Joyfully Grateful (HE Memo#Y3.18)

HE Memo#Y3.18
2 April 2025

It is with deep appreciation that we express joyful gratitude for the dedication and steadfast support of many in our community during the 2025 Graduate Programs PAASCU Visit. I would like to acknowledge, specifically, an entire cast of characters that propelled the processes from start to finish: the Deans, Chairs, and Program Directors as well as the staff in these offices; the Chairs, Co-Chairs, and Members of the Self-Survey Report Committees; students, faculty, professionals, and administrators who were interviewed; employers, alumni, and community engagement partners who were interviewed/visited by the accreditors; ushers and grad student volunteers who patiently did their tour of duty; the CFMO team; the DITS team; the design team that made the exhibit hall congenial for accreditors to view the items on display and a cozy space for their relaxation and meetings too; the Office of the VP for Mission Integration together with the AVPs under this cluster; the Strategy and Quality Management Office; the team in the Office of the VP for Higher Education; the team in the Office of the Assistant VP for Graduate Education.

When we come face to face with a grand operation such as a PAASCU visit, the proverb ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ becomes an extrapolated reality, that is, that everyone’s generosity with their time and expertise, their thoughtful presence and interaction at the interviews and other events, and their creative responses in emergent situations – all these were crucial in helping us achieve this milestone. We are truly grateful for your collaboration.

A special vote of thanks to Ixie Alejo, Quality Management and Accreditation Head at SQMO; Anne Candelaria, AVP-GE and Deputy Chair of the 2025 Grad PAASCU; Ellen Abrantes, Policy Development and Quality Assurance Officer; and Ana Santiago, Senior Graduate Student Life Officer and former Graduate Assistant for PAASCU of the OAVP-GE, for their tireless efforts at making sure that things were properly attended to.

To ensure continuous improvement, we shall be reaching out to you, through the Office of the Assistant VP for Graduate Education, to conduct a post-accreditation evaluation.  This will allow us to gather your feedback and document the experience, enabling us to refine and enhance our preparation for future accreditation visits.

Thank you once again for your invaluable contributions. We look forward to your insights.