Quacquarelli Symonds Stars Ratings, most popularly known as QS Stars, is a rating system that delivers a thorough insight into an academic institution, enabling students, staff, and faculty to classify which universities are the best globally.

True to its vision as the “leading Science and Technology University in Southeast Asia by 2030”, and with the full support of the Commission on Higher Education and CHED International Affairs Service, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) pursued the QS Stars Ratings and submitted all documents for audit in October 2022.

In order for ISAT U to get audited by the QS Stars Ratings Evaluation Committee, the University first had to create a core group that needed to oversee the data gathering and validating processes. It was a concerted effort from various offices and colleges in the university system. Of course, the ISAT U QS Stars Ratings team would not have made it through the daunting journey had it not been for the full support of the Commission on Higher Education led by Chair Dr. J Prospero E. De Vera III and the CHED International Affairs Service led by Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla. Gratitude also goes out to Dr. Christine N. Ferrer of Tarlac Agricultural University for her guidance.

The QS Stars Ratings system allows institutions to identify and improve on their areas of weakness, providing detailed assessments under each criterion. ISAT U has chosen the following criteria for audit: (1) Core Criteria – Teaching, Employability, and Internationalization; (2) Learning Environment – Online Learning, (3) Specialist Criteria – Program Strength, and (4) Advanced Criteria – Inclusiveness and Social Responsibility.

Under QS Stars, the institutions that display exceptional performance and quality standards are awarded a 5 Star rating. ISAT U has been awarded 3-Stars in the overall audit and received the following number of stars in the following individual criteria: 4-Stars for Teaching, 5-Stars for Employability, 1-Star for Internationalization, 5-Stars for Academic Development, 5-Stars for Online Learning, 3-Stars for Program Strength, 5-Stars for Social Responsibility, and 4-Stars in Inclusiveness.

The administration of ISAT U led by Dr. Raul F. Muyong – SUC President III, understands that schools are different from one another and therefore need to be assessed on a range of categories that recognize distinct strengths. So, with the grant coming from the Commission on Higher Education, ISAT U boldly went for the QS Stars audit which allowed the identification of strengths and weaknesses across a variety of areas. Results from the QS Stars Ratings encourage institutions to establish or improve their data collection culture and help them improve their long-term strategy and mission.

Awarded with 3-Stars that align ISAT U in the global roster of universities espousing quality and excellence in education, it is indisputable that this former Trade School has leveled up the playing field for higher education institutions in Western Visayas. Indeed, ISAT U continues teaching, touching, and transforming lives in the Philippines and beyond.

 

(c) Jieza J. Napone, LPT