Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines AACCUP

Overview

The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) is a non-profit organization established to evaluate and accredit academic programs in state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the Philippines. Founded in 1987 and officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 4, 1989, AACCUP aims to enhance the quality of higher education by promoting continuous improvement and accountability within academic institutions. According to uniRank, AACCUP is recognized as the primary accrediting body for public higher education institutions in the country.

History and Legal Framework

AACCUP was initiated in 1987 by a group of educators who recognized the need for a dedicated accrediting agency for state universities and colleges. The organization was formally established in 1989 and is registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines. AACCUP operates under the guidelines set forth by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and is a member of the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP), which coordinates accreditation activities among various accrediting bodies in the country. As of 2005, AACCUP had a membership of 101 out of the 111 state universities and colleges, as well as three local colleges and one foreign university, with membership numbers continuing to grow.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

AACCUP's mission is to develop and implement a mechanism for evaluating and accrediting academic programs in state universities and colleges, thereby promoting quality assurance and continuous improvement in higher education. The organization's vision is to be a leading accrediting agency that upholds the highest standards of academic excellence and integrity. AACCUP's objectives include:

• Establishing and maintaining accreditation standards that reflect the needs and expectations of stakeholders.
• Conducting thorough evaluations of academic programs to assess their quality and effectiveness.
• Providing guidance and support to institutions seeking accreditation to enhance their educational offerings.
• Promoting a culture of quality assurance and accountability within higher education institutions.

Governance, Structure and Independence

AACCUP is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of representatives from member institutions. The organization operates with an Executive Director and a team of professional staff who manage the day-to-day activities. The governance structure ensures that decisions are made collaboratively and reflect the diverse interests of its member institutions. AACCUP maintains its independence by adhering to established accreditation standards and processes, separate from governmental influence, while still aligning with national quality expectations set by bodies like CHED.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

AACCUP's primary function is to evaluate and accredit academic programs offered by state universities and colleges. The accreditation process involves a comprehensive assessment based on various criteria, including:

• Mission, goals and objectives
• Curriculum and instruction
• Faculty qualifications and development
• Student support services
• Research and extension services
• Resource management
• Institutional planning and development

Institutions seeking accreditation undergo a self-survey process, followed by a peer review conducted by trained evaluators. The outcome of the evaluation determines the accreditation status, which can range from Level I (initial) to Level IV (highest). This rigorous process ensures that accredited programs meet the established standards of quality and effectiveness.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

AACCUP is a member of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN), an international organization that promotes quality assurance in higher education across the Asia-Pacific region. Through its membership, AACCUP engages in collaborative activities, shares best practices and participates in regional conferences to enhance its accreditation processes. These international partnerships contribute to the continuous improvement of quality assurance mechanisms in Philippine higher education.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

AACCUP's accreditation activities have a significant impact on the landscape of higher education in the Philippines. By setting and upholding high standards, AACCUP encourages institutions to continually improve their academic programs and services. The accreditation process also provides a framework for institutions to demonstrate accountability to stakeholders, including students, parents and government agencies. Looking forward, AACCUP aims to expand its reach, enhance its evaluation methodologies and strengthen its partnerships with international accrediting bodies to further elevate the quality of higher education in the Philippines.

Summary

The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of academic programs in state universities and colleges. Through its rigorous accreditation process, AACCUP promotes continuous improvement, accountability and excellence in higher education. Its membership in international networks further enhances its capacity to contribute to the global discourse on quality assurance in higher education.

FAQs

• What is AACCUP?
  AACCUP is a non-profit organization that accredits academic programs in state universities and colleges in the Philippines, aiming to promote quality assurance and continuous improvement in higher education.
• Why is AACCUP accreditation important?
  Accreditation by AACCUP signifies that an academic program meets established standards of quality and effectiveness, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for professional success.
• How does AACCUP evaluate programs?
  AACCUP evaluates programs through a comprehensive assessment based on criteria such as curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support services and institutional planning, among others.
• Is AACCUP recognized internationally?
  Yes, AACCUP is a member of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN), engaging in collaborative activities and sharing best practices with international accrediting bodies to enhance its accreditation processes.
• How can an institution become accredited by AACCUP?
  Institutions seeking accreditation must undergo a self-survey process, followed by a peer review conducted by trained evaluators, to assess compliance with AACCUP's established standards.

Organization Name

Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines

Acronym

AACCUP

Year of Establishment

1/01/1987

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Department of Education, Philippines

Affiliations or Memberships

National Network of Quality Assurance Agencies (NNQAA); Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN); International Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

4A-B Future Pointة 3 111 Panay Avenue, South Triangle
Quezon City
National Capital Region Philippines

Phone

+63 (2) 961-3317

Fax

+63 (2) 415 8995

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Not available

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