Proposal for a special policy on the recognition of professor and associate professor titles at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

Professors and associate professors play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of teaching and scientific research at higher education institutions. They are not only highly qualified experts with extensive professional experience but also key figures in guiding and leading academic activities, research initiatives, and educational innovation. Therefore, building and developing a high-caliber team of professors and associate professors is an urgent priority for universities, especially for Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM), a leading institution for education and research in the country. One of VNU-HCM’s essential objectives is to continuously improve the quality of its faculty, with a strong emphasis on developing its pool of professors and associate professors. However, under the current system, the recognition process for these academic titles still presents several limitations and does not fully reflect the distinct characteristics of leading institutions like VNUHCM. Thus, specialized policies must ensure the recognition framework aligns with the university’s unique role and stature. This article proposes several tailored policies to recognise professor and associate professor titles at VNUHCM, aiming to facilitate the recruitment and development of high-quality academic personnel. These policies are expected to contribute to strengthening the university’s capacity to meet the evolving demands of higher education in the modern era.