On February 17, 2026, faculty and staff councils from three universities within the local community development network\u2014Suan Dusit University, Srinakharinwirot University, and Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University\u2014gathered for the activity \u201cCoffee Talk: Faculty and Staff Councils Networking Session.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event was graciously opened by Asst. Prof. Dr. Pitauk Chancharoen, President of Suan Dusit University, who delivered a welcoming address to participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This initiative aimed to provide a platform for exchanging ideas on administrative practices and staff welfare development. A key focus was redefining the role of faculty councils from being merely an opposition body to becoming a strategic \u201cpartner\u201d that supports university operations through data-driven insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key discussion topics included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Enhancing staff welfare: Sharing approaches to improve group insurance, provident funds, and medical benefits to reduce disparities between university employees and civil servants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Career advancement: Exploring more flexible academic promotion regulations (Assistant Professor\/Associate Professor levels) and promoting career pathways for support staff through professional-level positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Social responsibility: Emphasizing area-based research to address societal and environmental issues such as air pollution, and fostering multicultural spaces within universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event was held in a hybrid format, both onsite at the 5th Floor Meeting Room, Office of the University Building, and online. Notably, proceeds from the event, totaling approximately 22,000 THB, were fully donated as scholarships for students without any deductions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This \u201cCoffee Talk\u201d marks an important step in building a strong collaborative network among the universities, aiming to sustainably enhance the quality of life for staff, students, and local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n