Bangsaen, Chonburi – January 19-20, 2024

Members of the College of Graduate Studies (CGS) at Walailak University (WU) actively participated in the third conference of “Graduate Program Management” organized by the Council of the Graduate Studies Administrators of Public and Autonomous Universities (CGAU).

Held on January 19-20, 2024, at The Tide Resort in Bangsaen, Chonburi, the conference saw the gathering of representatives from 25 institutes, including esteemed universities. Chiangmai University took the lead in organizing this year’s event.

Asst.Prof.Dr.Apiarak Payaka, Vice Dean of CGS, WU, led a dedicated team of four CGS staff members to actively engage in the conference, fostering connections and sharing insights with fellow CGAU members.

The conference commenced on the evening of January 19 with a warm greeting meeting hosted by the CGAU team. Assoc.Prof.Dr.Apichat Sopadang, the President of CGAU, delivered an inspiring welcome speech, creating a conducive atmosphere for collaboration. During this time, all participants had the opportunity to meet and greet each other, laying the foundation for fruitful discussions in the coming sessions.

The morning sessions on January 20 featured an array of insightful presentations. After the open ceremony led by the CGAU president, Prof.Dr.Narongrit Sombatsompop, Head of the Thai-Journal Citation Index Centre (TCI), delivered a presentation titled “Checking the Quality of Journals for Graduation.” The audience actively participated in an exchange of experiences and raised pertinent questions, enhancing their understanding of journal quality in the context of graduate studies.

Following this, Prof.Dr. Kiatichai Faksri, Dean of the Graduate School at KKU, presented valuable visions on “Strategic Planning at the Curriculum Level.” Subsequently, Assoc.Prof.Dr.Apichat Sopadang discussed the “Reprofiling of Graduate School, Chiangmai University,” offering unique perspectives on adapting to the evolving landscape of graduate education.

The afternoon session featured two exchange discussion stages: “Effective Course Management” and “Adaptation of Graduate School to Cope with the Changing Context of the World.” These sessions provided a platform for participants to engage in in-depth discussions, sharing practical information and strategies. The wealth of knowledge exchanged during these discussions is expected to greatly benefit all institutes responsible for graduate studies as they strive to enhance their programs.

The active involvement of the Walailak University delegation in both the formal sessions and exchange discussions underscores the institution’s commitment to collaborative efforts in advancing graduate education. The conference has proven to be a valuable platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and fostering a community of administrators dedicated to elevating the quality of graduate programs across Thailand.

Written by : Somruethai Bouyam