Discipline

Business And Education Industry

Abstract

The evolving role of universities as multiversities has heightened the importance of strategic external engagement across academic, industrial, governmental, and societal sectors. In this context, the University External Affairs Office (EAO) serves as a pivotal mechanism for managing partnerships and aligning external relations with institutional goals. Despite its significance, empirical research on the strategic adaptation of EAOs within multiversity environments remains limited. This study examines the role of the External Affairs Office of Philippine Christian University (PCU) in facilitating the institution’s transition toward a multiversity model. Using a mixed-methods research design, quantitative data were collected through structured surveys and complemented by qualitative interviews with faculty members, administrators, external partners, and student affairs representatives. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analysis, were employed alongside thematic analysis. Findings indicate that the EAO demonstrates strong performance in digital transformation, stakeholder networking, and social engagement initiatives, while moderate effectiveness was observed in research innovation, international mobility, and global research collaboration. Key challenges identified include financial constraints, faculty readiness for global engagement, regulatory complexities, and technological limitations. Drawing from the findings, the study proposes the Sustainable External Affairs Model (SEAM), a four-pillar framework encompassing strategic partnerships, digital and technological innovation, financial sustainability, and institutional identity formation. The study contributes to higher education management literature by offering an empirically grounded and policy-relevant framework to guide universities in strengthening external affairs functions and advancing toward a globally competitive multiversity environment.

Keywords

multiversity, external affairs office, higher education governance, internationalization, university partnerships, institutional identity, mixed-methods research