Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities PAASCU

Overview

The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) is a private, voluntary, non-profit, and non-stock corporation established in 1957. Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines, PAASCU is the country's oldest accrediting agency. It serves as a key institution in promoting quality education by accrediting academic programs and institutions across various educational levels, from basic education to higher education. PAASCU's accreditation process is characterized by a developmental approach that emphasizes continuous improvement and alignment with national and international standards.

History and Legal Framework

PAASCU was founded in 1957 as a response to the growing need for quality assurance in Philippine education. It was established to provide a systematic and objective evaluation of educational institutions and programs. Over the years, PAASCU has evolved to address the changing educational landscape, incorporating new standards and practices to ensure the relevance and quality of education. The organization operates under the legal framework provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission, adhering to regulations that govern non-profit corporations in the Philippines.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

PAASCU's mission is to promote quality education among its member institutions through voluntary accreditation. Its vision is to be a leading accrediting agency that fosters a culture of excellence in education. The core objectives of PAASCU include:

• Accrediting academic programs and institutions to ensure they meet established quality standards.
• Providing a framework for continuous improvement in educational practices.
• Supporting member institutions in achieving their educational goals and objectives.
• Engaging in research and development to enhance accreditation processes.
• Collaborating with national and international organizations to align with global best practices.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

PAASCU operates as an autonomous entity governed by a Board of Trustees elected from its member institutions. The Board is responsible for setting policies, strategic direction, and overseeing the organization's activities. The day-to-day operations are managed by a Secretariat, which implements the Board's directives and ensures the smooth functioning of accreditation processes. PAASCU maintains its independence by being a non-stock, non-profit organization, allowing it to focus solely on its mission without external commercial influences.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

PAASCU plays a pivotal role in the Philippine higher education system by accrediting academic programs and institutions. Its accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation based on established quality standards. These standards cover various aspects of education, including curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, student services, and research capabilities. The accreditation process is voluntary, allowing institutions to seek accreditation when they believe they meet the necessary criteria. PAASCU's approach emphasizes self-assessment, continuous improvement, and alignment with national and international standards, thereby contributing to the overall enhancement of educational quality in the Philippines.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

PAASCU actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the quality of education in the Philippines. It is a founding member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), established in 1991, and the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN), founded in 2003. These memberships enable PAASCU to align its accreditation processes with global best practices and participate in international dialogues on quality assurance in education. Additionally, PAASCU has been recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education for its accreditation of medical programs, underscoring its commitment to maintaining high standards in specialized fields.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

PAASCU's accreditation activities continue to significantly influence the landscape of higher education in the Philippines. By setting and upholding rigorous quality standards, PAASCU ensures that educational institutions provide programs that are relevant, effective, and responsive to the needs of students and society. The organization's emphasis on continuous improvement encourages institutions to innovate and adapt to changing educational demands. Looking forward, PAASCU aims to expand its reach, enhance its accreditation processes, and further contribute to the development of a robust and globally competitive higher education system in the Philippines.

Summary

The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) stands as a cornerstone in the Philippine education sector, dedicated to promoting and ensuring quality education through its voluntary accreditation processes. Established in 1957, PAASCU has played a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape by setting high standards and fostering continuous improvement among educational institutions. Its active participation in international networks and commitment to excellence positions PAASCU as a leading accrediting agency in the region, contributing to the advancement of education both nationally and globally.

FAQs

1. What is PAASCU?

   PAASCU is the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities, a private, voluntary, non-profit, and non-stock corporation established in 1957 to promote quality education through voluntary accreditation.

2. When was PAASCU founded?

   PAASCU was founded in 1957 to provide a systematic and objective evaluation of educational institutions and programs in the Philippines.

3. What does PAASCU do?

   PAASCU accredits academic programs and institutions across various educational levels, ensuring they meet established quality standards and fostering continuous improvement in educational practices.

4. Is PAASCU recognized internationally?

   Yes, PAASCU is a founding member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) and the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN), and has been recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education for its accreditation of medical programs.

5. How does PAASCU impact higher education?

   PAASCU influences higher education by setting rigorous quality standards, encouraging continuous improvement, and ensuring that educational institutions provide relevant and effective programs that meet the needs of students and society.

Organization Name

Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities

Acronym

PAASCU

Year of Establishment

5/11/1957

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Department of Education, Philippines

Affiliations or Memberships

Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP); International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE); Asia-PAcific Quality Network (APQN)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

P. Tuazon Streets J.P. Rizal corner
Quezon City
National Capital Region Philippines

Phone

+63 (2) 911 2845

Fax

+63 (2) 911 0807

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities's Wikipedia article

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other Philippine higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in the Philippines.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.