The Higher Education Review

Situated in the cultural city of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines is the University of the Assumption. Founded in the year of 1963 as Assumption Junior College, University of the Assumption is the first Archdiocesan Catholic University in Asia. The University was founded with the aim of being the leading catalyst in the formation of global citizens who are academically competent, morally upright, and socially responsible. Guided by its threefold mission of Virtus (Christian Formation), Scientia (Academic Excellence), and Communitas (Community Service), the University of the Assumption provides holistic education for the students through its highly qualified and committed faculty that equip its students to be persons of character and competence who shall be industry-responsive, globally competitive, and values-laden professionals.

University of the Assumption is driven to deliver quality based on international standards. Its ISO 9001:2015 certification has been maintained for four years now as it explores opportunities in the competitive global market. The University has identified the perfect combination of curricular programs, instructional policies, infrastructural facilities, and human services to prepare the students for their fruitful journey in their respective careers guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church. The curriculum provided by the Universtiy offers varied experiences which help students learn the vital harmony between faith and culture, between religion and science or history, between theology and business or technology in a healthy exchange of information. As of now, The University of the Assumption has a total student population of 5,353 for School Year 2019-2020.

A Colossal University Leading a Group of Premier Educational Institutes
The university comprises of a number of schools and colleges including the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration, and School of Education. Various colleges operating in the university consist of the College of Accountancy, College of Information Technology, Computing and Library Science, College of Engineering and Architecture, College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and College of Nursing and Pharmacy.

The University also has an Institute of Theology and Religious Studies, and K-12 Basic Education Programs in the Grade School with Kindergarten, Junior High School, and Senior High School. For the University's continuing quest for excellence, the Federation of Accrediting Associations of the Philippines (FAAP) through the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) has granted Level III accredited status to its basic education programs and Level II for various undergraduate programs. The Master's and Doctorate Programs of the Graduate School of Education is granted Level I.

"University of the Assumption takes various unique approaches to make sure that the students get the best possible platform for learning and training"

Even with all these separate and individual institutions working under them, the University of the Assumption still ensures that equitable attention and care are provided for each of them and as a result of this, the university offers a plethora of courses under various disciplines For the complete roster of programs and courses offered by the University of the Assumption, visit its website at ua.edu.ph.

The university takes various unique approaches to make sure that the students get the best possible platform for lifelong learning and training. "We use alternative approaches when it comes to conducting our classes. We make sure we give our students the correct combination of online, collaborative, face-to-face, experiential, game-based, immersive, practical, career and outcomes-based training. Research is integrated into all courses where students are empowered to verify and create knowledge. This system enriches the learning experiences of the students so that they can develop both their intra and interpersonal skills", says Dr. Dexter M. Balajadia, Director for Local and International Relations.

The University actively participates with the local community and as the Christmas season in the Philippines is highly celebrated, the University is actively engaged in cultural studies on Christmas lanterns. Likewise, the University has partnered with the City Government of San Fernando and the Department of Science and Technology in the creation of the automated sequencer to propel the more interactive and intricate giant lanterns that are exhibited locally and internationally each year.

Holistic Approach Making International Students Feel at Home
The university takes unique approaches to help the international students with the

transition of moving into the Philippines and the extra efforts taken by the University showcases the importance given by them to the international student community. "Philippines is a peace-loving country. We, Filipinos, consider education as a way of life. Being highly regarded as one of the most hospitable nationalities in the world, welcoming our international guests is like weaving silk in subtleness to make them feel like home. Our inbound immersion program is intricately designed to gradually support the international visiting participant with series of activities such as orientation forum, local language and culture-adaptive simulations, local-foreign buddy system, culture and religion-sensitive approaches, curriculum-integrated learning experiences, safety and security services and facilities such as having an on-campus hotel where our visitors may opt to stay", avers Dr. Balajadia.

Adding further about the advantages of studying in the University of the Assumption, Dr. Balajadia says "The University of the Assumption, being situated in Central Luzon, exposes international visitors from partner institutions to various settings that would make their visit a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience that they will joyfully bring back home. We customize our cultural immersion and exchange programs according to the academic and social purposes of our visiting communities that will surely make their stay loaded with blissful learning activities and worthwhile memories".

University of the Assumption is currently reaping results for their hard work and commitment and as of now the University has published 100 plus research papers in various local and international journals and they have 400 plus academic scholars and grantees every semester. The strong industry tie-ups have helped the University to achieve 95 per cent employability for their graduates within 3 months of graduation. Taking into consideration the capabilities and previous track records of the University, these numbers are only going to increase and the University has taken various measures to make the institution the most attractive study destination for both the local and international students.

Rev. Fr. Joselito C. Henson, S. Th. D. President University of the Assumption - Philippines
A true visionary by nature, Rev. Fr. Joselito C. Henson has conducted various researches in the field of educational assessment and educational technology to help the global teaching community.