Listening, Learning, and Leading: How Graduate Studies at Xavier Ateneo Builds Excellence Through Continuous Improvement

 

A Year of Reflection, Research, and Renewal (2024–2025)

At the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS), our mission goes beyond instruction — we listen, learn, and lead through evidence-based improvement.
In 2024–2025, we undertook a full suite of institutional surveys and studies involving graduate students, faculty, alumni, employers, and other stakeholders.
These assessments guide every policy, program, and decision that shapes the graduate experience at Xavier Ateneo – A University forming leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion.

 

1. Graduate Online Enrollment and Admission Satisfaction Survey (Link)

Goal: To evaluate the graduate application, enrollment, and admission experience for both new and returning students.

Highlights:

• 92% of respondents rated the online enrollment system as user-friendly and efficient.
• Students appreciated quick verification turnaround but recommended clearer payment procedures and better real-time updates.
• Respondents valued personal interaction with OGS staff, citing professionalism and responsiveness.

 Actions Taken:

• Streamlined digital admission flow with clearer email notifications and payment guidance.
• Inclusion of this improvement in the 2025–2026 OGS Operational Plan (Project 11 – Information Session & Online Support).

 

2. Stakeholder Assessment of Recruitment, Selection, Admission, Retention, and Graduation Policies (Link)

Goal: To ensure graduate academic policies remain transparent, fair, and inclusive.

Findings:

• Faculty and coordinators found current admission and retention policies clear but recommended standardized communication of requirements.
• 87% supported reintroducing Graduate Admission Exams for quality assurance and academic readiness checks.
• Stakeholders emphasized timely dissemination of graduation requirements and feedback loops for academic appeals.

Actions Taken:

• Drafting of Terms of Reference for Graduate Coordinators to strengthen policy implementation.
• Findings integrated into BOT Reports (Jan–May & Sept–Nov 2024) and Five-Year Plan Area 2.

 

3. Graduate Student Satisfaction Survey on University Services (Link)

Goal: To assess the quality of support services available to graduate students (library, health, canteen, guidance, alumni, etc.).

Findings:

• High satisfaction (91%) with library resources and digital databases.
• Students requested longer library hours and access to more online journals.
• Satisfaction with campus parking, canteen facilities, and health service responsiveness.

Actions Taken:

• Results presented in BOT Reports (Sept–Nov 2024) as part of continuous service enhancement.

 

4. Graduate Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey (Link)

Goal: To measure perceptions of teaching, learning, and overall academic experience from multiple perspectives — students, alumni, and faculty.

Findings:

• 93% rated academic rigor and faculty competence as excellent.
• Alumni appreciated program relevance and the Jesuit formative experience.
• Identified need for stronger communication channels and timely feedback from instructors.

Actions Taken:

• Developed a Faculty Mentoring and Evaluation Tool anchored on learning outcomes and student engagement.
• Institutionalized the Graduate Lecture Series (2024–2025) focusing on mentoring, leadership, and ethical research.
• Key results cited in BOT Report (May–Aug 2024) and Operational Plan Item 15 – Graduate Forum.

 

5. Employer Satisfaction Survey (Link)

Goal: To determine how well Xavier Ateneo graduate programs prepare alumni for industry and public service roles.

Findings:

• Employers rated graduates highly for ethical integrity, critical thinking, and leadership readiness.
• Recommended enhancing communication and managerial competencies and data analytics training for relevance in a digital economy.
• Industry respondents expressed willingness to partner in practicum and policy research projects.

Actions Taken:

• Conducted Curriculum Day 2025 with employers and alumni.
• Integrated feedback into OBE-based curriculum updates for the MBA, DBA, and PhD programs.
• Reflected in BOT Reports (May–Aug 2025) and Year-End Review 2025.

 

6. Graduate Program Mission, Vision, and Goals (MVG) Survey (Link)

Goal: To assess awareness and alignment of stakeholders with OGS’s Vision and Mission.

Findings:

• 96% affirmed that the mission reflects Xavier Ateneo’s Jesuit identity and pursuit of excellence.
• Participants recommended clarifying goals to highlight interdisciplinary learning and ASEAN engagement.

Actions Taken:

• Initiated MVG refinement (2024–2025) aligned with the XU Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
• Results fed into Operational Plan Item 6: “Refine OGS Functions and Mandate.”

 

7. Xavier Ateneo Higher Education Alumni Tracer Study (Link)

Goal: To track graduate alumni career trajectories and measure long-term program impact.

Findings:

• 81% of graduates employed full-time within six months of graduation.
• Most serve in leadership roles in education, health, and governance sectors.
• 88% credited Xavier Ateneo with equipping them with strong ethical grounding and problem-solving skills.

Actions Taken:

• Outcomes presented in BOT Reports (Jan–May 2024) and Operational Plan Item 8.

 

8. Graduate Student Needs Assessment Survey (Link)

Goal: To identify academic and logistical needs of current graduate students.

Findings:

• Top needs: qualified mentors (70%), access to funding for research, flexibility in class scheduling.
• Students valued virtual lectures and hybrid setups for working professionals.

 Actions Taken:

• Drafted Distance Education Plan (Operational Plan Item 9) for AY 2026–2027.
• Included in BOT Reports (Nov 2024–Feb 2025) and Year-End Review 2025.

 

9. Graduate Mentoring Needs Assessment Survey (Link)

Goal: To strengthen mentoring relationships between faculty and graduate students.

Findings:

• 87% of students considered mentoring essential to their success.
• Common needs: clearer guidance schedules, better mentor-mentee pairing, more research supervision workshops.

Actions Taken:

• Formulated the Graduate Mentoring Program (launched Feb 2025) with a structured evaluation tool.
• Mentor–mentee orientation conducted with strong positive feedback.
• Included in BOT Reports (May–Aug 2025) and the Five-Year QA Plan (Area 2).

 

From Surveys to Solutions: A Living QA Framework

Together, these nine surveys demonstrate how data drives transformation at Xavier Ateneo Graduate Studies:

• Plan: Identify needs and challenges through research and consultation.
• Do: Implement responsive, stakeholder-driven initiatives.
• Check: Evaluate progress through BOT reports and QA reviews.
• Act: Integrate learnings into operational and five-year plans.

This living process ensures that every Xavier Ateneo graduate program remains responsive, globally aligned, and firmly rooted in Jesuit excellence.

 

🕊️ Join Us in Our Mission

At the Office of Graduate Studies, every voice counts. Through listening, collaboration, and continuous reflection, we transform feedback into meaningful action.