The Internationalization (IZN) Awards are the highlight of the ICONS Awards

2024 that aims to honor exemplar Philippine higher education institutions

and leaders that championed the internationalization of Philippine Higher
Education.

Awards Categories

I. Institutional Awards

Global Citizenship Awards

For nomination/application:
● Category A: For Private Higher Education Institutions
● Category B: For State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and
Colleges (LUCs)

The Global Citizenship Awards celebrate higher education institutions at the

forefront of fostering responsible global leaders. We recognize institutions with
exceptional programs that:

● Ignite Intercultural Understanding: These programs create inclusive learning

experiences that foster mutual respect and understanding across cultures,
backgrounds, and abilities.
● Empower Changemakers: Students from all walks of life gain the knowledge
and skills to tackle critical challenges aligned with the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
● Cultivate Active Engagement: The institution provides accessible platforms
for students to translate their global awareness into concrete action,
shaping a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

The Global Citizenship Awards are more than just an honor. They are a catalyst for
positive change, highlighting the pivotal role of higher education in preparing
future generations to be engaged global citizens.
Outstanding International Education Program Awards
For nomination/application
● Category A: For Private Higher Education Institutions
● Category B: For State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and
Colleges (LUCs)

The Outstanding International Education Program Awards honor higher education

institutions that champion inclusive internationalization. We recognize programs
that:
 ● Expand Access to Global Opportunities: These programs break down barriers
and actively seek to include a diverse range of students from various
backgrounds, abilities, and financial situations, ensuring enriching
international experiences for all.
● Foster Collaborative Innovation: Partnerships with local and international
partners of all sizes and backgrounds fuel these programs. This fosters
innovative, culturally-rich experiences that are impactful, locally relevant,
and address the specific needs of participating students.
● Embrace Inclusivity and Beyond: Awarded programs go beyond simply
promoting inclusivity. They actively dismantle barriers and advocate for the
principle that international education can be a transformative experience
that benefits everyone, not just a privileged few.

II. Individual Awards

Emerging Leadership Award

For nomination:
● For internationalization directors, officers, and junior leaders of higher
education institutions (Private HEIs, SUCs, and LUCs)

The Emerging Leadership Award recognizes the exceptional contributions of rising

stars who are shaping a more inclusive future of internationalization. We honor
International Relations Directors, Officers, and/or Heads of Internationalization
Department/Unit/Offices who:

● Practice Innovation: They spearhead creative approaches to

internationalization, fostering global collaboration and enriching student
experiences.

ICONS Awards 2024

Briefer and Guidelines Page 2 of 11
● Drive Strategic and Inclusive Growth: Their vision and leadership promote
diversity, equity, and accessibility, expanding access and impact within the
institution for all students and staff.
● Empower Others: They serve as mentors and advocates, cultivating future
leaders and sharing best practices in the field of international education.

This award celebrates these rising leaders who are shaping the future of
internationalization and making a significant difference in our increasingly
interconnected world.
Internationalization Leadership Award
For nomination:
● For executive officials of higher education institutions (Private HEIs, SUCs, and
LUCs)

The Internationalization (IZN) Leadership Award honors transformative leaders

who are shaping the future of Philippine Higher Education. We recognize
exceptional executive leaders who:

● Champion Bold Innovation: Their visionary approach drives the integration

of international and intercultural dimensions into every aspect of their
institution.
● Cultivate Global Citizens: They foster a vibrant learning environment that
equips students of all backgrounds to thrive as engaged global citizens. ●
Nurture Lifelong Learning: They encourage a culture of continuous
improvement and lifelong learning, preparing students not just for current
challenges but for a future of global change and innovation.
● Lead with Purpose: Their commitment to equity, sustainability, and
excellence paves the way for a brighter future in Philippine higher
education.
● Ethical and Inclusive Leadership: They exemplify integrity, ethical
decision-making, and inclusivity, serving as role models for responsible
global engagement.

This award celebrates leaders who embody resilience, humility, and a

development-driven mindset. They are the architects of a more connected and
impactful higher education landscape.

ICONS Awards 2024

Briefer and Guidelines Page 3 of 11
III. Special Award
Best Regional Office for Internationalization Award
For nomination/application:

● For the Commission on Higher Education Regional Offices

This recognizes the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office that
demonstrates exceptional commitment and leadership in promoting
 internationalization within its region, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.

● Comprehensive Internationalization Efforts: The office will be evaluated on

the initiatives undertaken to promote internationalization within its region. ●
Cooperation and Collaboration: The office's level of collaboration with the CHED
International Affairs Service (IAS) will be assessed. This includes actively
participating in IAS initiatives, providing support for national
internationalization programs within their region, and fostering communication
between the IAS and HEIs, with a focus on incorporating sustainability and
inclusivity into these programs. This covers events/activities from July 2023 to
July 2024
● Measurable Impact: The award committee will consider the demonstrated
impact of the office's internationalization efforts. This may be evidenced by
the number of HEIs’ recognized in international rankings, increased
international student enrollment from diverse backgrounds, faculty
exchange programs, or survey results from HEIs in their respective region.

This award celebrates the leadership and innovation of a CHED Regional Office in
promoting sustainable and inclusive internationalization within its region.

ICONS Awards 2024

Briefer and Guidelines Page 4 of 11

General Guidelines for

Nomination
1. Any person or entity may participate in the nomination as long as deemed as a
qualified nominator.
2. Qualified nominators are those that are provided in the specific guidelines for
each category.
 3. Multiple nominations are allowed.
4. Self-nominations are encouraged, except for awards accorded to individuals
(i.e. Internationalization Emerging Leaders Award, Internationalization
Leadership Award)
5. Posthumous nominations will NOT be considered. While we acknowledge
lasting contributions, the award is intended to recognize ongoing
achievements. If a nominee is alive at the time of nomination but sadly passes
away before the awarding ceremony, their nomination will still be considered.
6. Only those complying with the general and specific guidelines shall be
ACCEPTED as valid submissions. Incomplete nomination forms and
documentary requirements will NOT be evaluated.

Documentary Requirements
1. Accomplished Nomination Form based on the selected category; 2. Video
recording answering the guide questions provided for the respective category. All
videos must have a maximum duration of three (3) minutes, EXCEPT for the IZN
Leadership Award which has a maximum duration of five (5) minutes; and,
3. Supporting documents (e.g. MOAs, MOUs, Certificates of Recognition, approved
project proposals, narrative reports):
- maximum of 10 supporting documents;
- must be properly labeled and numbered based on the chronological order of
citation in the video.

ICONS Awards 2024

Briefer and Guidelines Page 5 of 11

Recommended Format
for the Video
Orientation: Landscape
Resolution: High Definition
Format: .mp4
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Frame rate: 30 fps
● Should there be a part of the video where vernacular language is used, kindly
add English subtitles for the reference of our panelists;
● Upon submission, please make sure that the video access is open to all; ●
Audio must be crisp and audible; In case of voice overs or background music,
please make sure that the audios are original and do not have copyright; ● Please
include a 5-second montage of the university facade/campus or a zoom-in shot
of the HEI in the beginning of the video; and,
● Videos exceeding the maximum allowed duration will receive deduction points.

ICONS Awards 2024

Briefer and Guidelines Page 6 of 11
Specific Guidelines for Global Citizenship Awards

1. The nomination must refer to a distinct program/project/initiative of an HEI. 2.

Any person or entity is qualified to nominate under this category. 3. The nominated
program/project/initiative must have been implemented within CY 2022-2023.
4. Please make sure that the video responds or addresses the guide questions.

Guide Questions for the 3-minute video:

a) How did your institution, through this initiative, demonstrate a strong
commitment to fostering global citizenship among students, faculty, and staff? b)
How did your institution actively engage with local and global communities to
address global challenges and foster partnerships?
c) What instances during the initiative’s implementation did your institution show
leadership, innovation, and impact in addressing global issues or advancing
sustainable development goals?
d) How did your institution assess the impact of its global citizenship initiatives
and measure the development of students' global competencies?

Specific Guidelines for Outstanding

International Education Program Awards

1. The nomination must pertain to a distinct program/project/initiative of an HEI.

2. Any person or entity is qualified to nominate under this category. 3. The
nominated program/project/initiative must have been implemented within CY
2022-2023.
4. Please make sure that the video responds or addresses the guide questions.

Guide Questions for the 3-minute video:

a) How did this initiative showcase your institution’s priority towards inclusive
internationalization efforts?
b) How did it facilitate the participation of students from diverse backgrounds? c)
How did it help your institution integrate indigenous perspectives into
international education programs?
d) How did this program positively impact students' learning and development?
Share success stories that capture the outcomes of this initiative.

ICONS Awards 2024

Briefer and Guidelines Page 7 of 11
Specific Guideline for Emerging Leadership Award

1. The nominated individual must be in-charge of the Internationalization

Department/Unit/Office of the institution and must have held the director,
manager, supervisor, officer, or equivalent position in no less than two (2)
academic years.
2. Please make sure that the video responds or addresses the guide questions. 3.
The 3-minute video must be in an interview format/set-up, with the nominator
interviewing the nominee.
4. Posthumous and self-nominations are not allowed. If a nominee is alive at the
time of nomination but sadly passes away before the awarding ceremony, their
 nomination will still be considered.

Guide Questions for the 3-minute video:

a) Describe a specific initiative you spearheaded that demonstrates a creative
approach to internationalization. How did it foster global collaboration and
enrich the student experience at your institution? (e.g., new virtual exchange
programs, innovative international recruitment strategies, collaborative
research projects with international partners)
b) Explain how your vision and leadership have contributed to the promotion of
diversity, equity, and accessibility within your department, and/or institution.
Quantify the impact whenever possible (e.g., increased international student
enrollment, expanded faculty exchange programs, new international
partnerships established).
c) Describe how you have served as a mentor or advocate for the next generation
of international education leaders. Did you participate in any mentorship
programs within your department or the broader international education
community? How have you helped cultivate future leaders in the field? (e.g.,
mentoring junior staff, leading professional development workshops,
participating in international education conferences)

ICONS Awards 2024

Briefer and Guidelines Page 8 of 11
Specific Guideline for Internationalization Leadership Award

1. The nominated individual must be in-charge of the overall leadership of the

institution and must have held an executive-level position (ie. President,
Vice-President, or equivalent) in no less than three (3) academic years.
2. Please make sure that the video responds to or addresses the guide questions.
3. The 5-minute video must be in an interview format/set-up, with the nominator
interviewing the nominee.
4. Posthumous and self-nominations are not allowed. If a nominee is alive at the
time of nomination but sadly passes away before the awarding ceremony, their
nomination will still be considered.
Guide Questions for the 5-minute video:
a.) Describe a significant initiative you implemented that boldly integrated
international and intercultural dimensions into the core curriculum, student
life, or research activities at your institution. How did this initiative transform
your institution's approach to internationalization?
b.) Showcase your leadership in fostering a vibrant learning environment that
equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an interconnected
world. Provide examples of programs, initiatives, or partnerships that promote
global citizenship among your student body.
c.) Explain how you have fostered a culture of continuous improvement and
lifelong learning within your institution. Did you implement innovative teaching
methods, encourage international faculty exchanges, or create opportunities
for faculty and staff development in internationalization best practices?
d.) Highlight your commitment to equity, sustainability, and excellence in your
approach to internationalization. How does your leadership contribute to a
brighter future for Philippine higher education? Provide concrete examples that
demonstrate your values in action.
e.) Share a specific instance where your commitment to ethical
decision-making and inclusivity impacted your institution's internationalization
efforts. This could involve navigating cultural sensitivities, promoting fair and
inclusive partnerships, or upholding academic integrity with international
collaborators.

ICONS Awards 2024

Briefer and Guidelines Page 9 of 11
Specific Guidelines for Best Regional Office for
Internationalization Award

1. All CHED Regional Offices are encouraged to apply.

2. Please make sure that the video responds or addresses the guide questions.
3. The 3-minute video may be in any format (e.g. interview format, vlog, etc.)

Guide Questions for the 3-minute video:

a.) Provide specific examples of how your office's internationalization initiatives
have demonstrably increased access and participation for students and faculty
from underrepresented groups, and how they have fostered intercultural
understanding within HEIs in your region.
b.) Highlight an event/activity within July 2023 to July 2024 that your region hosted
in collaboration with the CHED International Affairs Service and how has this
benefitted your region and the HEIs in your region.
c.) Describe the impact of your internationalization initiatives. Looking forward,
share how your office will ensure the long-term sustainability of your existing
internationalization programs. Outline your plans for expanding these efforts
and creating a lasting impact on your region's HEIs.

Important Reminders

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 09 August 2023, Friday (10:00PM, PhST)

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS: 30 August 2024, Friday

● The ICONS Awards 2024 Nomination/Application Form may be accessed through

this link: <https://bit.ly/ICONS2024NominationForm>.
● Submissions made later than the deadline shall not be considered.
● Incomplete submissions shall not be accepted.
● Acquisition of relative supporting documents shall be the nominator’s
responsibility. The CHED IAS is not bound to follow-up incomplete submissions. ●
Nominators shall also have full responsibility in ensuring that the video and all
relevant documents submitted through Google Drive are accessible to CHED IAS
<ias@ched.gov.ph> upon submission.
● In compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and its implementing rules and
regulations (IRR), in submitting any and all documents relative to the ICONS
Awards 2024, the nominator (and nominee) consent/s to CHED’s access and use
of all submitted materials for the ICONS Awards 2024 and as promotional
materials to other CHED-related events in the future.

ICONS Awards 2024

Briefer and Guidelines Page 10 of 11
● Upon submission, the nominator shall receive an acknowledgment email from
the Secretariat to notify that the nomination has been received. This will be the
only email from the Secretariat before the commencement of the evaluation
period.
● Submissions will be evaluated by a panel selected by the CHED IAS. Results are
deemed final and irrevocable.
● Any information indicating that a nominee or nominator has contacted a
panelist regarding the awards shall result in disqualification.
● Finalists will be notified of the results through an email from CHED IAS on or
before 26 August 2024.
● Details about the ICONS Awards 2024 are regularly posted on its official website:
<https://bit.ly/ICONSAwards2024>.
● All queries or concerns regarding the award may be directed to the CHED IAS
email <ias@ched.gov.ph> with the subject line: ‘Inquiry on ICONS Awards 2024’.

-NOTHING FOLLOWS

ICONS Awards 2024

Briefer and Guidelines Page 11 of 11