
After a rigorous three-day AACCUP survey, the validation of Bontoc campusโ four programs concluded today.
Said programs include Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSCrim), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (BSOA), and Master in Public Administration (MPA). These programs were all subjected to Level IV Phase II validation by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP).
In his closing statement, Dr. Carlo F. Vadil, the AACCUP Coordinator shared his general impressions, as well as the online accreditors of the four programs. Dr. Vadil highlighted that (1) Accreditation-related documents were systematically compiled and presented, making it easier for the accreditors to review; (2) Faculty, staff, and students actively engaged in the process, responding promptly to questions and providing necessary clarifications; and (3) The administration provided adequate support to ensure the smooth flow of the survey visit.
Under the BS in Criminology program, the online accreditors shared the following: (1) The program’s presentation of key achievements was concise and open to constructive suggestions during Q&A; (2) The increasing number of students and graduates’ performance in the board exam is a positive indicator of its success; (3) The core faculty members have the necessary expertise to deliver quality instruction across various professional subjects; and (4) Alumni were passionate in expressing the positive impact of being graduates of the program to their career path. As a challenge, the BS in Criminology program was encouraged to conduct further enhancements in research, community service, and international linkages that can align with the standards prescribed for the highest program accreditation status.
The BS in Office Administration online accreditors on the other hand commended the program and its relentless dedication, with faculty, staff, and students for โworking tirelessly to craft a curriculum that not only meets but exceeds standards.โ They also noted that the department fosters collaboration, innovation, and resilience which empowers students.
Online accreditors of the BS in Nursing program used the acronym N-U-R-S-I-N-G in sharing their impressions. This stands for Nurturing Future Nurses, Unwavering commitment, Research and Community Service, Student-Centered Learning, Innovation in Healthcare, Nationally Recognized Standards, and Growth and Leadership. This emphasizes hands-on training, international exposure, and innovation in healthcare through curriculum enhancements, technology integration, and clinical simulation laboratories.
Lastly, the MPA program accreditors noted that โthe humble approach of the host institution signifies a genuine commitment to excellence, as it reflects an openness to constructive criticism and recommendations from accreditors.โ They also added that this ensures that โfeedback is welcomed without resistance, allowing the institution to identify areas for improvement and enhance program quality.โ
Aside from impressive comments on the areas accredited, the accreditors also presented areas of improvement: (1) conduct of scholarly research aligned with the curriculum of the program under survey by faculty members; (2) development of a comprehensive Research Program (2026-2030) for the programs under survey, aligned with the MPSU Research Agenda; (3) conduct of a comprehensive tracer study focused on the programs under review; (4) strengthening and expanding international linkages specific to the programs under review; (5) monitoring and evaluation of extension programs throughout its three-year implementation period to ensure sustainability, (6) employment of a third party evaluation process to assess the impact of the extension project/s to enhance credibility and objectivity; and (7) sustaining the strong performance in licensure examinations while striving to produce more topnotcher.#