In its continuing pursuit of academic excellence and relevance, Xavier Ateneo conducted a comprehensive two-day university-wide curriculum review on July 14 and 15, 2023. The activity brought together faculty, administrators, alumni, students, and industry partners to critically reflect on the design and delivery of the university’s academic programs, reaffirming Xavier Ateneo’s commitment to form competent, compassionate, and committed graduates who are responsive to the needs of the times.

A vital component of the review was the stakeholders’ consultation, which welcomed feedback and forward-looking insights from alumni, industry partners, and students. Conducted both onsite and online, these consultations served as platforms for dialogue on curriculum effectiveness, employability skills, and emerging trends in professional practice. The curriculum review was guided by the Basic Principles of Curriculum Content articulated by Palma (1952), which remain relevant in contemporary curriculum design:

• Balance (Curriculum content should be fairly distributed in depth and breadth, ensuring that students gain both foundational knowledge and advanced competencies)
• Articulation (As content complexity progresses across educational levels within the same discipline, smooth connections or bridging should be provided to maintain coherence and continuity)
• Sequence (The logical arrangement of content is essential. Topics should follow a progressive order that builds upon prior learning and prepares students for more complex concepts)
• Integration (Curriculum content does not stand alone. It must demonstrate relatedness and connectedness to other disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary learning and holistic education)
• Continuity (Curriculum should exhibit a continuous flow, linking past learning to present applications and future advancements, ensuring relevance across time)

By embedding these principles into the review process, Xavier Ateneo ensures that its academic programs remain balanced, articulated, sequenced, integrated, and continuous. This theoretical grounding strengthens the University’s commitment to academic quality, employability, and lifelong learning, preparing graduates to meet the challenges of an ever-changing global landscape.

 

The activity supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.