The programs BS Food Technology and BS Environmental Science from the College of Science (COS) formally received their certificates as Level II Re-Accredited programs from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) earlier today (March 23, 2023) at the TSU Alumni Center in Lucinda Campus.
Organized by the Quality Assurance Office (QAO), the event is not only an awarding ceremony but also a discussion of their accreditation results, especially the recommendations of the accreditors.
From the AACCUP report, the BS Food Technology program garnered the highest mean in the areas of library, faculty, and physical plant and facilities with ratings of 3.95, 3.82, and 3.70, respectively. The program's grand mean is 3.61, equivalent to a very satisfactory descriptive rating.
Likewise, the BS Environmental Science program recorded a very satisfactory overall descriptive rating with a 3.74 grand mean. The program scored highest in the instruction, faculty, and library areas, with 4.11, 4.07, and 3.95 ratings.
The Level II Re-Accredited status of the two programs is valid from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2026.
In the awarding ceremony, TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco congratulated the accredited programs and expressed his gratitude towards COS Dean Prof. Mary Jane N. Rigor, the BS Food Technology and BS Environmental Science chairpersons, and the faculty members and non-academic staff involved in the survey visit.
“Makakaasa po kayo na 100% -- kung pwede pa dagdagan ng 101% -- ang support to all the endeavors of the university… Makakaasa po kayo. ‘Wag kayong mahiya at wala naman pong mawawala kung napapagusapan. If we really united, then wala pong mahirap sa nagkakaisang Tarlac State University,” Pres. Velasco said.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg also congratulated the two programs for their efforts and determination. She showed aspiration to go beyond the AACCUP's minimum standards.
“Here at TSU, we [always consider] accreditation as our way of life already,” she added.
Meanwhile, Dean Rigor acknowledged the workforce behind this achievement during her closing remarks.
“Everything happens for a purpose and for a reason. Every day is accreditation. We will not stop there na kampante po tayo. So, in order to achieve higher accreditation, this [is] for us to prepare ourselves with all the recommendations,” she said.
Certificates of commendation for the accredited programs were awarded by Pres. Velasco and VP Macaraeg.
Moreover, QAO Director Dr. Niño B. Corpuz discussed the accreditation results and recommendations emphasizing the areas for improvement, namely research, support to students, and laboratories for BS Food Technology and extension and community involvement, support to students, laboratories, and administration for BS Environmental Science.
"If the recommendations are difficult to achieve, then we have to find an alternative solution to improve these areas," Dr. Corpuz said.
The said programs underwent the Level II Phase 3 survey visit last September 12-15, 2022. These were the last to be accredited by the AACCUP last year.
