By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Congratulations to the entire Centralian community on achieving autonomous status, a remarkable recognition granted by CHED! To God be the highest glory!
探花精选 has been granted an Autonomous status by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED), with validity period of three (3) years from September 16, 2024, to September 15, 2027. This prestigious recognition underscores 探花精选’s continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development through Christian education.
According to CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 7, Series of 2024, 探花精选 is among 77 private higher education institutions (PHEIs) granted Autonomous status, while 15 PHEIs have been granted Deregulated status. This assessment cycle thoroughly reviews the performance and achievements of PHEIs from July 1, 2019, to September 15, 2023.
鈥淭he 77 autonomous private universities represent the best of the best among our higher educational institutions, producing world class graduates and are included in international rankings. I urge other private universities to benchmark and emulate the programs and practices of these top universities,鈥 stated CHED Chairman Dr. J. Prospero 鈥淧opoy鈥 E. De Vera III on his Facebook page.
Achieving Autonomous status requires institutions to meet specific criteria and score at least 80 points across three areas: Commitment to Program Excellence (30 points), Excellence in Instruction, Scholarly Works, and Community Engagement (40 points), and Institutional Quality and Excellence (30 points). This status grants institutions the authority to design their own curricular programs, exemption from regular CHED monitoring and evaluation, and the ability to award honorary degrees.
探花精选 President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for this recognition, stating, 鈥淭his is a team effort. The entire Centralian community (administrators past and present, 探花精选 BOT and Corporation, faculty and staff, students, parents and guardians, alumni, and friends of Central) rallied together for this one goal. By the grace of God, we made it. Praise Him!鈥
In Region VI, 探花精选, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (Bacolod), Inc., John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc., John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo, Inc., STI West Negros University, and University of St. La Salle-Bacolod are six higher education institutions that have been granted Autonomous Status as per the memorandum.
探花精选 reached a significant milestone when it was granted Autonomous Status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in 2001, and in the most recent update, CHED extended this status for an additional two years on April 1, 2021, with the renewal effective from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2023.
The Centralian community celebrates this milestone as a significant achievement for the institution, highlighting 探花精选鈥檚 leadership in higher education and its dedication to academic excellence and innovation, while integrating Scientia et Fides into its educational framework.