Direction, Strategic Objectives and Main Functions

 

Introduction to the Framework

The mandate of the Office of Graduate Studies is expressed through three dimensions:

• Direction outlines the long-term vision that guides OGS in line with the mission of Xavier Ateneo.
• Strategic Priorities define the key initiatives that shape how the office fulfills its vision.
• Main Functions specify the concrete responsibilities and services the office carries out in collaboration with colleges, faculty, and students.

 

A. Direction

The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) is guided by the Vision and Mission of Xavier Ateneo. By 2033, the University seeks to be a leading Graduate School in the ASEAN region, recognized for ethical leadership, academic excellence, and impactful research that addresses national and regional needs.

As a CHED-recognized delivering institution, OGS provides academic oversight of graduate programs, focusing on program quality, faculty capacity, student formation, and research innovation. It serves as the coordinating hub that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthens external partnerships, and cultivates a culture of scholarly engagement.

 

B. Strategic Priorities

The following strategic initiatives define the direction of the Office of Graduate Studies:

1. Quality Assurance and Outcomes-Based Education
   • Strengthen curriculum design and delivery in compliance with CHED policies, accreditation standards (PAASCU, AUN-QA), and ASEAN Graduate Network benchmarks.
   • Promote Outcomes-Based Education (OBE), where teaching, learning, and assessment are anchored on clearly defined graduate attributes and measurable outcomes.
2. Faculty Advancement and Capacity Building
   • Provide training, mentoring, and research opportunities for graduate faculty to strengthen teaching expertise, research competencies, and engagement.
   • Facilitate faculty mobility, mentorship programs, and opportunities for scholarly collaboration.
3. Graduate Student Support, Formation, and Scholarships
   • Provide academic advising, research mentorship, and career guidance.
   • Facilitate graduate student formation through leadership, ethics, and service-oriented activities.
   • Administer financial assistance, merit-based and need-based scholarships, and research funding opportunities.
4. Research and Scholarly Engagement
   • Promote graduate research through initiatives such as the Xavier Ateneo Graduate Journal, Graduate Research Forum, and Research Capability Lectures.
   • Support interdisciplinary, community-based, and policy-relevant research addressing national and global challenges.
5. External and Industry Linkages
   • Build partnerships with universities, professional networks, and industry sectors to enrich graduate learning.
   • Expand opportunities for faculty and student exchanges, joint research, and collaborative programs.
6. Program Evaluation and Monitoring
   • Implement systematic evaluation of graduate programs to assess quality, outcomes, and effectiveness.
   • Utilize data-driven performance monitoring and stakeholder feedback to enhance academic offerings.

 

C. Main Functions

The Office of Graduate Studies assists colleges in conducting graduate programs and supports Xavier Ateneo graduate students through the following functions:

1. Academic Oversight and Compliance
   • Coordinate with colleges to comply with CHED directives and accreditation standards, particularly:
     • CMO 15, s. 2019: Policies, Standards & Guidelines for Graduate Programs
     • CMO 46, s. 2012: Quality Assurance in Higher Education through Outcomes-Based and Typology-Based QA
     • CMO 40, s. 2008: Manual of Regulations for Higher Education

2. Program Evaluation and Monitoring
   • Oversee graduate program evaluation and monitoring in partnership with colleges.
   • Assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and integrate accreditation feedback into program enhancement.
3. Graduate Faculty Capacity-building
   • Support faculty through mentoring, training, and scholarly engagement tailored to graduate-level instruction and research.
4. Graduate Student Services and Formation
   • Provide structured academic advising, research mentorship, and access to learning resources.
   • Implement student formation, wellness, and leadership initiatives.
5. Scholarship and Financial Aid Administration
   • Coordinate scholarship and financial aid administration in alignment with CHED policies as a designated delivering institution

6. Research, Publication, and Engagement
   • Organize research-focused activities such as the Graduate Forum and Capability Lectures.
   • Publish the Xavier Ateneo Graduate Journal as a platform for research dissemination.