The AUN-QA team, identified through the blue and red logo on their jacket, with the UPMin officials and programs faculty

UP Mindanao's BS Biology and BS Computer Science programs were assessed at the 392nd ASEAN Universities Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Program Level Assessment from June 11 to 13, 2024. Simultaneously, UP Visayas also had two programs assessed. 

UP Mindanao Chancellor Prof. Lyre Anni Murao, together with Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Annabelle Novero, Vice Chancellor for Administration a/Prof. Leo Manuel Estaña and Dean Prof. Cleto Nañola of the College of Science and Mathematics welcomed the AUN-QA Secretariat and Assessors at the university atrium.

The assessment officially commenced with a brief program at the Lorenzo Hall, UP Mindanao.

"Quality Assurance (QA) is an integral exercise for the University's growth and performance as it reinforces our core values of honor, excellence, and public service," said Chancellor Murao in her welcome remarks. "Our commitment to QA is reflected in the newly implemented Quality Assurance Office, which shall sustain the university's culture of quality," she said.

In his opening remarks, Chief Assessor Prof. Wan Ahmad Kamil Mahmood, PhD, said, "The initial reasons for the establishment of the AUN itself were about harmonizing and making the higher education of the region equally understood, as we come from different colonial masters."

In the afternoon session, the AUN-QA assessors for BS Biology, namely, Prof. Wan Ahmad Kamil Mahmood and Associate Prof. Boonparasert Surakratanasakul; the assessors for BS Computer Science, Prof. Hanna H. Bachtiar-Iskandar and Dr. Aidil Azli bin Alias; and AUN-QA officer Ms. Sirinya Jorsungnern conducted a site visit to various university offices, followed by a visit to the College of Science and Mathematics. 

The site visits were facilitated by the Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies Chairperson Assoc. Prof. Junaldo Mantiquilla, the Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Chairperson Assoc. Prof. Cinmayii Manliguez, and Quality Assurance Office Director Assoc. Prof. Ritchie Mae Gamot.

Earning AUN-QA accreditation facilitates the regional mobility of UPMin's faculty and students. Students may cross-enroll and earn academic credits from other ASEAN universities, and faculty members may receive visiting faculty appointments and collaborate on research, among other privileges. Additionally, AUN-QA accreditation helps industries identify qualified personnel through this internationally recognized quality reference.

The AUN-QA assessment is in line with the UP and UPMin's plans for university-wide quality assurance. It also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal for Quality Education.