AAOU Accreditation Team, UPOU CAC officials and other office/unit heads, and UPOU QAC members during the opening ceremony of the accreditation
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) has successfully completed the institutional accreditation process of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU), marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of quality and excellence in distance education. The accreditation process took place from 5 to 7 November 2024 at the UPOU Audio-Visual Room. This three-day event was organized by the UPOU Quality Assurance Office (QAO) in coordination with all UPOU offices and units.
Chaired by Prof. Kam Cheong Li, Dean of the School of Open Learning at Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), the AAOU Accreditation Team included Prof. Dr. Paulina Pannen, M.L.S., senior expert from the Cyber Education Institute at Universitas Terbuka and Dr. Alyssa Peleo-Alampay, local expert and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs overseeing QA for the UP System. Ms. Shaira Tanay served as the Accreditation Team Coordinator.
(from left to right) AAOU Accreditation Team: Ms. Shaira Tanay, Prof. Kam Cheong Li, Prof. Paulina Pannen, and Prof. Alyssa Peleo-Alampay
The AAOU QA-Based Accreditation Process is a thorough framework aimed at evaluating and accrediting institutions affiliated with AAOU, as well as those offering technology-enhanced and technology-mediated higher education, particularly in response to the challenges presented by technological disruptions.
At the opening ceremony held on the first day of the accreditation process, Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria delivered a welcome address in which she expressed her gratitude to the accreditation team and recognized the collaborative effort behind the university’s preparation, acknowledging the extensive work invested in the Self-Assessment Report (SAR).
Dr. Aurora Lacaste, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of QAO, facilitated the introduction of the AAOU Accreditation Team, along with members of the Chancellor’s Advisory Council (CAC) and other office/unit heads.
(left) UPOU Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria delivering the welcome address for the AAOU Institutional Accreditation and (right) QAO-OIC Aurora Lacaste introducing the AAOU Accreditation Team
Additionally, Prof. Kam Cheong Li presented an overview of the accreditation process, emphasizing the importance of upholding quality as a fundamental aspect of educational delivery.
Prof. Kam Cheong Li giving an overview of the purpose and significance of the accreditation process
Following the opening ceremony, interviews were conducted with selected internal and external stakeholders. A total of 78 individuals participated in these interviews, including 11 students, 7 alumni, and 5 employers, as well as UPOU office and unit heads, representatives from both academic and support staff, and members of the SAR Writing Team.
Additionally, a facility visit was carried out to evaluate both the physical and virtual resources of the university. This physical facilities tour provided an opportunity to review various offices within the administration building dedicated to delivering essential academic support services, as well as the multimedia production facilities, which play a vital role in the development of high-quality educational content for distance learning initiatives.
The virtual facilities visit focused on the digital resources and systems managed by various units and offices, which are integral to the delivery of accessible, high-quality open and distance education. The visit showcased key facilities that support institutional information management and provide essential academic resources, which are crucial for instructional delivery and student services. Additionally, the visit also highlighted facilities that underpin UPOU’s financial and administrative operations, ensuring efficient management and streamlined services for both students and staff.
(from left to right; top to bottom) AAOU Accreditation Team during the physical and virtual facilities visit
The AAOU Accreditation Team also held a meeting with the UPOU Quality Assurance Office (QAO) to gather and discuss the office’s feedback on the overall accreditation system, including the accreditation instrument.
QA Team with VCAA Primo Garcia during the meeting with the Accreditation Team for the improvement of the AAOU accreditation system
To conclude the accreditation process, the AAOU Accreditation Team, led by Prof. Kam Cheong Li, presented the preliminary results of their evaluation. Prof. Li commended UPOU for its strengths and potentials and offered strategic recommendations to further enhance UPOU’s educational offerings and ensure continued growth and excellence.
(left) Prof. Kam Cheong Li during the presentation of the accreditation results and (right) the awarding of the certificate of accreditation to UPOU by the AAOU Accreditation Team
Chancellor Bandalaria concluded the accreditation process by recognizing the collective efforts of the university community for their invaluable contributions at every stage of the accreditation journey.
UPOU Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria delivering the closing remarks during the closing ceremony of the AAOU accreditation
The successful completion of the AAOU accreditation process reinforces UPOU’s ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards in open and distance learning education. It also affirms the university’s leadership in distance learning innovation and its dedication to providing quality, accessible education. Building on the accreditation results, UPOU will continue to pursue excellence by incorporating the recommendations from the accreditation team, further enhancing its educational offerings and ensuring sustained growth beyond this achievement.
Written by LStaAna & MPisueña ♦ Edited by Dr. Aurora V. Lacaste ♦ Contributed by the UPOU Quality Assurance Office
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