University of San Jose – Recoletos officials, staff engage in benchmarking visit at Ateneo

Representatives from the University of San Jose – Recoletos' (USJ-R) School of Arts and Sciences, led by Mr Amadeo F Narca, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, visited Ateneo de Manila on 17 July 2023. The USJ-R representatives visited Ateneo for benchmarking as part of their efforts for reaccreditation with the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU).

Accompanying Dean Narca were Dr Marietta D Bongcales, Chairperson, Department of Languages and Literature; Mr Allan G Quiñanola, Chairperson, Department of Languages and Literature; Ms Julit C Jainar, Focal Person, Department of Journalism and Communication; and Ms Niel Bird Canoy, Administrative Assistant.

The visit started with a meeting at Faber Hall where Dr Alma Salvador PhD of the Strategy and Quality Management Office (SQMO) introduced Ateneo's vision and mission, as well as the Lux in Domino 2030 goals. In addition, she also discussed how the metrics for quality assurance in Ateneo were monitored.

Representatives from Ateneo's School of Social Sciences (SoSS), School of Science and Engineering (SoSE), and School of Humanities (SoH) then took to the floor to discuss their schools and their programs. Representing SoSS were Dr Liane Alampay, Chairperson, Department of Psychology; Mr Aaron Vicencio, Director, Eugenio Lopez Jr Center for Multimedia Communication; and Dr Alma Salvador, Associate Professor, Political Science Department.

SoSE was represented by Dr Patricia Angela Abu, Chairperson, Department of Information Systems and Computer Science; Dr Erees Queen Macabebe, Chairperson, Department of Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering; and Dr Eden Delight Miro, Chairperson, Department of Mathematics.

Finally, SoH was represented by  Dr Jonathan Chua, Dean, School of Humanities; Dr Patricia Lambino, Associate Dean, School of Humanities; Fr Rogel Abais SJ, Theology & Ministry Program; Dr Marianne Perfecto, English Department; Dr Edgar Samar, Filipino Department; and Dr Wilhelm Strebel, Philosophy Department.

Following this, Ms Ma Cristina Alikpala, Assistant Vice President for University Partnerships and Internationalization moderated an open discussion.

Finally, the guests from USJ-R were given a tour of the campus by Ms Meyanne Cortezano of the University Marketing and Communications Office. The tour included visits to the Ateneo Laboratory for the Learning Sciences, the Rizal Libary Special Collections, and the Areté's Hyundai Hall and Makerspace, before convening for lunch at the International Residence Hall.