Introduction

On 8 September 2000, a meeting of administrators chaired by the University President was convened to discuss, rather extensively, the holding of a University Planning Exercise in order to review the mission statement and major concerns of Xavier University (XU) as it turns 75 in 2008. This planning exercise named Xavier@75 was formally launched on 27 September 2000 at a University Convocation of faculty, staff and students. Xavier@75 was deliberately limited to Tertiary or Higher Educati on of the University: the High School and the Grade School had just finished PAASCU visits.

Over a two-year period, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and students in various “groupings” met to discuss and review the profile of the XU graduate and the major strengths and concerns of the University in its service at the beginning of this new millennium.

To provide for maximum participation of the University Community, “groupings” representing various sectors of University were organized. These “groupings” sent their findings and recommendations to various “area committees” responsible f or specific areas of concern.


These “groupings” (and their convenors) were the following:

4 Graduate School (Dr E Raagas)

4 College of Law (Atty R Borja)

4 Dr Jose P Rizal College of Medicine (Dr F Oh)

4 College of Arts and Sciences (Dr I Pagtulon-an)

4 College of Education (Dr A De Torres)

4 College of Commerce (Dr A Hortelano)

4 College of Agriculture Complex (Dr A Mercado)

4 College of Engineering and CIT (Engr A Sevillano Jr)

4 University Library (Ms A Acedera)

4 Various Academic Support Units – University Registrar, AAO, DSA, ACTS, APO, Book Center, Gym, Athletics (Ms A Gapuz)

4 Campus Ministry, University Chaplain, KKP and FFP (Mr E Pimentel)

4 Other Support Units – President, VP Special Projects, Finance, Personnel, Alumni Affairs, General Services, Securi ty, Health Services, RIMCU, Museum, Kinaadman (Ms C Tandog)

4 Non Teaching Personnel (Mr J Pimentel)

4 Students – CSG, College Councils, students (Mr M Asombrado)

4 XUCPFA (Ms C Bagares)

4 XUAAA (Dr E Sta Cruz)


These groupings were tasked to submit their concerns and plans, both in their own sector and for the whole University, to the Executive Committee which summarized the ideas and proposals pertinent to the improvement of the University.

The twelve (12) “area committees” (facilitated by their chairs) focused on the following:

4 Mission Statement (Fr A Samson SJ)
4 Academic Programs (Dr A Hortelano & Dr I Pagtulon-an)
4 Faculty Development and Recruitment (Dr L Kwong & Dr VL Yacapin)
4 Teaching and Learning (Dr A DeTorres & Ms C Roa)
4 University Research (Dr I Pagtulon-an & Dr E Burton)
4 Community Service: Extension and Involvement (Mr E Pimentel & Dr A Mercado)
4 Student Services (Fr F Bustamante SJ & Mr L Angeles)
4 Special Jesuit Concerns (Dr M Labuntog & Fr C Poulin SJ)
4 Physical Plant (Engr A Sevillano & Engr J Miraflor)
4 Non-Teaching Staff (Ms C Tandog & Mr P Estarte)
4 Administration (Mr I Daba & Dr A Hortelano)
4 Culture and Arts (Dr E Burton & Mr F Tarongoy Jr)

The result of a crucial academic exercise at XU, this present corporate plan will direct the University’s commitment t o excellence in teaching, research, community outreach and spiritual growth in the context of a rapidly changing world. Inspired by the motto culled from the gospel of St John, “The truth shall set you free,” XU works with passion for truth in providing greater opportunities for quality education, formation and culture.


Epilogue

This corporate plan of Xavier University as it prepares to turn 75, Xavier@75, took two years of meetings and consultations, writing and rewriting; it involved many in all sectors of the University community.

In late 2001, in the middle of Xavier@75, Xavier University was one of thirty private higher education institutions granted “full autonomy” by the Commission on Higher Education for a five-year period . Academic standing and results as sho wn by level of accredited programs and by CHED recognition as Center of Excellence or Development and by graduates’ performance in government licensure examinations were major criteria for the grant of “fullautonomy” status by CHED. Xavier University as a university is primarily committed to academic excellence of its programs, faculty, students and graduates. Within its constraints as mainly a “teaching” university, Xavier is also committed to encouraging and supporting more research and organized commu nity service.

As a Jesuit and Catholic university, Xavier is especially concerned that its graduates be men and women committed to Christ and with genuine concern to be of service to others. The University will continue programs regarding Ignatian spir ituality and the service of the faith that does justice, in the context of inter-religious dialogue and diverse cultures, especially for an institution in Mindanao.

As a Filipino university, Xavier will continue to form responsible citizens who value their Filipino heritage and culture and will work for sustainable development of the Filipino people.

I ask all, especially faculty and students, to carefully study, and hopefully “fulfill,” the newly formulated “Profile of the XU Graduate.”

In the name of the University and in my own name, I sincerely thank all who worked for and contributed to Xavier@75. I especially wish to thank the Executive Committee composed of Dr. A. de Torres, Ms. B. Geveso, Dr. A. Hortelano, Dr. M. Labuntog, Engr. A. Sevillano Jr., and Dr. I. Pagtulon-an. I now ask for the support and cooperation of all in implementing Xavier@75.



Fr. Antonio S. Samson, S.J.
President, Xavier University