Dr. Soliven underscores challenges for academic excellence

“Nowadays, we are challenged by a never-ending task for academic excellence and with this, we all experience pressures in all aspects of our academic life.”

This was said by Dr. Maria Luisa R. Soliven, university president, during the opening program for the week-long AACCUP Level IV Phase I Accreditation starting yesterday March 19 at the Farmers Training Center.

Dr. Soliven asserted that CMU continuously invest millions of pesos just to guarantee that the programs offered can provide quality education and produce highly competent graduates, services, and outcomes.

According to her, the accreditation is the most influential tool which provides the stamp of approval that the program or the institution meets or exceeds minimum expectations.

This year, four degree programs were submitted to Level IV-Phase 1 accreditation survey visit. The programs were: BS Forestry; BS Home Economics (Home Economics Education and Food Business Management-food service option and food processing option); BS Secondary Education (Biology, English, Filipino, General Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Physical Education); and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Soliven thanked the members of the working committee and those who have given their support and commitment to the survey visit, adding that the job in the academe goes beyond just earning a living to support families and loved ones. “It is all about serving the people,” she said.

She added that the countless time and efforts spent for the preparation to reach this far will now be put to test with the guidance of 14 accreditors.

“It is therefore with our sincere hope coupled with a sense of responsibility that we can all work together in the pursuit of our noble vision,” she said. “This [accreditation] is a challenge and a mark of the academic culture of excellence and competence of the university.”

The 14-member accreditation team is headed by Dr. Danilo S. Hilario, the AACCUP overall coordinator from Bulacan State University.

Dr. Hilario said during the opening program: “There is no need for you [CMU] to have tedious orientation because I consider your institution as one of the best, if not the best in this part of the region and in Mindanao.”

“You [CMU] have been hailed as one of the top performing institutions not only by CHED but even recognized in our agency [AACCUP] in terms of the number of degree programs accredited in various levels,” he added.

The four programs will be evaluated in ten areas: (1) Mission, Goals and Objectives; (2) Faculty; (3) Curriculum and Instruction; (4) Students; (5) Research; (6) Extension and Community Involvement; (7) Library; (8) Physical Facilities; (9) Laboratories; and (10) Administration.

The opening program was also graced by Dr. Judith D. Intong, VP for Academic Affairs; Dr. Ricardo G. Villar, VP for Administration; Dr. Luzviminda T. Simborio, VP for Research, Development, and Extension; Dr. Jupiter V. Casas, VP for University Income Generation Program; other university officials, faculty, staff, guests, and students.

The opening program also showcased the performances of the Bidlisiw Socio-cultural Dance Troupe and the CMU PE Rondalla. (MJTalisay)