Iloilo City, Philippines – The University of San Agustín (USA) continues to uphold its legacy of academic distinction by embracing a culture of continuous improvement in education, research, and service. Through rigorous accreditation, strategic internationalization, and robust quality assurance initiatives, the university reaffirms its mission to foster innovation, uphold global standards, and provide transformative learning experiences for its community.
Accreditation remains central to USA’s pursuit of academic excellence. By voluntarily undergoing stringent external evaluations, the University demonstrates its adherence to the highest standards. Recent milestones include the Junior High School’s clean slate re-accreditation, bringing it closer to Level III status, while programs like Medical Technology, Biology, Psychology, Communication, Philosophy, Education, Business Administration, have secured five-year reaccreditation.
In preparation for the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) assessment in November 2025, USA is ensuring that self-assessment reports are concise, evidence-based, and aligned with international benchmarks. This process not only validates the University’s programs but also fosters a culture of self-reflection and sustained growth.
USA is committed to refining its academic offerings to align with industry advancements and societal needs. The university is actively working toward autonomous status from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), addressing key requirements such as:
- Program Recognition: Ensuring accurate documentation of government-recognized programs.
- Faculty Development: Aligning instructor qualifications with CHED standards and increasing the number of full-time, highly qualified faculty members.
- Enhanced Grievance Mechanisms: Strengthening complaint resolution processes to uphold institutional integrity.
Additionally, the USA is transitioning to the ISO 21001:2018 standards, a specialized quality management system for educational institutions. A comprehensive Quality Manual has been developed to guide this shift, reinforcing the university’s commitment to operational excellence.
Education knows no borders, and the USA is steadfast in integrating global perspectives into its academic framework. The establishment of an Internationalization Office marks a significant step toward fostering partnerships with prestigious institutions worldwide, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, and positioning the university for inclusion in global rankings such as the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. These initiatives enrich the learning environment, broaden opportunities for stakeholders, and solidify USA’s reputation as a globally connected institution.
Quality assurance mechanisms are integral to USA’s journey toward continuous improvement. By adopting internationally recognized standards, the university ensures that its administrative and academic processes are efficient, transparent, and mission driven. This commitment not only enhances institutional effectiveness but also builds trust among students, faculty, and partners.
Strategic Priorities for 2025 and Beyond
To sustain momentum, the USA has outlined key priorities:
Updating curricula to meet evolving industry demands.
Investing in faculty development through advanced training and research opportunities.
Upgrading campus infrastructure, including security systems and internet connectivity.
Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, University President, emphasized the collective effort behind these advancements: “Our pursuit of excellence is rooted in our Augustinian values. By achieving autonomous status, international recognition, and higher accreditation levels, we reaffirm our commitment to providing transformative education. As USA moves forward, it remains dedicated to empowering its community, fostering innovation, and contributing meaningfully to society— 120 years of Augustinian excellence in Virtus et Scientia.
Source: USA