Embrace the soaring spirit: SOAR returns to empower student organizations in Ateneo

The Student Organizations Assessment and Review (SOAR) is back, offering an exciting opportunity for student organizations to flourish and make a lasting impact. 

Comprising six dynamic phases, the SOAR process has already kickstarted with sixty-two (62) LS-registered organizations actively engaging in engaging stakeholders' meetings. This means that each college student organization has a chance to shine and showcase its unique contributions to the University community.

SOAR, the University's student organization assessment and accreditation process, was created to recognize and support your leadership journey. Developed in accordance with the guidelines outlined by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), SOAR promotes a participatory approach to accreditation, ensuring that you have a voice in shaping the process.

Instituted in 2018, SOAR replaces the previous Performance Management System for Student Organizations, emphasizing a more inclusive and student-centered approach. The Loyola Schools Office of Student Activities (OSA) and its stakeholders have conducted extensive research and review to tailor this process to your specific needs and aspirations.

After a temporary suspension in 2020 due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, SOAR is now relaunching to empower you and your organization. Recognizing the importance of your academic journey and well-being, the hiatus allowed you to focus on your online studies and prioritize your mental and physical health.

The six phase SOAR process began with a submission of a letter of intent (LOI) to particpate, and a self-evaluation phase utilizing the 77-statement Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) that both took place in late 2022. At the beginning of the year, SOAR continued with an org-wide Stakeholders' Meeting, where fellow organizations members can engage with important stakeholders, gather valuable feedback, and collaborate to shape the future of your organization.

The next step involves consolidating the SAQ output and Stakeholders' Meeting results into a comprehensive report and recommendation. The assigned OSA Student Affairs Professional (SAP) then makes a final report summarizing all the submitted documents to which the LS Student Organization Accreditation Committee (SOAC) evaluates and gives that final accreditation status of applying student organizations. The SOAC is composed of representatives from the OSA, the Sanggunian, the Council of Organizations of the Ateneo-Manila (COA-M), and the Loyola Schools faculty.

But that's not all! The culmination of SOAR will be an exciting event called Hinirang: The SOAR Recognition Gala and New Student Leaders Induction Ceremony. Scheduled for June 21st at the Leong Hall Auditorium, this celebration will honor achievements and award official accreditation certificates to accredited student organizations.

To learn more about the SOAR (Student Organizations Assessment and Review) process and how you can participate, make sure to visit our dedicated microsite at go.ateneo.edu/osa-soar. For any questions or clarifications, reach out to the Office of Student Activities at osa.ls@ateneo.edu.