “University Position” is used interchangeably with “University Advocacy,” i.e., a declared public position or stand of the ADDU accompanied by activities meant to publicize, promote, urge, argue, or make consequential in public policy the University Position.
1.1. Rationale: The University Position is a practical consequence of its Vision-Mission Statement, which identifies the ADDU as a Catholic, Jesuit and Filipino University.
1.1.1. As a University:
1.1.1.1. It is a community of scholars and students dedicated to the pursuit of truth in academic freedom. The truth the university seeks is both theoretical (increasing knowledge) and practical (articulating the moral ought) modes. The truth is shared “in season and out of season.”
1.1.1.2. It manages a symbiosis of Instruction, Research and Outreach.
1.1.1.2.1. Outreach includes sharing with the community results of university deliberations that are theoretical and practical, often through the university position.
1.1.2. As a Catholic University
1.1.2.1. It proceeds “ex corde ecclesiae” (See Ex Corde Ecclesiae – Apostolic Constitution of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II on Catholic Universities).
1.1.2.1.1. It is consecrated to the cause of whole truth about nature, man and God.
1.1.2.1.2. It serves Faith seeking understanding; understanding seeking Faith.
1.1.2.1.3. It enters into dialogue with peoples of every culture [faith – cultures].
1.1.2.1.4. It searches for the meaning of science and technology.
1.1.2.1.5. It searches for the meaning of the human person.
1.1.3. As a Jesuit University
1.1.3.1. It appropriates the Mission of the Society of Jesus (See General Congregation 34, Decree 17, and Depth, Universality and Learned Ministry: Challenges to Jesuit Higher Education Today by Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J. Superior General of the Society of Jesus), including:
1.1.3.1.1. The service of the Faith
1.1.3.1.1.1. It proclaims the Faith.
1.1.3.1.1.2. It forms and nurtures believers.
1.1.3.1.2. The promotion of Justice
1.1.3.1.2.1. It proclaims the Justice that Faith brings.
1.1.3.1.2.2. It pursues the Justice that Faith implies.
1.1.3.1.3. Cultural Sensitivity
1.1.3.1.3.1. It promotes sensitivity to cultures, one’s own and others’.
1.1.3.1.3.2. It understands the cultural relevance and impact of the proclamation of the Faith.
1.1.3.1.3.3. It engages in active cultural transformation as the Faith, Justice or Interreligious Dialogue demand.
1.1.3.1.4. Interreligious Dialogue
1.1.3.1.4.1. Engages in a dialogue toward shared mutual understanding.
1.1.3.1.4.2. Engages in a dialogue of shared life before the One God.
1.1.3.1.4.3. Engages in a dialogue of doctrines toward shared faith.
1.1.4. This Vision-Mission describes the “identity,” “spirit,” “spirituality” or “soul” or “compelling mandate” of the university which it professes to live in the concrete situation of the Philippines and specifically of Mindanao in the Philippines in this global world.
1.1.4.1. All its “means” in human-power and material resources are dedicated to achieving these imperatives.
1.1.5. In this context of the pursuit of truth in academic freedom, both theoretical and practical, through involved and in-depth study, the discussion and evaluation of current issues affecting the ADDU community and the communities of peoples ADDU engages, are an imperative of its Vision-Mission.
1.1.5.1. This is done not from the periphery of the University, but from its center.
1.1.5.2. It is done on all levels of university life as their competence allows: among students, faculty members, the Headmaster of the GS, the Principal of the HS, the Deans of the Schools and Colleges, institutes, the Councils, the President of the University.
1.1.5.3. It is done presuming critical discussion within the university community.
1.1.5.4. It is done expecting critical discussion from beyond the university community and further discussion.
1.1.5.5. It is encouraged and nurtured as part of the “culture” of the ADDU.
1.1.6. What the ADDU discovers as truth is not for itself alone but for the community at large. Sharing of truth with the community happens:
1.1.6.1. Through its instruction, formation and pastoral activity
1.1.6.2. Through its publications
1.1.6.3. Through its public discussion of various issues, many urgent and controversial, on various levels of the university through various available means of communication: traditional print publications, mass media, internet: blogs, FB, Twitter, e.g.:
1.1.6.3.1. Statement of the ADDU GS on Bullying
1.1.6.3.2. Statement of the ADDU HS on the Consequences on Climate Change in HS Education
1.1.6.3.3. Statement of the College of Engineering and Architecture on Renewable Energy
1.1.6.3.4. Statement of the University President on Extra Judicial Killings.
1.1.6.4. On all of these levels public statements may be formulated representing the unit or office of the statement’s author(s) in academic freedom and responsibility. No statement may presume the authority of a higher level of the university.
2. The “University Position” is reserved to the Board of Trustees.
2.1. Definition: The University Position articulates a “university stand” on an issue. It is expressed in “a paper” or “a declaration” that manifests a “stand” in history of the University Community on a particular issue, often urgent and controversial, as a consequence of the University’s commitment to Truth, whether theoretical or practical. It is expressed in a series of activities meant to publicize, promote, urge, argue, or make consequential in public policy the University Position.
2.2. In today’s world the public ADDU position is taken, consistent with the ADDU Vision-Mission, in active advocacy of reconciliation with God, reconciliation with fellow human beings, and/or reconciliation with creation. This includes the urgent promotion of the Faith, justice, cultural sensitivity, interreligious dialogue and the protection of the environment, at the frontiers of the Church’s mission. It is taken in special consideration of those who are historically deprived of truth, justice, human rights, due participation in the formulation of policies that affect them, fundamental spiritual and material goods necessary for humane living, cultural recognition, and who are most vulnerable to the effects of environmental degradation and climate change.
2.3. Mandatory Process: The University Position is proposed to the Board by the University President, or by any member of the Board of Trustees, and approved by the Board of Trustees, normally after widespread discussion of its content within the University Community, unless historical urgency requires otherwise. This includes discussion and consideration of the various contentious sides of the issue. Where appropriate in the reckoning of the BOT, the university position shall be decided after widespread discussion of its own content with a wider audience beyond the university community. Approval may be through a regular or special meeting of the Board, or by referendum.
Approved by the University Board of Trustees of the Ateneo de Davao University, May 19, 2012.