Standards & instruments

Standards

The PAASCU accreditation process promotes principles and practices which are found in excellent institutions. The Survey Forms used in the accreditation process are based on standards and good practice. The statements in the Survey Forms are more qualitative rather than quantitative. The PAASCU accreditation process does not have specific formulas to apply or particular patterns to require the institutions. The survey instruments and criteria for evaluation are tools to help the institution measure educational quality as they strive for excellence.

PAASCU’s Four-fold Definition of Quality

The fundamental concern of PAASCU is the quality of educational institutions and it upholds a definition of quality that has the following elements:

Achievement of minimum standards based on learning outcomes
Achievement of evidenced excellence based on learning outcomes
Implementation of the vision, mission, and goals of the school
Responsiveness to stakeholders

23 PAASCU Quality Standards

(Approved by the BOT August 28, 2020)

AREA 1. LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

STANDARD 1. Vision-Mission

The institution has clearly articulated and disseminated the vision and mission statements that reflect its educational philosophy, core values, and goals to key stakeholders.

STANDARD 2. Leadership and Management

The institution practices responsible management and models leadership that results in effective and efficient operations.

STANDARD 3. Strategic Management

A strategic planning activity participated in by key stakeholders is periodically conducted to formulate, implement and evaluate plans and programs toward achieving the institution’s vision, mission, and goals.

STANDARD 4. Policy Formulation and Implementation

The institution has a system for formulating and implementing policies that reflect institutional values, promote its unique culture, make operations efficient, and conform to government regulations and standards.

STANDARD 5. Risk Management

A risk management system is in place to ensure that the institution is aware of and manages present and future risks.

AREA 2. QUALITY ASSURANCE

STANDARD 6. Internal Quality Assurance System

The institution has an established internal quality assurance system with clearly defined policies, procedures, and activities that implement, evaluate, enhance, and ensure its educational programs and processes.

STANDARD 7. External Quality Assurance

The institution subjects itself to periodic external assessment designed to be fit for purpose and to validate the effectiveness of its IQA system in terms of regulatory requirements and quality standards.

AREA 3. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

STANDARD 8. Human Resources

The institution has adequate and qualified human resources, both teaching and non-teaching, that enable it to perform its teaching, research, and community service functions. It has programs in place for the recruitment, selection, hiring, deployment, training, and retirement of personnel.

STANDARD 9. Financial Resources

A system is in place to manage the institution’s financial resources, including efficient sourcing, allocation, use, safeguarding, and accounting.

STANDARD 10. Learning, Physical and IT Resources

The institution has adequate, conducive, up-to-date, well-maintained, and safe facilities to support the functions of teaching-learning, research, and community service.

AREA 4. TEACHING-LEARNING

STANDARD 11. Curricular Programs

A system to design, develop, and review the program offerings is established, ensuring alignment with the institutional vision-mission and goals, with program objectives and learning outcomes, and relevant to meeting stakeholders’ needs.

STANDARD 12. Teaching and Learning Methods

A system to select, develop, and evaluate appropriate teaching and learning methods and activities is established to achieve the desired learning outcomes.

STANDARD 13. Assessment Methods

A system is in place to plan and select the most appropriate assessment types aligned to the achievement of the expected learning outcomes.

AREA 5. STUDENT SERVICES

STANDARD 14. Student Recruitment, Admission, and Placement

The institution has effective recruitment, admission, and placement of students with defined criteria that are valid and reliable.

STANDARD 15. Student Services Programs and Support

The institution ensures that student services and support are adequate and readily accessible to support students in their academic and non-academic pursuits and promote personal well-being.

AREA 6. EXTERNAL RELATIONS

STANDARD 16. Networks, Linkages, and Partnerships

The institution establishes networks, linkages, and partnerships with local, national, regional, and international agencies and groups to pursue its vision, mission, and goals.

STANDARD 17. Community Engagement and Service

The institution commits to conduct community engagements and service activities as part of its social responsibility and corporate citizenship.

AREA 7. RESEARCH

STANDARD 18. Research Management and Collaboration

The institution implements a research program aligned with its mission and vision, supports its teaching-learning and community engagement functions, and addresses local and national development needs.

STANDARD 19. Intellectual Property Rights and Ethics in Research

The institution has a policy on intellectual property rights and adherence to ethical norms in research.

AREA 8. RESULTS

STANDARD 20. Educational Results

The educational process results include the achievement of the expected learning outcomes, pass rates, dropout rates, the average time to graduate, employability of graduates, pass rates of graduates in board examinations of board-related program offerings, and the satisfaction levels of graduates, among others.

STANDARD 21. Community Engagement and Service Results

The institution’s community engagement and service programs produce results that impact the institution, its stakeholders, and society.

STANDARD 22. Research Results

The institution has produced research outputs as seen through new knowledge embodied in publications, citations, journals, research-informed teaching, technology transfers, innovations, inventions, creative works, etc.

STANDARD 23. Financial and Competitiveness Results

The institution’s financial performance and competitiveness are measured, monitored, and assessed for improvement and sustainability.