UNSTOPPABLE. It is always true that real character will be revealed in tough times.

As pandemic situation continues to affect higher education systems, the Pangasinan State University Lingayen Campus is unstoppable with its pursuit to escalate curricular standards as it undergoes the first-ever virtual accreditation on October 12-16, 2020.

With the supervision of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), three programs namely: Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, pushes the Level II Accreditation after its supposed face-to-face evaluation last March.

“The virtual accreditation is more challenging in terms of digitization and securing of documents. Since it is a new platform, the team is doing its best as if we are with the accreditors physically,” said Dr. Elbert M. Galas, Vice President for Quality Assurance.

Unlike the usual documentation, the paperless assessment and evaluation will be conducted via program website linked to google drive for the digitized document browsing.

“On the end of the accreditors, it will also be a challenge for them to make intervention on how to holistically assess the programs, especially on conducting interviews and site visits,” Dr. Galas added.

Moreover, the programs to be accredited mechanized an intervention to include virtual tours, testimonials, and video documentations to give ease with the challenge of virtual accreditation.

On the first day, the accreditation program commenced through an opening program held at Dr. Telesforo N. Boquiren Convention Hall which was also attended by the eight accreditors led by AACCUP Executive Director, Dr. Milabel E. Ho, via zoom.

Along with Dr. Ho are Dr. Nemia M. Galang, Dr. Charlotte B. Carandang, Prof. Roy J. Garbin, Dr. Melanie R. Albarracin, Prof. Marlon R. Perena, Dr. Ronald M. Ramirez and Dr. Jeaneth F. Darroca who will assess the ten areas on Mission, Goals and Objectives; Faculty; Curriculum and Instruction; Students; Research; Extension and Community Involvement; Library; Physical Facilities; Laboratories and Administration.

After the opening, a simultaneous meeting with all the area chairpersons was conducted per program powered by the Microsoft Teams, the learning management system of the school. The results of the accreditation is expected to be given on the last day of the event which will be on October 16 (Friday).  /mmpd