Xavier University fortifies its standing as one of the best universities in the country after it was granted autonomous status, the highest rank a university can attain from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
This distinction recognizes XU’s programs and learning environment in terms of excellence, quality and alignment to its vision, mission and goals.
The CHED memorandum order number 20, series of 2016, released Wednesday, April 13, also granted autonomy to the four other Jesuit-run Ateneo schools in the Philippines.
Universities placed on autonomous status are considered premium schools for showing outstanding performance in research, publications, creative work, extension programs, employability of graduates, and linkages with professional institutes.
According to CHED, autonomous Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) “demonstrate exceptional, institutional quality and enhancement through internal quality assurance (QA) systems, demonstrate excellent program outcomes through a high proportion of accredited programs, the presence of Centers of Excellence and/or Development, and/or international certification.”
Aside from XU, there was only one other private HEI in Region X which was granted three-year autonomous status.
With this recognition comes a host of benefits for the school. A few of them include the privilege to determine and prescribe curricular programs to achieve global competence, to offer new course(s)/program(s) in the undergraduate and/or graduate levels without securing permit/authority from CHED, to offer extension classes to expand access to higher education, and to establish linkages with recognized foreign higher education institutions.
In addition, XU will be a priority in the grant of subsidies and other financial assistance from CHED and have the authority to grant an honorary degree to deserving individuals.
XU was first granted autonomous status in October 2001, then again in 2010, and several extensions in between and thereafter.
“Let us thank the Good Lord for this important recognition of the tremendous work being done by all in Xavier in pursuit of our mission as a Filipino, Catholic, Jesuit university educating men and women for others,” said XU president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ in his message to the academic community.
“May this recognition inspire us to strive more vigorously towards our vision to become a leading ASEAN university forming leaders of character by 2033,” Yap added.
This achievement comes on the heels of the CHED declaration of XU as a “Delivering Higher Educational Institution (DHEI)” for its graduate programs. As DHEI, XU can now offer host-based master’s and doctoral degree courses in Northern Mindanao.
Notably, in March 2010, CHED also bestowed an Award of Distinction to XU.
Earlier this year, various programs of the university were recognized as Centers of Excellence and Development by CHED while maintaining high levels of PAASCU accreditation.
XU has Centers of Excellence in Teacher Education and Agriculture, and Centers of Development in English Literature, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
Established in 1933 by Archbishop James TG Hayes SJ, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan is the first and oldest university in Mindanao and the first school granted with university status among all Ateneos in the country.