Article by: Robert Kobe T. Garcia
Graphics by: Therese Anne B. Cruz
Two academic programs from Mapúa University’s School of Media Studies (SMS) – Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film – were granted the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) certification, which was also SMS’ very first accreditation, last September 2022.
The AUN included two SMS programs in the second batch of accreditation alongside two other academic programs from the School of Information Technology (SOIT). The remote site visit assessment for SMS and SOIT was held from May 30 to June 3, 2022.
In an interview with SMS Dean Benigno B. Agapito Jr., he mentioned that they had to comprehensively prepare for their very first accreditation, which turned out to be an international accreditation as well. “We really provided much time and effort for the preparation of the accreditation, because our intention is to pass the eight criteria […] [since] you will not be given that certification not unless you satisfy all the eight criteria,” he said.
The SMS Dean explained the components behind the AUN-QA 4.0 – an assessment tool used to assess the two programs. The eight criteria were the following: (1) Expected Learning Outcomes, (2) Program Structure and Content, (3) Teaching and Learning Approach, (4) Student Assessment, (5) Academic Staff, (6) Student Support Services, (7) Facilities and Infrastructure, and (8) Output and Outcomes.
As per the SMS Dean, among the reasons for the school’s pursuit of an accreditation was to offer a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Multimedia Studies and Master’s Program in Film. He cited the Commission of Higher Education’s memorandum wherein no schools can offer graduate programs unless accredited by a local or international accreditation body.
Dean Agapito also emphasized the importance of procuring accreditation. “Kasi ang accreditation, that is one way to assure that your services are really of quality. Kasi ‘yan talaga ang pinaka-purpose ng accreditation, para mag-promote or mag-develop ka ng quality assurance when it comes to practices – teaching ang learning – based on the empirical approaches that you’re doing sa institution mo,” he imparted.
Although the school has no plans to apply for other accreditations yet, Dean Agapito implied that the school aims for a local accreditation body like the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA).
The AUN-QA is an international accrediting body that was created with the mission of harmonizing educational standards as well as to seek for the continuous improvement of academic quality within universities located in the ASEAN region.
As of A.Y. 2022-2023, the School of Media Studies offers the following undergraduate programs: Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film, Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Media, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism, and Bachelor of Arts in Advertising Design.