ASCU-AAI Accredits 6 Academic Programs

ASCU-AAI Accredits 6 Academic Programs

Eight members of the Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities-Accrediting Agency, Inc. (ASCU-AAI) were on campus on February 4 to 8 to evaluate six academic programs.

Headed by Dr. Gloria Resurreccion of Union Christian College as Overall Coordinator, the team accredited the following programs: Pre-School, Business Administration, Accountancy, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Education and Doctor of Education.

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(Silliman Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan [seated fifth from left] meets with the members of the accrediting team headed by Dr. Gloria Resurreccion of Union Christian College [seated to the left of Dr. Tan]. The other accreditors are: Dr. Joel Ciriaco from Central Philippine University [CPU], Dr. Maria Victoria M. Alvarez from Wesleyan University-Philippines [WUP], Prof. Violeta R. Pitular [WUP], Dr. Julie T. Valencia from New Era University [NEU], Prof. Melda L. Estember from CPU and Ms. Remy D. Dormido from NEU.)

They assessed the strengths and weakness of the six programs in relation to the quad-focal thrust of the University in faith-nurture, instruction, research and extension. Interviews and site visits were also conducted to determine the extent to which Silliman's operations and services are able to maintain the University's high standing as among the country's premier universities.

Accreditation is a voluntary process undertaken by an academic institution to assist it in identifying areas of improvement. The process seeks to validate the self-assessment of a school of its own programs, as it vies for higher rating.

Silliman regularly submits its programs to accreditation. Two other accrediting agencies that review its programs are the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities and the Association of Theological Education in Southeast Asia.

In 2010, the Federation of Accrediting Agencies in the Philippines granted Institutional Accreditation on the University  for its large number of programs with high rating given by individual accrediting agencies. 

Silliman is also among few higher education institutions in the Philippines that continue to enjoy Full Autonomous Status from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), a prestige that comes with it the authority to develop and offer programs without the necessary approval of CHED.