University of Bohol

Tagbilaran City
Teachers College

UNIVERSITY OF BOHOL LANGUAGE PROGRAM POLICY

I. Introduction

The University of Bohol aspires to become a "premier university transforming lives for a
great future." To achieve this vision, the university must foster an inclusive and academically
excellent environment that celebrates the richness of multilingualism. A well-defined Language
Policy Program is crucial in achieving this goal.

The University's student body hails from diverse backgrounds, potentially speaking
various Philippine languages and dialects alongside Filipino and English. A Language Policy
Program can bridge the gap between inclusivity and academic excellence. The program can establish
clear guidelines for using Filipino and English in instruction. This allows students to comfortably
express themselves in either language, depending on the subject. Students more comfortable grasping
complex concepts in their first language, particularly in introductory courses, will benefit greatly
from this approach.

Furthermore, the program can encourage the integration of multilingual approaches in

learning. This could involve incorporating local languages into specific courses or offering elective
courses on indigenous languages spoken in Bohol.

The university prepares its graduates to thrive in a globalized world by fostering

appreciation and proficiency in multiple languages. According to UNESCO, using a mother tongue
in education leads to deeper understanding and improved academic performance, particularly in
STEM fields. On the other hand, a study by the European Commission further found that
multilingualism can boost GDP and job creation. Multilingual graduates are increasingly sought after
by employers due to their ability to navigate diverse cultures and markets.

Through the implementation of a Language Policy Program, the University of Bohol can
ensure inclusivity and academic excellence and prepare its graduates for a successful future in a
globalized world. This program will solidify its position as a premier university, transforming lives
not just within the Philippines but on the international stage.

II. Objectives of the Program:

a. To enhance students’ language proficiency by incorporating advanced curriculum
standards and evidence-based teaching methodologies that foster critical thinking,
effective communication, and cultural literacy;
b. ensure equitable access to language learning opportunities by providing necessary
resources and support for students from diverse backgrounds, including those with
different native languages, to participate fully and succeed in the program; and,
 University of Bohol
Tagbilaran City
Teachers College

c. promote multilingualism by integrating multiple languages into the curriculum,

encouraging students to achieve proficiency in at least two or more languages, and
recognizing multilingual's cultural and cognitive benefits in a globalized world.

III. Budget: ₱100, 000.00

IV. Process of Implementation

Preparation Stage:

 Gathering input based on the objectives: Holding discussions and surveys among
students, faculty, and university staff, including the administrators.
a. Identifying the needs, concerns, and aspirations of where it should come from.
b. Collective research.
 Drafting/Developing a policy
a. Sub-committees to be made from the students and the stakeholders for each objective.
 Solicit feedback
a. Three policies under one big policy.
b. After circulating the policy draft, ask for feedback from the people for necessary
revisions and hold meetings or discussions on how to improve it.
Implementation Stage:

 Approval
a. Once finalized, the language policy needs approval from teachers, the dean, the Vice-
President for Academic Affairs., and the president.
 Allocating resources to support the implementation of the policy
a. Funding, human resources, training force staff, and the development of multilingual
resources.
 Communication and Awareness
a. Utilization of bulletin boards, televisions, and social media for mass information on
the existence of the language policy.
Ongoing Management:

 Develop Implementation Plan

a. Creating a detailed action plan including the specific action, timeline, and responsible
people.
 Training and Support for teachers, staff, and students
 Monitoring and Evaluation
 Adapting the policy based on the feedback
a. The language policy should change every year based on feedback.

V. Programs’ Activities and Coverage

ACTIVITIES OBJECTIVES PEOPLE INVOLVED SUCCESS

 University of Bohol
Tagbilaran City
Teachers College

INDICATORS
 Establish
guidelines and
 Improve
provisions for
a. Set and clarity and
clear and
establish clear effectiveness
effective
communication of
communication
guidelines for the communicatio
in all university
stakeholder, n across all
settings-
emphasizing stakeholders in
classrooms,
conciseness and the university.
official
appropriateness
documents, etc.
of language for  Instructors/Teachers  Increase the
different use of
 To support the
contexts.  University of Bohol evidence-
mission and
President based
vision of the
b. Provide communicatio
University of
training and  Vice President of n strategies by
Bohol for global
professional Academic Affairs faculty and
excellence by
development staff.
upholding the use
opportunities on  Departmental
of a specific
effective Deans  Growth in
language for
communication research and
research
practices.  Vice President for teaching
collaborations,
Administration approaches
international
c. Encourage that
exchange
multilingual  Students incorporate
programs, and
resources, multilingual
internships
principles, and perspectives.
outside the
practices
country.
particularly  Enhance the
relevant to quality of
 Encourage
international academic
language learning
collaboration. discourse and
by providing
student
subjects like
learning
foreign language
outcomes.
for all courses.
d. Offer English  To provide  University of Bohol  To increase the
language avenues for President participation of
programs for participating in non-native
first-year curricular and co-  Instructors/Teachers speakers in
students and curricular curricular and
transferees whose activities in the  Vice President of co-curricular
native language university, Academic Affairs activities.
differs from the ensuring the
university's language barrier  Departmental  To reduce
primary language is prevented. Deans language-
of instruction, related barriers
English.  To celebrate the  Vice President for to academic
 University of Bohol
Tagbilaran City
Teachers College

diversity of achievements.
e. Provide language,
academic and allowing students  To increase the
non-academic and staff to availability of
support services participate in multilingual
in multiple fostering a more support and
languages, such inclusive services.
as academic university
coaching, environment.  Positive
counseling, and feedback on
departmental the inclusivity
consultations. efforts.

f. Develop and
disseminate Administration
resources for
multilingual  Students
usage like
translated
materials,
signages, and
announcements.

g. Promote
inclusive
language that
avoids bias and
promotes
understanding
across different
languages.
h. Organize  To acknowledge  University of Bohol  Increase the
events specific to the relevance of President number of
the language's research and participants in
culture and teaching  Instructors/Teachers events that
celebrate the considering celebrate
university multipole  Vice President of linguistic
community's languages and Academic Affairs diversity.
linguistic perspectives.
diversity.  Departmental  Growth of the
Deans number of
i. Offer exchange stakeholders
programs that  Vice President for involved in
connect students Administration learning
with native additional
speakers of other  Students language.
languages.
 A positive
j. Recognize and school culture
 University of Bohol
Tagbilaran City
Teachers College

appreciate the that respects

multilingual and values
achievements of multilingualism
students and .
staff.
 Integration of
k. Integrate multilingual
discussion about perspective
multilingualism into teaching
and cultural and research.
understanding
into the
curriculum.

VI. Language Policy

Core Principles
English as the Primary Language of Instruction: Considering its global role in higher education,
English will be the primary language of instruction for most academic programs.
Respect for Local Languages: The university acknowledges the importance of Cebuano and other local
languages as part of the Filipino cultural identity. Their use will be encouraged in specific contexts and
may be incorporated into relevant courses.
Multilingual Support: The university will strive to create a multilingual environment by offering
language courses in Filipino, Cebuano, and other necessary languages.
Clarity and Inclusivity: All university communication should be clear, concise, and inclusive, using
language accessible to a diverse student body.

Policy Guidelines
Instruction:

 Courses will be primarily conducted in English, with exceptions approved by the Vice-President
for Academic Affairs for specific courses (e.g., MTB language courses, foreign languages, and
Filipino literature).
 Instructors are encouraged to utilize clear and concise language, considering the diverse linguistic
backgrounds of students.
 Terminology specific to a particular discipline may be introduced gradually, with clear
explanations provided.
Communication:

 Official university documents, announcements, and publications will be primarily in English.

 Information may be translated into Filipino or Cebuano for wider dissemination.
 Signages throughout the campus will be in English, with translations provided where appropriate.
 University of Bohol
Tagbilaran City
Teachers College

Student Support Services:

 The university will offer support services for students whose first language is not English, such as
academic writing workshops and language courses.
 Faculty will be encouraged to provide additional support for students needing it.
Multilingual Initiatives:

 The university will explore opportunities to offer courses or programs in Filipino, Cebuano, or
other languages relevant to specific academic disciplines or community needs.
 The university may host events and conferences that promote multilingualism and intercultural
understanding.
Implementation and Review
All university departments and faculties will implement this language policy. A designated
committee will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of this policy and reviewing its
effectiveness periodically.
The university recognizes that language is a dynamic entity, and this policy may be reviewed and
updated to reflect the evolving needs of the university community.
Conclusion
The University of Bohol's language policy establishes a dynamic framework that balances the
need for academic rigor with the celebration of linguistic diversity. By promoting English as the primary
language of instruction while simultaneously fostering multilingual competence and appreciating local
languages, the university positions itself to create a truly inclusive and globally competitive learning
environment. This policy is envisioned to evolve alongside the university community, adapting to meet
the ever-changing linguistic landscape and the evolving needs of its students and faculty.