UC-BCF considered for full curricular deregulation

August 27, 2006

The University of the Cordilleras, formerly Baguio Colleges Foundation (UC-BCF) is being considered for an autonomous status or full deregulation from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Once fully deregulated, UC-BCF can offer new courses without need for prior government approval, among other benefits.

That is if UC-BCF will pass all the requirements for a level III accreditation of the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). The accrediting team visited UC-BCF last August 14 and 15 to validate standards of quality and excellence in higher education, specifically of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration and Teacher Education which have already attained level II accreditation.

Other colleges are gearing for level two accreditation such as the College of Information and Computing Sciences. The College of Criminal Justice Education which has placed UC-BCF on top of all criminology schools in the country for 19 consecutive times in the licensure examinations has also attained level II accreditation but from PACUCOA, another accrediting body covering criminology courses.

Presently, UC-BCF is already enjoying full administrative deregulation from CHED for attaining level I and II PAASCU eccreditation in at least three colleges. Administrative deregulation from CHED allows UC-BCF to revise curricula and issue registration number of graduates. Privileges includes funding assistance, subsidy for faculty development and limited visitation, inspection and supervision by CHED.

Dr. Cleofas Basaen, Dean of Graduate School and assigned Accreditation Survey Executive hopes that the PAASCU Acrediting team will issue a "Clean Accreditation" report. Dr. Basaen explained that the evaluation report will be used to apply for a level III accreditation.

Accordingly, UC-BCF gained Level I in 1997 during the preliminary survey followed by a formal survey in 1999 for level II then the first re-accreditation for level II in 2002.

UC Management is optimistic of the positive visit results to be released in at least four months.

The PAASCU accrediting team was chaired by Dr. Herminia Torres of De La Salle University. She led ten others in assessing UC's academic records and instruction, including administrative programs, library, physical plant, student services, laboratories, and community extension services.*

UC Photos

MORE UC PHOTOS