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Graduate Programs

Student Handbook
2022-2023

University of St. La Salle


Bacolod City
Contents
1 INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE 1
1.1 MISSION-VISION STATEMENT OF THE LASALLIAN FAMILY IN THE
PHILIPPINES 1
1.2 INSTITUTIONAL MISSION STATEMENT 2
1.3 MISSION STATEMENT – GRADUATE PROGRAMS 2
1.4 OUR ROOTS 2
1.5 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY 4
1.6 PRINCIPLES OF LASALLIAN EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES 8

2 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 11
2.1 ARTS AND SCIENCES GRADUATE PROGRAMS
2.2 BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTANCY GRADUATE PROGRAMS
2.3 EDUCATION GRADUATE PROGRAMS
2.4 ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY GRADUATE PROGRAMS 12
2.5 NURSING GRADUATE PROGRAMS 12

3 INSTITUTIONAL, HIGHER EDUCATION UNIT AND CENTRAL


ADMINISTRATION OFFICERS 13
3.1 INSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS 13
3.2 HIGHER EDUCATION UNIT OFFICERS 13
3.3 CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION 16
3.4 MISSION AND DEVELOPMENT 17

4 COLLEGE COUNCILS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES 18


4.1. ACADEMIC PROGRAM QUALITY ASSURANCE
COMMITTEE (APQAC) 18
4.2. ACADEMIC PERSONNEL BOARD (APB) 18
4.3. ACADEMIC STANDARDS COMMITTEE (ASC) 18
4.4. HEU LEARNING COUNCIL (HLC) 19
4.5. COLLEGE COUNCILS 19
4.6. COMMITTEE ON TRAVEL AND TOURS (CTT) 19
4.7. CULTURE AND THE ARTS PROGRAM COMMITTEE (CAPC) 19
4.8. DISCIPLINE BOARD 20
4.9. GRIEVANCE BOARD 20
4.10. INSTRUCTIONAL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE (IQIC) 20
4. 1. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS COMMITTEE (IPRC) 21
4.12. LIBRARY COMMITTEE 21
4.13. OFFICE FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS (OSA) BOARD 22
4.14. PROGRAM ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC) 22
4.15. STUDENT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (SDC) 22
4.16. PARENTS-TEACHERS COUNCIL (PTC) 22
4.17. SOCIAL RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE (SREC) 23
4.18. UNIVERSITY RESEARCH BOARD (URB) 23
5 SUPPORT SERVICES AND FACILITIES 24
5.1. INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES 24
5.2. HIGHER EDUCATION UNIT SUPPORT SERVICES 29
5.3. LABORATORIES 32
5.4. FACILITIES 37

6 ACADEMIC POLICIES AND GUIDELINES 42


6.1 ADMISSION 42
6.2 REGISTRATION 47
6.3 SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 50
6.4 FEES AND EXPENSES 50
6.5 ATTENDANCE 52
6.6 ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE 53
6.7 MAXIMUM RESIDENCE 54
6.8 SEMESTRAL AWARDS 55
6.9 ACADEMIC AWARDS 55
6.10 COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS 56
6. PROJECT PAPER, THESIS & DISSERTATION REQUIREMENTS 57
6.12 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 77

7 STUDENT LIFE AND DISCIPLINE 78


7.1 ORIENTATION 79
7.2 STUDENT ACTIVITIES 79
7.3 COMMUNITY OUTREACH 80
7.4 SPIRITUAL LIFE 80
7.5 GUIDELINES ON FUND-RASING ACTIVITY 80
7.6 VEHICLE PARKING AND STICKER PASS 81
7.7 PROCEDURES FOR FILING AND INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS 83
7.8 CATEGORIES OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES 84
7.9 OFFENSES SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS 85
7.10 ACADEMIC AND INTELLECTUAL DISHONESTY 87
7. DRESS CODE 88
7.12 ID POLICY 89
7.13 ANTI-LITTERING AND ANTI-VANDALISM 89
7.14 ANTI-PROSELYTIZING 89
7.15 SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS 90
7.16 ENGLISH POLICY 90
7.18 CAMPUS-BASED ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 90
7.17 ANTI-SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY 90

8 GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL 97


8.1 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 97
1
INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE
1.1 MISSION-VISION STATEMENT OF THE LASALLIAN FAMILY IN THE
PHILIPPINES
Preamble
Deeply moved, as St. John Baptist de La Salle was, by the plight of the
poor and youth at risk, we, the members of the Lasallian schools in the
Philippines, commit ourselves to the Lasallian Mission of providing a human
and Christian education to the young, especially in schools, with the service
of the poor as priority, in order to evangelize and catechize, to promote
peace and justice, accomplishing these together as shared mission. We draw
strength from the many Lasallians committed to incarnating our charism in
our country today to serve the needs of the Filipino youth, espe- cially those
at risk.
Declaration
Inflamed by the Holy Spirit, God’s own fire, we declare our commitment
to the following:
• We shall work together as a national network of Lasalllian schools in
the Philippines for the efficient and effective implementation of the
Lasallian Mission, following the directives of the De La Salle Brothers
and the Philippine Lasallian Family as set by the General Chapter,
the District Chapter and the Philippine Lasallian Family Convocation;
• We shall ensure the integrity of the Lasallian Mission by setting di-
rections and standards applicable to the Philippine Lasallian schools
and by monitoring their implementation;
• We shall promote the Lasallian Mission by fostering synergy, collabo-
ration and sharing among the Lasallian schools; and
• We shall uphold the Lasallian values of faith, zeal in service and
communion in mission.
Prayer
In all these, we, together and by association, dedicate our life and work
to God, who alone guarantees the fulfillment of our Lasallian dream.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 1


1.2 INSTITUTIONAL MISSION STATEMENT

True to our Catholic tradition and inspired by St. John Baptist de La Salle,
University of St. La Salle forms persons of integrity and excellence,
committed to the shared mission of caring for peoples and the Earth.

1.3 MISSION STATEMENT – GRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Graduate Programs of the University of St. La Salle provide


educational experiences directed towards the formation of socially
responsible Christians, critical thinkers and effective communicators.
These programs are designed to extend professionals with experiences
that:
• develop higher learning skills and competence responsive to the
requisites of the global market and workplace;
• promote leadership in their spheres of influence and involve-
ment;
• nuture appreciation and expertise in research; and
• provide a deeper understanding of local and global realities
enabling them to commit to personal and collective action for
social innovation and transformation.
These experiences are reflective of the Lasallian values of the Spirit of
Faith, the Zeal for Service and Communion in Mission.

1.4 OUR ROOTS

One Man and a Dream


Our story starts with one man and a dream, over three centuries ago.
The man — John Baptiste de la Salle — was born to a wealthy family
in Rheims, France on April 30, 1651. The dream was to provide education
for the poor, for John Baptiste de la Salle believed that education gave
hope and opportunity for men to lead better lives of dignity and freedom,
lives which all men deserve as children of God.
De la Salle was a man of refined manners, a cultured mind, and great
practical ability, in whom personal prosperity was balanced with kindness
and affability. He lived in times, not unlike our own, where society is
characterizedby a great disparity between the rich and the poor, and
where the few who are rich control the lives of the many who are poor,
helpless, hopeless, and powerless.
Convinced that he could serve God more devotedly and concentrate on
his mission more dedicatedly as a religious, de la Salle consecrated himself
to God and finally became a priest at the age of 27.
2 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
Disturbed by the disparity he saw and felt around him, and firmly
believing that all men and women ought to live lives more fitting for them
as children of God, de la Salle devoted himself to the education of the
poor, starting with recruiting young men who were out of work, training
them to become good Christian teachers right in his own home, and later on
transferring to other sites when his family and friends refused to accept his
recruits into their homes.
Despite the strong objections and criticism from his family and friends,
he pursued his mission with relentless perseverance and determination and
unflagging faith and zeal, leading him to found the Brothers of the Christian
Schools in 1684, when he was only 33 years old. Through this congregation
of young men dedicated to serving God through the education of the poor
and the Christian formation of the youth, De La Salle led the way in
establishing charity schools and teacher training institutes.
Today, after over 300 years, the La Salle Brothers serve the youth in
schools, colleges, universities and other apostolates in 80 countries
throughout the world.

The Brothers in the Philippines


The Brothers came to the Philippines in 1911, when they were invited
by the Archbishop of Manila to set up a Catholic school for the children of
the upper classes in the country’s capital. The Archbishop was concerned
then about the growing number of American Protestant schools in the country
and he sought the help of the Brothers to stem the tide of this growing
influence among the children of the country’s leading families.
Although the Brothers found themselves in a situation where they were
providing education for the children of the elite, they endeavored to re-
main true to their mission by inculcating in their students a deep concern for
the plight of their less privileged countrymen. It was hoped that their
Lasallian education would encourage them to utilize and develop their
talents and resources in serving their nation, as they were bound to succeed
their fathers in taking the helm of Philippine economic, political, and cultural
life.
As the Brothers in the Philippines grew in number, and as their successes
allowed, they gradually established more La Salle schools in the country,
schools more directly serving the needs of the poor and underprivileged
through education.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 3


1.5 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY
In 1946, an opportunity for the Brothers to set up a second La Salle
school in the country came when then Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Monteli-
bano, Sr., offered them a ten-hectare lot where the University stands today.

In 1952, La Salle-Bacolod was established through the guidance and


efforts of its three Founding Brothers: Bro. Felix Masson, Bro. Hugh Wester
and Bro. Dennis Ruhland, the first Director of the school.

La Salle-Bacolod opened with 175 male students from Prep to Grade 5,


under seven faculty members. The school building was unimpressive, built
amidst sprawling muddy ground and bordered by cane fields of adjoining
lands.

The following decade saw the expansion of La Salle from Grade School to
College. This was made possible though pledges, donations, and fund drives
actively supported by parents, alumni, and benefactors.

In 1966, La Salle College opened its doors to the first batch of female
college students whose influence on campus life grew as more and more ladies
enrolled in what used to be an exclusive school for boys. In 1987, the Integrat-
ed School started to admit female students as well.

As a Catholic institution of learning offering to both men and women an


educational program designed to develop their talents and abilities towards
becoming truly contributing members of society, the University of St. La Salle is
committed to a curriculum that emphasizes person- development as an integrat-
ed and wholistic process of spiritual, social, intellectual and physical growth.
In 1984, the College of Nursing and the College of Engineering were
opened, in addition to the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Ac-
countancy, Education and the Graduate School.

The institution was elevated to University Status on July 5, 1988.

In AY 1993-1994, the College of Law was opened, and the College


of Medicine in 2002.
The Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Accountancy and Edu-
cation have obtained
PAASCU Level 3 accreditation and the College of Engineering Level 1.

In 2000, the following programs were designated as CHED Centers of


Development: Business and Accountancy, Chemical Engineering, Electronics
and Communication Engineering, and Computer Engineering.

By 2001, the University was conferred the Autonomous Status by the


Commission on Higher Education, one of among 30 institutions in the country
granted with this prestigious and esteemed recognition.
4 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
In 2002, as an expression of its Golden Jubilee theme “Keeping Faith,”
the University enshrined the statue of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the Patron
Saint of Teachers, at the San Sebastian Cathedral.

Since then, the University and its stakeholders have collectively earned
various recognitions and awards. Among these are -- Levels 1 to Level 3
accreditation of various programs granted by the Philippine Accrediting
Association of Schools, Colleges & Universities (PAASCU), the designation
of Centers of Development in a number of academic programs by the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and remarkable ranking and top-
notchers in several licensure examinations.

In 2008, USLS was among the first higher education institutions (HEIs) to
earn its Institutional Quality Assurance and Monitoring Evaluation (IQUAME)
rating of A(t), recognizing it as a premier teaching institution.

In 2009, the following programs were again recognized by CHED as


Centers of Development (COD) from 2009 to 2012 and was extended until
May 31, 2014: Accountancy, Chemical Engineering, and Computer
Engineering. The College of Education was also recognized by CHED as
COD in Teacher Education for the period April 2016 to December 2018.

The Autonomous Status of the University was renewed by CHED on April


1, 2016 and is valid for a period of three years.

In AY 2016-2017, USLS was recognized by CHED as one of the Deliv-


ering Higher Education Institutions (DHEI) for ten (10) graduate programs as
well as one of the Sending Higher Education Institutions (SHEI) for graduate
degree programs during the K to 12 Transition period.

In January 2018, the College of Business and Accountancy was re-


named Yu An Log College of Business and Accountancy, as an expression
of gratitude to the Yu family for its benevolence and to honor the life and
legacy of Yu An Log whose generous spirit and genuine compassion are
manifested in his support for various academic institutions and scholarships.
The naming rights provided additional funds in support of the college’s
scholarship grants, faculty development program, professorial chairs, lec-
ture series, and facilities improvement.

Over the years, several other academic programs were opened to


respond to the needs of the province and the region.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 5


Year Programs Year Programs

2001 Master in Environmental 2012 MAEd Special Education


Engineering MAEd Social Studies
2002 Master in Information BS Electrical Engineering
Technology BS Food Technology
2003 BS Materials Engineering BEEd Early Childhood
2004 PhD Applied Linguistics Education
PhD Mathematics Education 2014 MA Psychology
2005 PhD Development Studies MA Religious Studies
PhD Religious Studies 2015 BS Tourism Management
MS Guidance & Counseling 2016 MBA Human Resource
(from MS Psychology, Management
Guidance & Counseling) 2018 BS Biology with
2006 MA Conflict and Reconciliation specializations in
Studies Ecology
ME Electronics & Communications Medical Biology
Engineering Microbiology
2007 MEd Special Education BS Accounting Information
2008 PhD in Nursing System
2009 BS Entrepreneurship BS Management Accounting
2011 Juris Doctor (J.D.) Bachelor of Special Needs
2012 PhD Educational Leadership (from Education with
PhD Educational Management) specialization
MAEd Educational Leadership in Early Childhood
MAEd Chemistry Education
MAEd English Language Bachelor of Physical
MAED Early Childhood Education Education
MAEd Marriage and Family BS Entertainment and
MAEd Mathematics Multimedia
Computing with
specialization
in Digital
Animation

Responding to the challenges of national and international realities and


to the directives of the Philippine Lasallian Family in 2009, the tertiary level
of the University of St. La Salle defined its commitment to provide
educational experiences which develop its Expected Lasallian Graduate
Attributes (ELGA) --- socially responsible Christians, critical thinkers, and
effective communicators.

Through the years, USLS has continuously embarked on significant


initiatives, among them --- the verticalization of all Graduate Programs,
the development of Faculty Research capabilities through the Center for
Research and Engagement (CRE), the creation of the Center for Support of
Higher Education and Lifelong Learning (CSHELL), setting up the Program

6 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


Advisory Councils (PAC), the strengthening of its career development pro-
gram through the Career Development Center, the adoption of Christian
Service – Learning Program (CSLP) in identified courses, the enhancement
of its Culture and Arts Program through the Artists’ Hub, the sports pro-
gram campaign -- Play Hard, Study Harder, the Student Development
Agenda and the Lasallian Leadership Formation Programs, the creation of
Project STAY for academically – challenged students, and the provision of
support for student wellbeing through the Study WithOut Teaching (SWOT).

The Graduate School


The La Salle Graduate School started in 1966 with the offering of the
Master in Business Administration (MBA) program designed to assist the
community prepare graduates to assume managerial positions in the
business world.
Years later, a master’s program in Educational Management was
offered to train educational administrators and strengthen school
management the city and the province.
In due time, the Graduate Scholl offered other masters and doctorate
degrees in various fields of specialization, including the Project Flagships
to Reach Educational Excellence (FREE) program in partnership with the
Department of Education and the Eduardo Cojuangco Foundation, the
Master of Arts in Conflict and Reconciliation Studies in cooperation with PAX
Christi International, and the Master in Education in Marriage and Family in
consortium with the Pope John Paul II Institute, the seat of the Philippine campus
of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute of Studies on Marriage and Family
based at the Lateran University in Rome.
The Graduate School also works toward the fulfillment of the needs of
the individual student by providing modules prepared by mentors for home
learning for some senior executives and managers who may not always
have the time to attend classes. For some executives and managers, open
learning coupled with modular classes on a one-on-one basis are provided.
These approaches to graduate education are novel ways to further
management skills and techniques for graduate students who are willing to
improve themselves while actively engaged in their work positions.
In AY 2010-2011, as part of verticalization, the Graduate School was
dissolved as an administrative unit. All graduate programs were integrated
into the respective colleges where they belong.
Today, the University continues to make its presence distinctly felt as it
consistently produces leaders and key actors in the fields of business
enterprise and industry, banking and finance, education and healthcare,
information technology and environment, and most notably, in government
service.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 7


Keeping the Dream Alive
Known for its academic excellence, social research dynamism, and
active community service, the University has produced leaders in the field
of business and industry, arts and culture, sports and education, various
professions, and public service. In a series of events and gatherings, the
institution has honored its outstanding alumni and alumnae in these fields.

As it was then, the University of St. La Salle, fired by its Founder’s vision,
continues to develop Christian men and women who are committed to
excellence, competent in their professions and actively involved in the
service of their fellowmen towards a more peaceful, just, and humane
Filipino society.

1.6 PRINCIPLES OF LASALLIAN EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

St. John Baptist de La Salle and his companions discerned God’s call to
service in the human and spiritual distress of the poor and abandoned
children. As a concrete response to this divine call, they associated together
to conduct schools that would make the benefits of quality human and
Christian education accessible to the poor. By giving visible and effective
expression to the creative and redemptive love of God for young people,
such schools became “signs of God’s kingdom and instruments of salvation.”

Today, the mission of human and Christian education is a wide-ranging


collaborative effort entrusted to men and women of diverse backgrounds
and gifts, who, in creative fidelity to de la Salle’s vision, commit themselves
to making the benefits of a transformative human and Christian education
available to all, most especially to the poor. Each member of the Lasallian
family lives out this commitment through association with a Lasallian
educational project according to his or her particular role and area of
competence. By our efforts to ensure the vitality, relevance, and
effectiveness of the educational project, all who participate in and support
such work act as partners in the educational process.

As inheritors of de La Salle’s legacy and collaborators in the


Lasallian mission, we are convinced that:

• Lasallian education is a mission and ministry at the service of God,


the church, and society, and directed towards integral human and
Christian development and liberation.
• Lasallian education is imbued with a spirit of faith, which enables
persons to interpret,
• judge and evaluate realities in the light of the gospel, to unite one’s
actions and intentions with God’s, and to rely on god’s providence in
acting and discerning God’s will.

8 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


• Lasallian education is marked by zeal: the whole-hearted giving of
oneself to the service of others, in gratuity and generosity, in
creativity and fortitude, in compassion and commitment.
• Lasallian education is exercised as communion in mission marked by
a fraternal spirit which enables all sectors of the school community and
all those who support its work to collaborate in educating towards a
world that is more humane, more just and more fraternal, a world
where no one is excluded from the banquet of life.
• Lasallian education forms disciples and citizens, prophets, and
professionals, who bring the transforming power of the Gospel to
bear on culture and on every human endeavor in order to realize
God’s kingdom of truth, justice, lov,e and peace.

Guided by these principles, we believe that…


Lasallian schools are educational communities where all sectors. . .

• participate in the church’s mission and are committed to easing the


plight of the vulnerable and marginalized sectors of Philippine
society;

• are committed to assuring the integral human and Christian


development of learners in all their uniqueness and diversity;

• are co-responsible for creating a culture and climate conducive to


genuine learning and character formation;

• are stakeholders who work in association with one another in a strong


spirit of fraternal solidarity; and

• are committed to continuous renewal and transformation in


collaboration with others to accomplish their common mission.

Lasallian learners are unique and gifted individuals who…

• strive to integrate Gospel perspectives and values in the conduct of


their daily lives;

• are committed to excellence in order to be of greater service to God


and country;

• take progressive responsibility for their own learning and


development;

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 9


• express concern and compassion for the plight of the vulnerable and
marginalized sectors of society and respond to their needs; and

• work together creatively, constructively, and enthusiastically to


support the Lasallian mission.

Lasallian educators are service-oriented professionals who. . .

• are genuinely committed to the integral human and Christian


development of diverse types of learners through personal witness
and service;

• are attentive to learners in their uniqueness and seek to build


appropriate relationships that promote total human formation;

• are committed to life-long personal and professional improvement


and service;

• work together creatively, constructively and enthusiastically both to


realize the Lasallian mission and to assure the effectiveness and
vitality of the institutions to which they belong; and

• serve as resources for the renewal of the church and for the integral
development of society.

Lasallian educational experiences are dynamic processes that…

• challenge learners to realize their full potential by promoting critical


and creative thinking, self-knowledge and self-mastery;

• bring Christian perspectives and values to bear on human knowledge


and culture;

• encourage synergy, collaboration and dialogue in an environment


that is fraternal, hospitable and laden with mutual respect;

• impel learners to translate their knowledge into actual practice for


the betterment of society; and

• prepare learners for responsible participation in the world of work,


the family, the community, the wider society and the local church.

Guided by these principles and together in faith and zeal, we aspire


to create educational works of quality that will be “signs of God’s kingdom
and instruments of salvation” for the various individuals and groups who
seek to realize the fullness of their dignity and humanity through education.

10 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


2
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
2.1 Arts and Sciences Graduate Programs

Doctor of Philosophy Applied Linguistics


Development Studies
Religious Studies
Psychology

Master in Public Management


Public Management Major in
National Security and
Law Enforcement

Master of Arts Conflict and Reconciliation Studies


Guidance and Counseling
Psychology
Religious Studies

2.2 Business and Accountancy Graduate Programs

Doctor of Philosophy Business Management

Master in Business Administration


Human Resource Management

2.3 Education Graduate Programs

Doctor of Philosophy Educational Leadership


Mathematics Education

Master of Arts in Education Educational Leadership


Chemistry
Early Childhood Education
English Language
General Science
Marriage and Family
Mathematics
Social Studies
Special Education

Master in Education Chemistry


English Language
Early Childhood Education

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 11


Filipino
General Science
Music, Arts, Physical Education
& Health (MAPEH)
Mathematics
Natural Science
Reading, Language and Literature
Special Education
Social Studies
Technology and Home Economics
(THE)
Values Education
Youth Ministry

2.4 Engineering and Technology Graduate Programs

Master in Environmental Engineering


Environmental Management
Information Technology

Master in Engineering Electronics and


Communications Engineering

2.5 Nursing Graduate Programs

Doctor of Philosophy Nursing

Master in Nursing major in


Medical-Surgical and
Mental Health-
Psychiatric Nursing (Non-
Thesis Program)
Nursing
Medical-Surgical and
Mental Health-
Psychiatric Nursing
(Thesis Program)

12 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


3
INSTITUTIONAL, HIGHER EDUCATION
UNIT AND CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
OFFICERS
3.1 INSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS

President and Chancellor Br. Joaquin Severino S. Martinez FSC, DMin


Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Annabelle C. Balor, EdD
Vice Chancellor for Administration Stephanie S. Calamba, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Mission and
Development Br. Normandy C. Dujunco FSC, DTheol
Assistant Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs Ricver P. Ureta, PhD
Research and Engagement Romeo G. Teruel, PhD
Finance Charo Mae. M. Cordova, CPA, MBA

Officers under the President and Chancellor’s Office


Compliance Winston K. Angcon, CPA
Network Services Richard G. Hebrona, ECE
Technical Services Mary Third G. Erpelua
Risk Compliance & Audit/Internal Mary Cory A. Obed, CPA
Quality Assurance/Risk Management Jose Maria D. Rosales, MEIE
Office Strategic Planning Tiffany C. Khia, MM
Data Privacy Officer Anna Luz M. Maturan, JD

3.2 HIGHER EDUCATION UNIT OFFICERS


Deans of College and Graduate School
Arts and Sciences Rowena V. Bañes, PhD
Yu An Log Business and
Accountancy Jacqueline A. Felix, PhD
Education Sheila T. Uy, PhD
Engineering and Technology Loreto B. Damasco Jr., PhD
Nursing Toni-An Lachica, PhD
Dean of Graduate School Janice A. Bolen, PhD

Deans of Professional Schools


Law Rosanne Juliana R. Gonzaga, LLM
Medicine Radela Yvonne R. Cortes, MD

Dean of Student Affairs Rowela A. Chiu, DPA

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 13


Department Chairpersons
Arts and Sciences
Communication Jade Snow C. Dionzon, DCom
Interdisciplinary Studies Joseph Dexter G. Gerasmia, PhD
Languages Ma. Lilibeth F. Sedonio, PhD
Mathematics Geraldine Y. Abella, PhD
Natural Sciences La Vera U. Sombito, MEd
PESAR Gloria T. De Oca, MAEd
Psychology Abigail Rose Mary R. Capay, PhD
Religious Studies & Philosophy Ronie O. Lizada, PhD
Social & Political Sciences Marife P. Varela, MA

Yu An Log Business and Accountancy


Accountancy Leah May M. Santiago, PhD
Accounting Information System Christine L. Nifras, MBA
Agribusiness Management Bea Emma F. Bachinela, MPA
Business Economics Diana May A. Peña, MBA
Entrepreneurship Jacqueline A. Felix, PhD
Hospitality Management John Michael A. Montelibano, MBA
Management Accounting Christine L. Nifras, MBA
Marketing Management Rowena Ginafe V.
Graciano, MBA
Operations Management Annabelle A. Alova,MBA
Tourism Management Ostein Earn G. Gemotea, MBA

Education
Elementary Education Ma. Xenia Y. Guanzon, PhD
Secondary Education June Carl S. Seran, MEd

Engineering and Technology


Chemical Engineering Rendell C. Barcimo, MEnE
Computer Engineering Jeffrey H. Fuentes, MIT
Electronics Engineering Marie Fe U. Novia, MECE
Electrical Engineering Mirose D. Francisco, ME
Food Technology Rendell C. Barcimo, MEnE
Materials Engineering Arvee G. Olvido, MEnE
Computer Science Jim Jonathan C. Decripito, PhD
Entertainment & Multimedia
Computing Rics L. Rojas, MIT
Information Technology Rics L. Rojas, MIT

Nursing
Clinical Coordinator Ivy G. Ebemni, MN
Level 2 Chairperson Leslie E. Young, PhD
Level 3 Chairperson Myrvi P. Vergara, MN

Graduate School Academic Coordinators


Arts and Sciences Programs Jose Sebastian M.
Cuadra, MED
Business Programs Maribeth R. Pillo, PhD
14 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
Education Programs Cynthia S. Dy, EdD
Engineering and Technology
Programs Anthony Gallego, PhD
Nursing Programs Jocelyn May Flor A.
Cadena, PhD

College of Medicine Department Chairs and Other Officers


DC, Basic Sciences Christina I. Eusebio, MD
DC, Clinical Sciences Frederic Ivan L. Ting, MD
DC, Anatomy Cynthia F. Manalili, MD
Clinical Coordinator Luz F. Altarejow, MD
College Secretary Armi Grace L. Velayo, MD

Center for Research and Engagement Directors


Publication and Engagement Lota Largavista, PhD
Social Research Ethics Review
Office Dante Gustilo, MBA

Continuing Education
Head & Language Learning
Program Director Leizel A. Del Sol
Institute for Culinary Arts
Director Richard A. Ynayan

Academic and Student Support Services Officers


University Registrar Paolo V. Valladarez, MBA
Head, Learning Resource
Center Ma. Girlie E. De Guzman, MS
Head, Career Development
Center Sheila A. Javier, PhD
Head, NSTP Cluster
Coordinators Dexter Ian M. Tabujara, MBA
Head, The Artists’ Hub Ma. Lourdes Josefa “Tanya” P. Lopez

Directors
Admissions & Scholarship
Administration Diahnne Debbie D. Salud, MBA
Guidance and Evaluation
Center Marijoy O. Gaduyon, PhD

Coordinators
Engineering Laboratories Felix R. Querubin
Sciences Laboratories Lilian M. Planella, Med
Hospitality
Job Placement Officer Sheila A. Javier, MS
Psychometrician Liberty L. Ochavo, MS
Discipline Officer Kirk Adrian A. Koudroglou, LlB
Assistant Discipline Officers Galo Gessber Rosales
Alvie T. Briones
Carmela A. Cervales
Gloria S. Gelanga
Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 15
Michael F. Lobaton
Argielyn A. Esmane
Administrative Assistant for
Student Activities Ann Gladys N. Ponteras, MA
Administrative Assistant for
Student Formation Kenny L. Andaya
Internal Campus Sports Moderator Ma. Teresa J. Jalasco, MA

3.3 CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

ADMINISTRATION

Directors
Ancillary Services/ Facilities
Management Services Revie M. Salvio
Campus Development Ronaldo D. Uy, MT
ITS Administration & Technical
Support Services Ernesto J. Ybanez, MIT
ITS Software Services Lorenzo Eduardo Gasambelo
ITS Network & Communication
Services Richard Danje G. Hebrona, ECE
Health Services Luis S. Arroyo, MD
Human Resource & Devt. Service Jose Teody G. Cabantug, DM
Procurement Services Office Maryiole Therese G. Dequinto
University Comptroller Vienna S. Gonzaga, CPA

Supervisors
Ancillary Services -
Bookstore Finance Head Vicky Jean Valiente, CPA
University Press Ma. Regina Y. Villamor
Facilities and Management
Balay Kalinungan Joann Marie M. Espina
Ecopark Daniel Dennis S. Garcia
Granada Agribusiness Farm Rodel Clavite
ICafe Richard A. Ynayan
Finance
System Administrator Katherine Ballescas
Cash Management Head Marichu S. Yulo
Disbursing Supervisor Jhucyl L. Diaz
Student Accounts Supervisor Jasmin G. Gura, CPA
Campus Development
Campus Internal Security Henry D. Daniel
Custodial & Grounds Loida C. Ferraris
Electrical & Technical Works Helen G. Aghon, REE
Environment & Pollution
Control Officer Alan G. Malayang
Property Custodian Micheline J. Eraldo
Repair & Maintenance Jimmy O. Ordillo
Transportation Rodrigo V. Melgar
Building Inspector and Civil
Works John Michael Paderog
16 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
Human Resource
Payroll Supervisor Christine M. Miranda
Evaluation Supervisor Mary Ann D. Singhid, MIT
IT Services - Technical
Services Mary Third Rose A. Erpelua
School Physicians Radela Yvonne R. Cortes, MD
Marilu B. Libo-on, MD
School Dentists Sonia Theresa E. Avelino, DDM
Marie Rita E. Araneta, DDM
School Nurses Jerald P. Abrot, RN
Jane P. Jarabas, RN
Richmond Blaine G. Ombion, RN
Harlan A. Po, RN
Jenalyn D. San Jose, RN
Maria Ana G. Zuloaga, RN

3.4 MISSION AND DEVELOPMENT

Directors
Center for Alumni Relations Br. Jose Peter Vincent H. Fernandez FSC, MA
Institute for Lasallian Animation
& Formation Honorato Sergio G. Villanueva
BALAYAN-Social Development
Office Andre F. Tagamolila
Center for Lasallian Ministries Renee Magdalene P. Ledesma, MA
Center for Marketing &
Communications Hector J. Gloria Jr., MPS
Center for Varsity Sports Joseph Christian H. Fernandez, MEM

Brother Animators
Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center Br. Daniel J. Fenton FSC, MS

University Chaplain Rev. Fr. Jerryvel A. Celestial, MA

Institutional Program Officer/


Center for Linkages &
International Affairs
Coordinator Sheilla M. Trajera, PhD

Coordinators
Center for Advancement James Bernard D. Mascuñana
College Alumni Renalyn F. Carmona
College Varsity Sports Harley C. Hojilla
Communications Management Jaypee L. Madronado
Creative Multimedia Julius Ceasar L. De La Peña
Lasallian Vocations Ministry Br. Irwin Anthony A. Climaco, FSC

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 17


4
COLLEGE COUNCILS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
4.1. Academic Program Quality Assurance Committee (APQAC)

The Committee brings together the College Deans, Department Chairs,


heads of offices, and sectoral representatives of the College. Chaired by
the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA), the Committee recom-
mends policies concerning academic and co-curricular programs for the
approval of the President.

It is composed of the VCAA, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic


Affairs (AVCAA), Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement
(AVCRE), Deans, Dean of Student Affairs (OSA), Department Chairs, Qual-
ity Assurance Officer. Invited members are University Registrar, Heads of
Learning Resource Center (LRC), Center for Support of Higher Education
and Lifelong Learning (CSHELL), The Artists’ Hub, and the Career Devel-
opment Center, Directors of Guidance and Evaluation Center (GEC), and
Admission and Scholarships Administration Office (ASAO) and representa-
tives of the Faculty Associations, Parents’-Teachers’ Council (PTC), Alumni
Relations Office and University Student Government (USG).

Other offices and sectoral heads may be invited to attend the meeting
in some instances.

4.2. Academic Personnel Board (APB)

Chaired by the VCAA, this board is composed of the AVCAA, Deans


and the Faculty Associations representative(s). It acts as the advisory body
to the President on matters pertaining to hiring, assignment of or promotion
in rank, appointment to term positions, merit increases, availment of faculty
development grants, awards and professorial chairs and the rehiring, ter-
mination and conferment of permanency on probationary faculty.

4.3. Academic Standards Committee (ASC)

The Academic Standards Committee reviews and submits to the VCAA


policy recommendations relative to admission, retention, probation, dismiss-
al, shifting and readmission cases. It monitors the implementation of the
Admission and Retention Policies of the University through the required se-
mestral report submitted by the Deans.

18 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


The Committee is chaired by the AVCAA and is composed of the Deans
of Colleges, the ASAO Director, the Registrar and the Project STAY Coordi-
nator, and the Department Chairs concerned, upon invitation.

Concerns related to admission and retention policies at the college level


may be resolved by the College Council.

4.4. HEU Learning Council (HLC)

Chaired by the VCAA, and composed of the AVCAA, the College Deans,
and the Dean of Student Affairs, the Council acts as a clearing house for
all matters which concern the College Unit including those discussed by the
APQAC. The Council presents to the Operations Council academic matters
and policy changes that need approval and implementation.

4.5. College Councils

Each college has a Council chaired by its Dean and composed of the
Department Chairpersons. Faculty and student representatives may be
invited.

It is the primary venue for the discussion of academic concerns such as


academic policies, program revision, new offerings, admission and reten-
tion policies, instructional strategies, and other academic matters pertinent
to each college. It is also the venue where non-academic concerns pertinent
to each College are discussed.

4.6. Committee on Travel and Tours (CTT)

The Committee is chaired by the appointee of the VCAA and is com-


posed of the Faculty Association representatives, Student Government rep-
resentative, and the Business Office representative.

The Committee is in charge of accepting and evaluating requests for


educational/exposure trips, administering the collection of waivers and
other pertinent documents, and submitting reports on all scheduled tours to
CHED.

4.7. Culture and the Arts Program Committee (CAPC)

The Artists’ Hub’s Culture and the Arts Program Committee formulates
the university’s policies, plans and programs for the institutional cultural
organizations. It ensures that the productions are in consonance with the
mission-vision of the institution and provides direction and support for all
performances, seminars and exhibits.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 19


The Committee is headed by The Artists’ Hub Head and is composed of
the AVCAA, the DSA, the Institutional Artistic Directors, IMI Director, and a
student representative designated by the Student Government. Consultants
may be invited to attend committee meetings.

4.8. Discipline Board

The Discipline Board handles cases filed against a student, student


group or organizations for alleged violation of college rules and regula-
tions. Subject to due process, the Board shall have the power to recommend
to the President disciplinary sanctions against the erring respondent.

The Board shall be composed of the Discipline Officer, representatives


from Administration, the Faculty Association, the University Student Gov-
ernment (USG), Parents-Teachers’ Council (PTC), Guidance and Evaluation
Center (GEC), and Alumni Association recommended by the Alumni Rela-
tions Office. The Board chooses one of its members to act as Chair.

4.9. Grievance Board

The Grievance Board is a special independent body that investigates,


arbitrates and recommends judgment in all cases involving complaints filed
by any person against any faculty member, administrator, university officer
or any member of the non-teaching staff. After due notice and hearing, the
Board shall, through a majority vote of all its members, recommend to the
President disciplinary sanctions against the erring faculty member, officer
or staff.

The Grievance Board is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor for Admin-


istration and is composed of the Vice-Chancellor concerned, the Human
Resource Development Services Director, and two representatives of the
pertinent association, the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Legal
Counsel.

In instances where the inhibition of a particular member of the


Grievance Board is necessary, the Chairman of the Personnel Management
Council shall designate an appropriate representative who is acceptable
to all parties concerned.

4.10. Instructional Quality Improvement Committee (IQIC)

The Committee is composed of the College Deans and Department


Chairs, chaired by the AVCAA with the guidance of the VCAA. The Com-
mittee plans and implements support mechanisms for the continuous im-
provement of teaching and learning in Higher Education such as: conduct of
formative feedbacking from Course Experience Survey (CES), revision of
teaching based on students’ feedback and supervisors’ mentoring, su-
20 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
pervised teaching demonstration, peer review of teaching and support for
teaching and learning sessions.

4.11. Intellectual Property Rights Committee (IPRC)

Guided by the USLS-IPR Code or IP Policies, this committee ensures the


acceptance of the intellectual property system as part of the research and
development processes in the university and serves as the institutional
clearing house looking into all issues and concerns pertaining to intellectual
property rights (IPR). Specifically, this committee is responsible for increas-
ing the level of awareness of the USLS community by strengthening local
institutional capacity through provision of trainings, seminars and workshops
on the different forms of IP protection, patent searching, patent drafting,
patent prosecution, and other related services.

4.12. Library Committee

The Library Committee is an advisory group that assesses library needs


in relation to the needs of the academic programs and students’ learning
requirements. It assists the Librarian in the formulation of Library policies
and procedures, and in the development of Library resources in accor-
dance with identified priority needs of the academic programs.

The committee is composed of the Head of the Learning Resource Cen-


ter and college and graduate programs representatives designated by the
VCAA as recommended by their respective Deans. It is chaired by a Dean
appointed by the VCAA.

Criteria for Selection

The selection of faculty and student representatives is based on the


following:

• faculty status/student’s status in the University


• extensive library utilization
• active library involvement

Terms of Office

Terms of office for Committee Chair and faculty representative is three


(3) years, while the membership of student representative is on a yearly
basis. The Committee is chaired by the Dean who is appointed by the
VCAA.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 21


4.13. Office for Student Affairs (OSA) Board

The OSA Board is an advisory body to the Dean of Student Affairs


(DSA). It assists the DSA in formulating policies and programs pertaining to
student welfare, planning activities and services, and evaluating these
programs.

Chaired by the DSA, the Board is composed of the Guidance and Eval-
uation Center Director, Balayan Social Development Office representa-
tive, University Student Government President, Administrative Assistant for
Student Activities, Administrative Assistant for Student Formation, Internal
Campus Sports Coordinator, Discipline Officer, Culture and Arts Program
Committee Chairperson, Officer for Job Placement and a representative
from the Parents’-Teachers’ Council.

4.14. Program Advisory Council (PAC)

The Program Advisory Council ensures that programs are current and
relevant to industry, business and society. The Council identifies current and
future industry trends and shifts in the skills and knowledge graduates need
to meet employer requirements. They advise on the need for new programs
and participate in their development and quality assurance. The Program
Advisory Council members are key liaisons among the university, industry
and the community. It is composed of the department chair, faculty, industry
partners, alumni, parents and students.

4.15. Student Development Committee (SDC)

The Student Development Committee coordinates the non-academic


formation efforts and activities of the college. It serves as a forum whereby
implementation of programs and policies geared towards better student
formation are discussed and conceptualized.

Chaired by the Dean of Student Affairs, the Student Development


Committee is composed of Directors of the Guidance and Evaluation Cen-
ter, Balayan, the Center for Lasallian Ministries, the chairperson of the
Religious Studies Department, a Faculty Representative, Balayan Student
Formator, a representative from the Alumni and the University Student Gov-
ernment President.

4.16. Parents-Teachers Council (PTC)

The Parents-Teachers Council functions as an advisory body to the col-


lege administration to establish better communication and effective coop-
eration between the home and the school. It is composed of parents and
faculty representatives elected during the annual Parents General Assem-
bly.
22 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
4.17. Social Research Ethics Committee (SREC)

To realize the responsibility of the University to ensure the quality and


integrity of research undertaken by its faculty, students and staff, the USLS
Social Research Ethics Committee has the mandate to ensure that all re-
searches conducted by members of the Lasallian community are compliant
with ethical standards of the University. The committee operates in coor-
dination with the Social Research Ethics Review Office (SRERO) that formu-
lates ethical review mechanisms for the conduct of social research, imple-
ments ethics review procedures and checklists for different social research
categories submitted by the university researchers and provides technical
and administrative assistance to all committee members who conduct re-
view of research proposals seeking ethical clearance.

4.18. University Research Board (URB)

Chaired by the AVCRE, the URB is composed of the VCAA, AVCAA,


Deans, SRERO Director, Publications and Engagement Director, College Re-
search Coordinators, and Senior Faculty Researchers.

The Board recommends policies and procedures governing the Uni-


versity Research Program, evaluates research proposals under the Faculty
Research Program and Professorial Chair Program, recommends research
fund allocation, and serves as a governing body to the AVCRE.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 23


5
SUPPORT SERVICES AND FACILITIES

5.1. INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Balayan - Social Development Center (SDC)

Balayan-SDC works with stakeholders within and outside the University


in translating the University’s vision-mission and commitment to social trans-
formation. It takes the lead role in the social awareness and formation of
the academic community especially the students and provides opportunities
for community engagements, issue advocacy and social mobilizations. It
organizes community partners and work in solidarity with like-minded or-
ganizations and institutions towards community development, empowerment
and sustainability.

Center for Advancement (ADV)

The Center for Advancement (ADV) directs and administers the con-
ceptualization, design, communication, implementation, monitoring, evalu-
ation and recommendation of institutional resource generation activities,
and projects.

The ADV shall generate material, financial and human resources to-
ward the establishment of Endowments, Annual Grants, Project Grants,
Scholarship Subsidy and Aid Programs, Earned Gifts and Naming Rights in
view of the Lasallian Mission of providing a human and Christian education
accessible, especially to the young and poor. The resources generated by
ADV shall provide essential resources to enable the University to operate
and to accomplish its shared Lasallian educational mission.

Center for Alumni Relations (CARe)

The Center for Alumni Relations envisions a connected, dynamic and vi-
brant alumni constituency that is highly supportive of the educational pursuit
and mission of the University of St. La Salle.

The CARe is tasked to nurture and animate the Lasallian spirit among
our alumni, through programs and activities that encourage involvement
and concern for their Alma Mater.

24 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


Center for Lasallian Ministries (CELAM)

The Center for Lasallian Ministries designs, coordinates, and implements


the Lasallian formation programs for students in senior high school, college
and postgraduate levels. It aims to deepen the community’s spiritual for-
mation through daily masses, confessions and other liturgical and parali-
turgical services. Moreover, it facilitates retreats and recollections which
provide a better understanding and appreciation of the spirituality of St.
La Salle and enable the community to reflect on their relationship with
themselves, with others and with God.

Center for Linkages and International Affairs (CLIA)

The Center for Linkages and International Affairs envisions an excel-


lent and dynamic relationship with local, regional, national and internation-
al partners and other stakeholders in support of the educational mission
thrusts of the University of St. La Salle particularly in the areas of faculty
and staff development, student formation, outreach and community devel-
opment, research, resource generation and various linkages.

Its main objectives are to:

• pursue, build and nurture linkages and partnerships here and


abroad;
• promote international education and exchanges
• provide support services to external partners and guests; and
• develop new programs that will support the various efforts of the
University vis-à-vis its relationship with external partners and other
stakeholders.

Its programs and services include the Foreign Language Institute and
the English for Global Communications (EGC) Program, Study Abroad Pro-
gram (inbound and outbound), Group Study Exchange, faculty and student
international mobility, intercultural activities, educational trips, international
volunteering, resource generation support, and guest relations.

Center for Marketing and Communications (CMC)

The Center for Marketing and Communications (CMC) ideates, creates,


implements, manages, recommends, and evaluates the design and conduct
of all institutional online and offline messages and media administration in
relation to marketing and communications, including but not limited to
advertising, promotion, public relations, and publicity activities, multi-media
imaging and branding initiatives, online, website and social media pres-
ence, digital, print, audio, tactile, olfactory, and other sensory materials,
institutional appearances, donor, and sponsorship presentations, among
others.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 25


University Marketing and Communications Design has three compo-
nents, namely: form, function, and administration. Ideating Form is the
creative process involved in the fashioning of ideas, words, and crafting of
messages. Building Function is form developed into messaging materials
that are appropriate to the conveyed message and audience. Sustainable
Administration is the messaging management systems and processes em-
ployed to ensure that both the form and function of every message reflects
the Lasallian charism faith, service, and communion. The official University
Style Guide as reference provides the details.

Center for Research and Engagement

The Center for Research and Engagement (CRE) is the research arm of
the university whose main purpose is to administer and supervise all
institutional research requests, internally-funded researches under the Fac-
ulty and Administrators Research Program, and university-based external-
ly-funded research projects as well as other research-related activities. It
also provides research technical assistance to both internal and external
clients.

Under the CRE are the Publication and Engagement Office, the Social
Research Ethics Review Office and the Intellectual Property Rights Commit-
tee. The Publication and Engagement Office facilitates the timely publica-
tion of research outputs and dissemination of research recommendations to
all stakeholders and links the university with private and public institutions
and agencies for possible fund sourcing through research collaboration. To
ensure ethical soundness, the Social Science Ethics Review Office ascertains
that all researches are compliant with ethical principles and standards of
the university. On the other hand, Intellectual Property Rights Committee
looks into issues and concerns pertaining to Intellectual Property Rights in
order to protect the IP creators of the university.

With the end view of promoting quality education, socio-economic de-


velopment, and scientific and technological advancement, the CRE is man-
dated to create and nurture a culture of research in the university through
a research environment befitting and relevant to all members of the La
Sallian community

Compliance Office

The roles and responsibilities of the Compliance office are defined by


the Board of Trustees’ Risk, Compliance, and Audit (RCA) Committee as part
of its oversight role.

Compliance office ensures that the University is compliance to all ap-


plicable laws and regulations, internal rules, policies and procedures. The

26 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


compliance office plays an essential role in helping preserve the integrity
and reputation of the University. The Compliance office maintains its inde-
pendence by being free from any operational and management functions.

Health Services Center

The Center attends to the health needs of the academic community. It is


headed by a Medical Director and assisted by physicians, registered nurses
and dentists.

Institute for Lasallian Animation and Formation (ILAF)

The Institute is responsible for the ideation, design, creation, implemen-


tation, collaboration, management, evaluation and recommendation of the
Institutional Lasallian Formation for Mission Program.

The Institute provides leadership in the human formation and forma-


tion for the educational service to the poor to 1) ensure the vitality of the
Lasallian ministries, 2) to inspire lay partners to make their work a gospel
ministry, and 3) to enable them to successfully carry out the mission entrust-
ed to them.

Lasallian Vocations Ministry Office (LVMO)

The LVMO provides students, professionals and/or alumni with oppor-


tunities for discernment and reflection on their calling to become priests and
religious brothers and sisters.

It assists in the University’s efforts of creating an awareness of the La-


sallian heritage of faith, service and community.

The LVMO animates the St. Brother Miguel Academy (SBMA), serves as
an apostolate of the Aspirants and Contacts which exposes them to the
Lasallian ministry of education. In recent years, it has opened its doors to
students who simply wants to do volunteer work.

Museo De La Salle Bacolod

The Museo De La Salle is a school-based museum in Bacolod City. In


addition to its main collection of religious artifacts, the museum also fea-
tures special exhibits that enable faculty, students and the Negrense com-
munity to deepen their appreciation of the Filipino cultural heritage. The
Museum houses the international textile collection donated by Ms. Mara
Montelibano.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 27


Quality Assurance Management Office

The Quality Assurance Management Office provides staff support to


the Office of the President. The office is responsible for making signif- icant
contributions to the development, monitoring, review, management and
implementation of the quality assurance policies and procedures and
associated administrative systems and to contribute to special institutional
projects and quality assurance related activities.

Strategic Planning Office

With the growing interconnected operations of USLS, there is a need to


establish a more integrated approach in Strategy planning and implemen-
tation for the University.

The Strategic Planning Office was created on November 2015, with


initially one officer who will take charge of institutional strategic planning
processes.

The Strategic Planning Office provides staff support to the Office of


the President. It handles the overall design and execution of the Strategy
Management processes; serves as the process custodian of the integrated
planning, monitoring and reporting system.

The office is also responsible for interfacing with and coordinating all
other strategy related systems and activities to promote synergy and ex-
cellence towards the accomplishment of the USLS Vision and Mission.

The Artists’ Hub

The Ricardo Sr. and Olivia Yanson Hall houses the Artists’ Hub’s re-
hearsal studios and other facilities for the Culture and Arts Program of the
University of St. La Salle.

USLS Bookstore

The Bookstore, which was established in the 80’s, is fully operated by


the University of St. La Salle - Bacolod. The Bookstore supports the Insti-
tutional Mission founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle. It caters to the
textbooks, uniforms, school and office supplies and Lasallian items’ needs
of the Integrated School, Senior High School, College and the Lasallian
community.

University Chaplain’s Office

The University Chaplaincy Office oversees and facilitates the spiritual


and moral formation of the Lasallian community through the celebration of
28 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
sacraments and the conduct of liturgical services, devotional practices, pas-
toral counseling and other religious activities. It is under the Office of the
Vice Chancellor for Mission and Development and closely coordinates with
the Institute for Lasallian Animation and Formation, Centers for Lasallian
Ministries for the College Unit and Integrated School, the Religious Studies
Department, Guidance Office, Vocations Office, Balayan-Social Develop-
ment Office and the Office for Student Affairs. The University Chaplain
celebrates masses on campus as scheduled, to wit:

• Weekday Masses are held at the Main Chapel at 7:00am (Monday to


Friday), 11:30am (class days only), and 1:30pm at the IS Chap- el
(MWF). The Anticipated Mass is at 5.30pm (every Saturday).
• Regular confessions, spiritual direction and counseling may be availed
on regular schedules or by appointment through the University Chap-
laincy Office.

University Press (UPress)

The UPress provide various printing services to the Lasallian community


like diplomas, certificates, invitations, thesis binding, high resolution paper
prints, large tarpaulin printings, posters, souvenir programs, magazines and
newsletters for various offices. It is supervised by the Director of Ancillary
Services.

5.2. HIGHER EDUCATION UNIT SUPPORT SERVICES

Admissions and Scholarships Administration Office (ASAO)

The ASAO primarily focuses on the recruitment, screening and admis-


sion of students to the university, and supervises the screening and admis-
sion of applicants for scholarship and financial assistance.

Center for Support for Higher Education and Lifelong Learning (CSHELL)

The CSHELL caters to the primary need of the professional develop-


ment and career advancement of its own stakeholders in the three areas in
higher education: teaching and learning, research, and engagements. The
center will also provide access to the demands of continuing profes- sional
development (CPD) trainings for licensing, certificate and diploma
programs, life skills learning, language learning, and art institutes for de-
velopment. CSHELL also supervises the Center for LifeSkills, the Institute for
Culinary Arts De La Salle and the Language Learning Program.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 29


Center for LifeSkills

Center for LifeSkills is a registered training center of the Technical Ed-


ucation and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through the Unified TVET
Program Registration Accreditation System (UTPRAS) following the modules
under the Competency Standard defined in the Training Regulation (TR) of
TESDA. The center provides opportunities to Out of School Youth (OSY),
unemployed, and underemployed to avail scholarship for continuous edu-
cation and lifelong learning through vocational and technical skills training
to enable them to find gainful employment here and abroad.

Institute for Culinary Arts De La Salle (ICA)

The Institute for Culinary Arts De La Salle is committed to promote


quality education responsive to global realities. ICA is envisioned to be the
leader in culinary education in the region by bringing in Ilonggo cuisine to
the international foodscape.

Anchored on Catholic Faith and the desire to graduate men and women
imbued with Christian values, and committed to work for societal transfor-
mation, ICA specifically aims to:

• provide students with integrated and hands-on training in culinary


arts by fusing fundamental techniques with state-of-the-art equip-
ment;
• hone the culinary skills of the students through the direct supervision
of internationally-trained chef instructors;
• train students on the fundamentals of classic and contemporary
cuisine with the integration of Philippine flavors and approaches;
• train students who are versatile in various world class hotels, pro-
fessional settings, cruise ships, resorts, restaurants, catering busi-
ness and bakeshop management.

Language Learning Program

The Language Learning Program (LLP) is built on four main method-


ological and pedagogical pillars that are fully integrated with each other
in all the courses.

Pillar 1 involves Guided Discovery Learning which is a way to develop


the language acquisition skills of the learners by using a more natural pro-
cess in learning a language. It benefits the cognitive, linguistic and social
aspects of the learner.

Pillar 2 focuses on Grammar Progression which includes learning the rules


of grammar in a spiral progression that allows the learner to revisit the rules
as the need arises. It also involves the functional use of English and grammar.
30 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
Pillar 3 gives importance to the Individual Learning Plan, a mechanism
to motivate adult learners into self-direction. Activities will be provided to
allow the learners to explore their skills and to analyze their experiences.

Pillar 4 emphasizes the need to have an international standard when it


comes to teaching and learning English. The LLP sees the need to adapt the
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and Teaching En- glish
to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) design. Hence, the program will
offer authentic activities and assessments that will further the language
acquisition of the learners.

Don Alfredo Montelibano, Sr., AFSC Memorial Learning Resource


Center (LRC)

The Learning Resource Center is a pro-active learning hub of the institu-


tion that provides excellent educational resources, state-of-the-art technol-
ogies and innovative services in support for the lifelong learning, instruction
and research of the university and the academic community.

Guidance and Evaluation Center (GEC)

As a support and formation service center, the Guidance and Evalua-


tion Center (GEC) contributes to the fulfillment of the University’s mission of
providing holistic formation to the youth and fostering a culture of openness
and dialogue between and among sectors in the campus.

GEC offers services and programs that help its clientele recognize their
potentials and skills in order to make and attain realistic life goals; become
mature, responsible and self-motivated members of the community; and
integrate their university life experiences towards strengthening their Chris-
tian commitment to service.

Institute of the Moving Image (IMI)

IMI is a continuing education and lifelong learning arts platform. Its


objective is to reinforce the current academic and non-academic programs
of the University thru Arts Education utilizing different strategies in experi-
ential learning, discourse, and research.

The following are the different IMI Programs:

• The IMI Continuing Education is a program that collaborates with


the different departments of the University (LICEO, Communica-
tions and Inter Disciplinary Studies departments, etc) by offering
courses that are credited as electives and taught by practitioners.
The program also features workshops intended for individuals who
want to take courses in Cinema, Theatre, and other forms of art.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 31


• The IMI Residency Program is for local and international artists
who want enhance their artistic practice by production, exhibition,
interaction and collaboration. The residency is also open to art
scholars who want to do research on specific local art subjects.

• The Visayan Moving Image Archive, is a work in progress digital


archive that will hold soft copies of past and current art works,
films, photographs, videos, documentaries, news clips, and related
data for research purposes. The Archive hopes to expand its reach
by partnerships with local and international archives.

• The IMI Volunteers, is a program that is focused on promoting


community involvement that is open to Senior High School and Col-
lege Students, Alumni, Staff, Faculty, and individuals. The volun-
teers operate as an informal club that organizes film screenings,
forums, and exhibitions.

Instructional Media Center (IMC)

The IMC is an academic support unit that facilitates audio-visual re-


lated requests and services for the institution as well as ID printing and
production. It assists faculty in the selection, programming, and actual pro-
duction of audio-visual aids for classroom instruction.

Registrar’s Office

The Office of the Registrar is the repository of records of students’


academic performance. The Registrar ensures compliance with academic
requirements mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
facilitates the registration or transfer of students, and certifies the eligibility
of candidates for graduation and honors.

University Language Resource Center

The University Language Resource Center offers tutorial and remedial


classes in English and Filipino to students who are advised to enroll in these
services. The center also provides instructional materials to assist both the
faculty in the Languages departments and the students who need assistance
in either English or Filipino language.

5.3. LABORATORIES

Acoustic Laboratory (Animo Radio)

The acoustic laboratory is dedicated for quality audio and video re-
production. It is well equipped with good acoustic environment, amplifiers,
microphone and first-rate audio recording, audio editing and multitrack
32 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
recording software. It also serves as the University’s in campus radio station
known as Animo Radio.

Agribusiness Farm

The farm is located at the 55-hectare USLS Granada campus that


serves as a venue for the practical application of the theories and princi-
ples taught in the classroom, as well as a testing area for new technologies
to determine their adaptability to local conditions. It also hosts student and
external research activities in agricultural production management and
systems, and serves as a venue for in-house practicum requirements of
Agribusiness students.

Associate for Computer Engineering Technology (ACET) Workshop

The ACET workshop is set up for subjects like Computer Networking and
Assembly, Computer Systems and different hardware related topics. It is
well-equipped with PCs, tool kits and computer peripherals, networking
equipment and well-designed working tables.

Yu An Log College of Business and Accountancy Business Incubation


Room

The Business Incubation Room located at the second floor of the Univer-
sity Bookstore provides a venue for Entrepreneurship students, mentors and
external partners. It is situated near the university’s entrance to ensure easy
access to Entrepreneurship students’ possible clients. This was established to
provide venue for fledgling startups of the university’s student-entrepre-
neurs. This room is primarily used by Entrepreneurship students enrolled in
Product Management and Business Implementation. This allows students to
develop hands-on entrepreneurial skills

Chemical Engineering Laboratory (ChEL)

The ChEL serves as a venue for training Chemical Engineering students


in practical applications of principles and theories of Unit Operations. It
houses the pilot plant for alcohol distillation from molasses and also in-
cludes equipment for Flow of Fluids, Flow of Heat, Evaporation, Filtration,
Sedimentation, Drying, Screening and Size Reduction, Cyclone Separation,
Chemical Kinetics and Process Control.

Chemical Engineering Research Laboratory (CHERL)

The ChERL is a specialized laboratory for Chemical and Materials


Engineering students as well as faculty conducting researches. It is well
equipped with up-to-date equipment such as oxygen bomb calorimeter,
rotary evaporator, fat extraction set-up, Brookfield viscometer and spec-
Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 33
trophotometer. It also houses the Water Analysis Laboratory which offers
physical and chemical water testing for faculty and students’ researches
and other external clients.

Computer Science Laboratories

The College Unit has Computer Science Laboratories which are


equipped with computers and printers to ensure extensive hands-on train-
ing for maximum learning. Aside from being used for both basic and pro-
fessional computer courses, the laboratories are also utilized for special
training modules.

ECOPARK

The USLS Granada Ecological Park or “ECOPARK” is a ten-hectare


park within the 55-hectare Granada campus.

It serves to provide a venue and structure for ecological resource and


learning, nature appreciation, biodiversity conservation and environmental
studies for students, teachers, researchers, policy makers and the general
public. It further serves as a research and field laboratory for herbal
medicine, organic farming, indigenous plant propagation and wildlife pro-
tection.

Electronics and Communications Engineering Laboratory (ECEL)

The ECE Laboratory serves the needs of the Electronics Engineering,


Electrical Engineering, and the Computer Engineering programs. It is well-
equipped with facilities and equipment for students to perform laboratory
exercises in Circuits, Electronics, Energy Conversion, Industrial Electronics,
and Communications.

Psychology Laboratory

The Psychology Laboratory offers a venue for students to acquire


knowledge and skills on the five basic designs of the experimental method
through experiential learning. It is equipped with various instruments such
as a biofeedback monitor, a genetic traits test, a reaction time kit, human
handedness test, T mazes and tracing mirrors and computer software pro-
grams used in experiments that cover a wide array of topics.

Geomatics Laboratory (GIS Lab)

The Geomatics Laboratory, under the auspices of the College of Engi-


neering and Technology, was acquired through the GEOTECH CENSOPHIL
project of the University of St. La Salle with the European Union Asia IT&C
programme. Primarily, it is a venue for capacity building of the Engineer-
34 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
ing faculty and students through the integration of Geomatics technology
into relevant courses. It seeks to increase use of geomatics methodologies
by other sectors of the university through research and outreach programs.
It also provides access to GIS practitioners of the government, non-govern-
ment and private partners of the university.

Health Science Laboratories

The Health Science Laboratories serve the needs of the College of


Medicine and have three separate fully equipped laboratories, namely:
Bio-Chemistry and Pharmacology, Physiology and Pathology, and Anatomy.
These laboratories assist faculty and students in their laboratory experi-
ment and activities.

Hospitality and Tourism Management Laboratories

The HM Culinary Laboratory has four air-conditioned hot and cold


kitchens equipped with state of the art facilities and a bar room where
students are trained in quantitative food preparation, table-skirting, table
setting, serving, catering and banquet services and bartending.

The Salon De La Salle is composed of a front desk, hotel lobby, travel


and tours office, two function rooms, prep room, bar counter, three hotel
rooms, and a linen room. The hotel rooms serve as a practice area for
hospitality management courses.

The Central Stock Room holds the ingredients for all HM classes. It
contains both perishable and non-perishable ingredients.

Materials Engineering Laboratory

The Materials Engineering Laboratory is equipped with apparatus and


instruments needed for determination of physical, mechanical and metal-
lurgical properties of materials. It has specialized equipment for charac-
terization of materials such as Universal Testing Machine, Differential Scan-
ning Calorimeter, microscope equipped with camera, and high temperature
muffle furnace.

Media Laboratory

The Laboratory provides various multi-media production equipment for


the use of students enrolled in AB Communication, as well as for the
production of institutional audio – visual documentary and promotional
materials. The facility includes a technician’s office, a studio and two edit-
ing rooms complete with audio – visual equipment needed for recordings
and for editing purposes.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 35


Microprocessor and Digital Laboratory (MDL)

The MDL is furnished with equipment for design and implementation of


digital and microprocessor systems. It is well equipped with DELL OptiPlex
780 series PCs, Intel Xeon Quad Computer Servers and has internet access.
Hands on exposure to various programming and computer applications
Software such as C++,Linux, AutoCAD, MatLab and the likes are available
in this laboratory.

Nursing Arts Laboratories

The Nursing Arts Laboratories provide simulated hospital set-up com-


plete with basic facilities that will enable students to develop skills in the
performance of basic nursing procedures. It has an amphitheater equipped
with LCD projectors and TV-VCR sets where student nurses can review pro-
cedures and treatments.

Nutrition Laboratory

The Nutrition Laboratory is an air-conditioned facility equipped with


tools and equipment where students can apply knowledge and skills
learned in basic nutrition, including planning, preparing and serving nutri-
tious and therapeutic diets.

Science Laboratories

The Science Laboratories serve the basic science requirements of all


curricula. These laboratories are fully stocked and equipped for labora-
tory instruction and experiments in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and General
Science.

Speech Laboratory

The Speech Laboratory is equipped with facilities that assist students in


improving their proficiency in oral communication, particularly in public
speaking.

Wireless Communications Laboratory (SMART Lab)

The Wireless Communications Laboratory, donated by SMART Com-


munications for the use of Electronics Engineering students, is composed of
a GSM active cell-site, TACS Radio Base Station, and analog and digital
communication equipment currently used in the telecommunication industry.

36 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


USLS Botanical Garden

The USLS Eco-Botanical Garden is a garden space for procuring


specimens, performing experiments, and for maintaining documented col-
lections of living plants for the purposes of research, conservation, display
and education.

5.4. FACILITIES

5.4.1 Auditoria

Cody Auditoria

Formerly known as Multimedia Rooms C17 and C16, the mini-


auditoria are situated adjacent to each other. Each room can
accommodate a class of 50 persons and if both auditoria are com-
bined it can house 100 persons for a relatively bigger functions.

Mutien Marie – Rheims (MM Auditorium A)

Located at the 4th floor of Mutien Marie Hall, this 381-seater


auditorium is ideal for conferences, seminars and meetings. It is fully
air-conditioned and equipped with multimedia system.

Mutien Marie – Rouen (MM Auditorium A)

Just across Mutien Marie Rheims, this 217-seater auditorium is


also ideal for conferences, seminars and meetings.

Room 10

This fully air-conditioned 90-seater room is an ideal venue for


lectures, thesis presentations, conferences and seminars for small
groups. It is located adjacent to the Museo Negrense De la Salle
beside the Coliseum.

5.4.2 Balay Kalinungan Complex

Adoration Chapel

The Chapel has a seating capacity of 60 and is ideal for litur-


gical services for small groups.

Balay Kalinungan 1

BK 1 functions as a spiritual formation center for the students,


faculty, staff as well as external clients of the University. It has two
Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 37
air-conditioned dormitories for retreatants/occupants. It also has a
dining hall, a conference room, the Chapel of the Resurrection with
a seating capacity of 120, Lanai Hall and a Basement Hall. It is
ideal for conferences, retreats, meetings or seminars.

Balay Kalinungan 2

BK 2 has 32 air-conditioned private double rooms with


individual restrooms. It also has a chapel, conference room, a dining
hall and, a kitchenette.

Hermitage

Situated across BK 1, this two-room retreat house is ideal for


family or group retreats. Just like the Parmenie, it has a private
restroom, a living and a dining room.

Parmenie

This is a six-room retreat house that is ideal for families and/


or groups. Each of the rooms is equipped with a private restroom,
living and a dining rooms, and a kitchenette. It is located beside the
Santuario De la Salle.

Santuario De la Salle

Situated at the back of BK1, this hall can accommodate 1,000


persons. It is ideal for conferences, seminars, retreats and receptions.

5.4.3 Chapels

Adoration Chapel

The Chapel has a seating capacity of 60 and is ideal for litur-


gical services for small groups.

Chapel of the Resurrection

The Chapel is located at Balay Kalinungan 1 with a seating


capacity of 120 persons.

Doña Corazon Locsin Montelibano Chapel

Built in 1966 and designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin, the


Doña Corazon Locsin Montelibano Chapel is the central place for wor-
ship of the Lasallian community, where regular masses are held during
school days and Saturdays.
38 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
High School Chapel

This chapel is located at the Integrated School.

5.4.4 Conference Rooms

Ledesma Board Room

Located at the 2nd floor of the Administration Building, be-


tween the HRDS Office and the University Alumni Relations Office,
this room is ideal for small group meetings.

Lopue Conference Room

Located at the Wester Hall, this room can accommodate 30


persons and is equipped with multimedia facilities.

Office for Student Affairs Conference Room

Situated at the ground floor of the Coliseum, this room can ac-
commodate 15 persons.

University Board Room

Situated at the Administration Building, this room can accommo-


date 20 persons.

Coliseum

This facility has a seating capacity of 8,000 (1,200 floor seating,


800 loge area, 6,000 upper bleachers area). It is ideal for Universi-
ty-wide assemblies, conventions, conferences, performances, concerts,
and indoor sports events.

Gallaga Theater

This 200-seater theater is ideal for stage productions and cul-


tural performances and is located at the Integrated School.

5.4.5 Gardens

Handumanan

The grove displays a circular walk path and garden behind the
University Chapel.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 39


Mater Dei Grove

Located near Donato Hall, this 500-seat amphitheater is ideal


for musical and theatrical performances and outdoor events.

Paseo De La Salle

This garden is a quiet place between Cody and Solomon Hall.

Plaza

A Wi-Fi zone area, the Plaza provides waiting and study areas
for students. It is situated between Cody and Wester Halls.

5.4.6 Food Courts

ECafé

The ECafé is a two-storey café and restaurant located near


Gate 1 that serves a menu of rice meals, pasta, sandwiches, iced
beverages, coffee, and frappes. Its 2nd floor is also equipped with
an air-conditioned function room for small gatherings.

iCafé

Situated at the ground floor of the Institute for Culinary Arts


(ICA) Hall, this Wi-Fi zone café provides food and beverage ser-
vices to the Lasallian community.

Stinger’s Food Court

Located at the right side of the University Coliseum, private con-


cessionaires serve the Lasallian community a variety of affordable
food choices in this fully air-conditioned facility.

University Cafeteria

Located at the ground floor of Benilde Hall, the cafeteria serves


food and beverages catered by private concessionaires

Museo De La Salle

The Museo De La Salle is a school-based museum in Bacolod City. In


addition to its main collection of religious artifacts, the museum also
features special exhibits that enable faculty, students and the Negrense
community to deepen their appreciation of the Filipino cultural heritage.
The Museum houses the international textile collection donated by Ms.
Mara Montelibano.
40 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
5.4.7 Salon De La Salle

Salon De La Salle – Rheims

This hotel suite serves as a laboratory for Hospitality and


Tourism Management students. Situated at the 2nd floor of the
Institute for Culinary Arts Hall, guests of the University may be
billeted here.

Salon De La Salle – Rouen

This standard hotel room is adjacent to Salon De La Salle –


Rheims.

5.4.8 Br. Roly R. Dizon FSC Sports Complex

Aside from the Coliseum which also serves as a venue for indoor
sports events, the University has the following sports facilities:

- Beach Volleyball Court


- College Covered Court
- Football Field
- Physical Fitness Gym
- Rubberized Track Oval
- Swimming Pool
- Shower Rooms
- University Grandstand

5.4.9 The Forum

The Forum provides a multi-purpose space for students who wish


to study, conduct meetings, take their meals, or congregate for
special activities. The three covered areas include mixed-use
facilities for gatherings or assemblies.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 41


6
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

6.1 ADMISSION

Admission to the University of St. La Salle is a privilege. The University,


therefore, reserves the right to refuse admission to applicants or to require
the withdrawal of students when it deems their presence among the student
body is inimical to the objectives of the University or to the observance of
its regulations.
In general, only students who can profit from graduate work and are
able to successfully pursue the prescribed requirements for graduation of
the program applied for shall be admitted.
Academic Advising Program

The Academic Advising Program facilitates the learning-teaching


partnership between the faculty and the student.
Upon admission, the Dean gives the students information about the
program of study, such as core/basic courses, major and cognate courses,
etc. They are then assigned to a Volunteer Faculty Adviser whose primary
function is to provide them with direction or guidance in the selection of
possible thesis/dissertation topics. However, for the initial implementation
of the Academic Advising Program, only those who do not meet the cut-off
score in the admission test are given advisers.
The program is designed to help students in integrating their chosen
topic into their coursework, specifically in their paper requirements. It is the
objective of this program to enable the students to have an early start in
their final program requirement (thesis/ dissertation/project paper).
However, as to the choice of thesis/dissertation /project paper adviser, the
students may choose a faculty to work with and this may not be necessarily
his/her assigned faculty adviser.
Requirements for Admission

I. For Entering Master’s/Doctorate Student


A student seeking admission to the graduate program must comply with
the following:
1. Accomplished Admission Application Form
2. Two letters of recommendation from the employer/from professor
3. 1 pc. (2x2) ID picture

42 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


4. Transcript of Record
5. Honorable Dismissal/Transfer Credential
6. Entrance Examination
7. Interview
8. Compliance of admission requirements in specific programs
9. Sign an undertaking to finish the bridging course in a year.

• Arts and Sciences Programs

A student seeking admission to the master’s program must hold a


bachelor’s degree or other related fields from an accredited college or
university.
An applicant with insufficient background will be required to take
prerequisite courses of up to 12 units of related courses in the program
he/she is applying for and 6 units in the field of specialization.
An applicant for Master in Public Management must have at least 6 months
of working exposure in any public/government agency.
An applicant seeking admission to the doctorate program must hold a
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
An applicant with a non-thesis master’s will have to enroll in six (6) units in
thesis as a bridging course.
• Yu An Log Business Programs

A student seeking admission to the master’s program must hold a degree


in business, management or other related fields from an
accreditedcollegee or university.
An applicant must have a sufficient background in accounting and with at
least 1 year of working exposure in any business enterprise.
If an applicant is not a business degree holder, he/she is required to take
the Accounting for Non-Accountants refresher course.
An applicant seeking admission to the doctorate program must hold a
Master’s degree in business, management or other related fields from an
accredited college or university.
An applicant with a non-thesis master’s will have to enroll in six (6) units in
thesis as a bridging course.
• Education Programs
A student seeking admission to the master’s program must hold a
bachelor’s degree in Education from accredited college or university. If
the master’s degree program enrolled is not aligned to the bachelor’s

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 43


degree the applicant must take a 6-unit pre-requisite course aligned to
the program. If an applicant is a non-education graduate, he or she is
required to take 12 units of professional education courses and 6 unit-
aligned specialization courses.

An applicant seeking admission to the doctorate program must hold a


Master’s degree aligned to the program being enrolled from an
accredited college or university. If the master’s degree is not aligned, he/
she is required to take 9 units aligned specialization courses.

An applicant with a non-thesis master’s will have to enroll in six (6) units in
thesis as a bridging course.

• Engineering Programs

A student seeking admission to the master’s program must hold a degree


in engineering or information technology with 12 units of professional
courses and 6 units in the field of specialization, or other related fields
from an accredited college or university.

• Nursing Programs

A student seeking admission to the master’s program must hold a degree


in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or
university.

An applicant seeking admission to the doctorate program must hold a


Master’s degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university.

An applicant with a non-thesis master’s degree will have to enroll in six (6)
units in a thesis as a bridging course.

These qualifications shall be determined through academic credentials,


graduate-level tests, two (2) recommendations from the school and/or
workplace, and an interview.

All tests have an essay component to evaluate proficiency in written


English. It is through the interview that communication skills and
commitment to complete the program are assessed.
II. For Transferees
1. Accomplished Admission Application Form
2. Two letters of recommendation from the employer/from the
professor
3. 1 pc. (2x2) ID picture
44 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
4. Transcript of Record
5. Honorable Dismissal/Transfer Credential
6. Entrance Examination
7. Interview
8. Compliance with admission requirements in the specific program
• Maximum credit of 25 % of subjects taken during the last five (5)
years prior to the student’s admission/transfer that are
substantially the same in content
• These units have not been credited to a degree previously
obtained by the student
• upon recommendation of the Admission Committee
• within the residence requirement
III. For Returnees
1. Clearance from Business Office
2. Interview (reason for delay, residency requirements)
3. Evaluation of subject/grade requirements
4. Advise Slip from Dean
Special Students (For Audit only)
Special students may be admitted subject to all admission requirements
provided they obtain the permission of the Dean and submit a signed
agreement waiving the right to receive and demand credit for work done.

Foreign Students
A student by virtue of citizenship is considered a foreign student. An
additional annual foreign fee is charged; however, missionaries and
religious, children of Overseas Filipino workers, special exchange students,
and students on audit are exempted from this fee.

Students Pre-Admission and Admission Procedure and


Requirements

Pre-enrolment Steps
Send a letter of intent to heu.admission@usls.edu.ph indicating the
program you want to enroll in and attached a copy of the Transcript of
Records.
*Please wait for our notification within 3-5 working days, before you
can proceed in taking the Entrance Examination.
Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 45
Step 1: Create an AIMS account through:
https://aims.usls.edu.ph/aims/applicants then click APPLY HERE (red
button).
Step 2: Pay the following Fee (non-refundable):
A. Entrance Exam Fee:
Graduate School - P400
B. Admission Fee - P300
PAYMENT CENTERS:
USLS Cashier
MLhuillier - Please fill up Name of student, Student Application Number and
purpose of payment
SM/Savemore - Account number should be 6030100 and on the Account
Name kindly indicate the Student Name
For MLhuiller and Savemore payees:
Upload all receipts in your AIMS account. The Guidance & Evaluation Center
(GEC) will be providing you the exam schedule and link through email.
Entrance Exam Results will be given to the respective Professional School
Offices. Please wait for the confirmation for the schedule of Interview
(College of Medicine and Graduate School Applicants). Once done with
the Interview you can now proceed to admission.For new entering
foreign students, submit the following requirements to the ASAO
Director:
Admission

Upload Admission Requirements in your Online Account

• Transcript of Records (TOR)


• Transfer Credentials/Honorable Dismissal
• College Diploma
• NSO or PSA Birth Certificate
• Admission Fee Receipt (P 300)
• Entrance Exam Receipt
• Signed Undertaking Form
• Graduate School Applicants - get downloadable form in the
website: https://usls.edu.ph/overviews/Graduate-School
• Recommendation Form from the Dean & Faculty where the student
graduated (College of Medicine Applicant) or Employer &
46 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
Faculty/Dean where the student graduated (Graduate School
Applicant) – get downloadable form in the website:
https://usls.edu.ph/overviews/Graduate-School
• ID Photo - Upload a recent photo (not over 5mb) to be used for
your student ID. Remember to LOOK PROFESSIONAL and have a
white background. Avoid wearing eyeglasses and showing off any
piercing.
TAKE NOTE: this form should be scanned and emailed by the
recommender to the following email below or directly send to different
professional school offices, sealed through a white long envelope.
Graduate School - gsm.admission@usls.edu.ph

Additional Requirements for Graduate School Applicants:

Curriculum Vitae
Handwritten Essay:
College of Law- essay questions will be released by May 2023.
Graduate School- Essay Questionnaire - get downloadable form in
the website: https://usls.edu.ph/overviews/Graduate-School

Additional Authenticated Requirements of Students Coming from


Abroad:

1. Grade Interpretation or Equivalence


2. Course Syllabus or Subject Description
3. Recommendation Form in Narratives
4. Foreign Passport and/or Philippine Passport
5. Medical Insurance

3.1 REGISTRATION
Enrolment Procedures
1. Academic Evaluation/Electronic Advising – please see your
respective Academic Coordinators.
2. Payment – please proceed to the Cashiers at the Business Office
3. Validation – please validate your enrolment in your AIMS account
4. ID Issuance/Renewal:
• for continuing students, please secure the sticker from the AVRC
staff
• for new students, please proceed to the Audio Visual Resource
Center

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 47


Academic Load

The normal load of a part-time graduate student is six (6) to nine (9)
units per semester, and twelve (12) units for a full-time student.

Residency Enrollment
Students who have finished all their coursework and are just
working on their thesis/dissertation and practicum/internship after a
semester of enrollment for thesis/dissertation writing and practicum/
internship may enroll for residence.

Similarly, students who are not enrolled in any subject but who want
to complete an INC, will take the comprehensive exam, or waiting for their
research publication must also enroll for residence. Registration for
residence should be done within the semester.

It is important to note that a student who does not intend to enroll


for a specific semester for a valid reason (medical reasons), but still has
remaining units to enroll, is not allowed to enroll in Residency, but should file
for a Leave of Absence (LOA).

Transfer from One Master’s Program to Another


Any student in the master’s program may be allowed to transfer to
another master’s option, subject to the approval of the Dean, upon the
recommendation of the Academic Coordinator, and endorsed by the
Associate Dean.

Special Classes/Undersized Classes

Special classes may be requested and offered provided that it is re-


quested by the Academic Coordinator through the Dean and addressed to
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA).

The computation of fees for these courses follows the same formula as
the undergraduate courses (which include the rate of the faculty per load x
5 months plus the 13th month and administrative expenses divided by the
number of students enrolled. This is in addition to the regular tuition fees).

This class follows the Blended Learning Mode which is composed of 32


contact hours plus independent study.

An undersized class shall be treated as a special class. The Graduate


School Dean is reminded to ensure that each new batch reaches the minimum
number of enrollees to provide an allowance for attrition in enrollment.

Change of Subject

Changing one subject for another is allowed during the first week of
48 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
classes under the following conditions:
1. if the subject originally enrolled in is dissolved
2. if the student has a conflict in schedules
3. if the student fails in the prerequisite subject

Adding of Subject/s

Adding subjects is allowed during the first week of classes upon the
written approval of the Associate Dean.
Procedure:
1. Un-tag enrolment form in Business Office
2. Secure Advice Slip from Graduate School Office
3. Go through the enrolment procedure

Withdrawal of Subject

The student may withdraw subjects until the second week from the start
of classes regardless of whether or not classes have been attended.
However, ten percent (10%) of the total amount due for the term if
within the first week of classes, and twenty percent (20%) if within the
second week will be charged. The student retains the right to withdraw all
subjects at any time of the semester thereafter but will pay the full
enrolment fees for the semester.
The following are the guidelines for filing for withdrawal of subject/s:
1. The student will write a letter and seek approval from the Dean.
2. Once approved, the student shall accomplish the Withdrawal Form
and settle all financial obligations.
3. Accomplished Withdrawal Form copy shall be provided to the
Registrar, Accounting Office and one for the student’s copy.

Submission of Grades

A Professor is required to submit his/her grades within one year after


the course was enrolled by the students.

Changes in Grades
Error in the entry of grades may be corrected after the professor
concerned explains in writing to the Dean his/her reason for the change
and secures approval. Change in grades must be done before the
Registrar’s submission of grades to the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED).
Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 49
Cross Enrollment

Coursework taken at other institutions by a regularly enrolled student


is not credited unless the student has secured in advance written permission
from the Dean. This written permission shall be the basis of a cross-
enrollment permit to be issued by the Registrar. It is the responsibility of the
student to secure a transcript of credit for an officially cross-enrolled course
for inclusion in his academic record at the University of St. La Salle.
Normally, cross-enrollment is not allowed unless the student is
graduating and the course is not offered during the semester in which he is
supposed to graduate. A student is not allowed to cross-enroll in major
elective courses and major professional courses.
Procedure:
1. Secure approval from Dean
2. Once approval has been secured, present to the Registrar for issuance
of the cross-enrolment permit
3. After completion of the course, submit the grade to the Registrar for
inclusion in his academic record

3.2 SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM


Rationale
Although the University does not extend institutional scholarships at the
master’s and doctorate levels, it is a degree-granting partner institution of
funding organizations such as government agencies, Local Government
Units (LGUs), alumni associations, non-government organizations (NGOs),
private schools, industrial firms, business establishments foundations and
individual benefactors.

3.3 FEES AND EXPENSES


Tuition and Fees

The basic fees of the Graduate Programs of the University of St. La


Salle are posted in appropriate bulletin boards at the start of each
semester.
Tuition fees are charged per unit and are subject to annual increases.

Refund of Fees
A student may seek a refund if he/she withdraws during the first two
weeks of classes in case pertinent tuition and other fees have been paid in
50 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
full or for any length longer than one month. However, he/she is charged
ten percent (10%) of the total amount due for the term if he/she withdraws
within the first week of classes, and twenty percent (20%), if within the
second week of classes, regardless of whether or not classes have been
attended.
The student may be charged all school fees in full if withdrawal is made
at any time after the second week of classes. However, if withdrawal is due
to a justifiable reason, the student shall be charged pertinent fees only up
to and including the last month of attendance.
Full refund shall be made to students for any courses discontinued by
the school.
The school may withhold the issuance of transfer credentials to students
until they have fully settled all financial obligations with the school.
Financial Delinquencies
The Graduate School reserves the right to withhold reports of grades,
transcripts of records and diplomas of students who have not fully paid their
accounts with the school. Students with financial delinquencies at the close
of the semester will not be permitted to register in the succeeding semester
unless previous accounts are settled.
Policies and Guidelines:
• Business Office will release the statement of accounts two (2) weeks
before the term exam to give parents/students ample time to
prepare for payments.
• Three (3) days before the exams, the Business Office will entertain
request for Promissory Notes. Promissory Notes could be executed
for 50% of what is due for the term.
• Non-payment of the balance as indicated in the Promissory Note will
incur surcharges as follows:

1st week after the deadline - P 100


2nd week after the deadline - P 200
3rd week after the deadline - P 300
Beyond the 3rd week - P 100 per week but
not to exceed
P500 a month

• Failure to pay the balance indicated in the promissory note will


automatically disqualify the student for succeeding promissory note.
• All faculty/proctors are expected to diligently check the exam
permits during term exams. Students without Exam Permit should be
sent back to the Business Office for payment arrangements.
• With the implementation of the above guidelines, the Business Office
can strictly monitor the payments made on the due dates as indicated
in the promissory notes.
Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 51
3.4 ATTENDANCE

Limits on Absences

Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Attendance is


counted from the first regular class meeting regardless of the time of
registration.
The maximum number of absences allowed a student is 20% of the
total number of class hours for the whole semester. A student may be
excused due to the following:
• death in the family
• illness
• a graduate program activity endorsed by the Dean

In case of illness, the student is required to present a medical certificate


from the USLS clinic or personal doctor. Excuses are for time missed only. All
work covered in class during the absence of the student shall be made up
to the satisfaction of the professor within a reasonable time from the date
of the absence.
When unexcused absence of a student reaches more than 20% of the
stipulated number of hours of recitation, lecture, laboratory, or any other
scheduled work in one course, he/she shall automatically be dropped from
the course by the professor and the student shall be given a grade of DRP
with a 5.0 grade.

Approved Absence

A student who participates in any school-sponsored activity or


represents the University in an official capacity is granted Approved
Absence upon the approval of the Dean.
An approved absence is noted on the student’s attendance record but
is not counted against the allowed number of absences in the subject. The
privilege, however, does not relieve him of the responsibility of making up
any work missed.
Leave of Absence
A student who does not intend to enroll in a semester may apply for a
leave of absence (LOA). A student on leave of absence does not sever
his/her ties with the University.
A request for a leave of absence shall be made in writing to the Dean.
The request should state the reason for the leave and should specify the
period. The leave may be approved for a period of one (1) year but may
be renewed for at most another year. LOA must be done on or before the
deadline.

52 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


A student may file an LOA if the student withdraws after two weeks
that the classes have already elapsed. The student will be subject to a
withdrawal fee from the Cashier’s office.
A student who withdraws from a college without formal leave of
absence [considered “absent without leave” status or AWOL] shall have
his/her registration privileges curtailed or entirely withdrawn.
The following are the guidelines for filing for a leave of absence:
1) The Dean, Associate Dean, or the duly authorized representative,
shall inform the University Registrar indicating the reasons for the leave and
the amount of money refunded to the student if any;
2) for a leave of absence to be availed of by the student
himself/herself, during the second half of the semester, the class standing
of the courses enrolled will be W (withdrawn) indicating that the student
officially withdraws his/her enrollment. No refund of tuition and fees will
be provided.
3) no leave of absence shall be granted during the semester within two
(2) weeks before the last day of classes.
A student returning from a leave of absence (LOA) or absence without
leave (AWOL) shall declare his/her intention to enroll by writing to the
University Registrar through the Graduate School Dean. The latter then
endorses it to the University Registrar.

3.5 ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Grading System
MASTER’S DOCTORATE
Grade Point Description Grade Point Description
Equivalent Equivalent
1.0 98-100 Excellent 1.0 99 - 100 Excellent
1.25 95-97 Superior 1.25 96 - 98 Superior
1.50 92-94 Very Good 1.50 93 - 95 Very Good
1.75 89-91 Good 1.75 90 - 92 Passing
2.00 85-88 Passing 2.00 Passed but
no credit
Passed but no
3.00 credit 5.00 Failed
5.00 Failed
W Withdrawn W Withdrawn
D Dropped D Dropped
INC Incomplete INC Incomplete

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 53


Retention Policy
To remain in good standing, a master’s student must maintain a weight-
ed average of 2.0 or better; while a doctorate student must maintain a
weighted average of 1.75 or better at the end of each academic year
until the completion of his/her program of study.

A grade of 3.0 for master’s and 2.0 for doctorate are passing grades
but these do not merit any graduate credit. If the student gets 5.0, he is
automatically dropped from the program.
Failure in any subject will mean no re-admission to the program.
Incomplete Grades
A grade of INC may be given if the student’s class standing throughout
the semester is passing, but:
• the student fails to take the final examination; or
• the student fails to complete other requirements for the subject due
to illness or other valid reasons.
In case the class standing is not passing and the student fails to take
the final examination without just or valid reasons, a grade of 5.0 is given.
Removal of the “INC” must be done within the prescribed time of one
(1) academic year by meeting all the requirements for the course, after
which the student shall be given a final grade based on his/her overall
performance.
The student has to submit to the Graduate School Office the
accomplished Incomplete Grade Removal Form within the set deadline.
(email: gsm@usls.edu.ph).
A student who fails to comply with the deficiencies and/or requirements
of course after a year will automatically get a 3.0 (master’s) or 2.0
(doctorate) and has to take the subject again.
Any student who incurs INC in all subjects will be dropped from the rolls
of the Graduate School.
3.6 MAXIMUM RESIDENCE
Master’s Program

Candidacy to the degree must be attained within three (3) academic


years from the date of admission and all requirements must be completed
within five (5) academic years.
If a student cannot comply with the MRR (extends beyond 5 years),
he/she is allowed a maximum of two (2)-year extension but is required to
enroll in a graded 6-unit refresher courses related to the area of
specialization.
54 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
A master’s program must be finished within a maximum of seven (7)
academic years including Leave of Absence (LOA).
A student who cannot finish within seven (7) years is required to re-enroll
all the courses taken and comply with requirements to earn new credits.
Doctorate Program

Candidacy to the degree must be attained within five (5) academic


years from the date of admission and all requirements including the
Dissertation must be completed within seven (7) academic years.

If a student cannot comply with the maximum residence (extends


beyond 7 years), he/she is allowed a maximum of two (2) years
extension but is required to enroll in a graded 6-unit refresher course
related to the specialization.

A doctoral program must be finished within a maximum of nine


(9) academic years including Leave of Absence (LOA).

A student who cannot finish within nine (9) years is required to


re-enroll all the courses taken and earn credit units.

3.7 SEMESTRAL AWARDS


President’s List
A graduate student (with at least 6 units load) who obtains at the end
of the semester, a grade of 1.0 for all subjects qualifies for this award.
Dean’s List
A graduate student (with at least 6 units load) who obtains at the end
of the semester, an absolute minimum weighted average of 1.25 without a
grade lower than 1.25 for the doctorate, and 1.5 for the master’s, qualifies
for this award.

3.8 ACADEMIC AWARDS

Students who excel in their academic performance throughout the


master’s or doctorate program without having repeated any subject, have
no grades of INC, D, or W, and passed the Comprehensive Examination
with no re-take are given special recognition by the USLS Graduate School
upon graduation.
With Highest Academic Honor
• a GPA of 1.1 or better
• no grade lower than 1.25
• moral and academic integrity

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 55


With High Academic Honor
• a GPA of 1.25 or better
• no grade lower than 1.25 for doctoral and 1.5 for master
• moral and academic integrity
These awards are given over and above the outstanding and best
thesis/ dissertation award.

3.9 COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS

The comprehensive examinations shall cover all basic/core courses,


fields of concentration, and electives or cognates. It shall be given for two (2)
days for a master’s and three (3) days foa r doctorate with two days
intervals between examinations or consecutively as arranged. The
examination shall last for a maximum of eight (8) hours per day.
Scope

For Master’s
First Day - Basic Courses and Electives/Cognates
Second Day - Major Courses
For Doctorate
First Day - Basic Courses and Electives/Cognates
Second Day - Major Courses
Third Day - Major Courses

Eligibility

Master’s students who have passed all academic requirements and who
have been evaluated by their respective Graduate School Academic
Coordinators may file their application to take the comprehensive exams.
Students of the non-thesis track should have completed the requirements
of the integrating courses to include, but not limited to, feasibility study,
project study, case study, or applied research in their major field for MBA
and action research or practicum in their major field for Education.
Doctorate students who have passed all academic requirements and
have been evaluated by their respective College Deans may likewise file
their application.
Application Procedures

The Academic Coordinator will do an initial evaluation of the academic


courses of the student and will then be advised to enroll in Residency in
Comprehensive Examination. The student will then proceed with the Application
for the examination which should be filed with the Graduate Program
56 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
Secretary at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled examination. A
prospective examinee who intends to withdraw his/her application should
inform the Graduate Program in writing explaining the reason for his/her
withdrawal at least three (3) working days before the examination.
An examination fee of P1,100 for master’s and P2,500 for doctorate
students shall be charged and paid to the Business Office. The official
receipt attached to the application for the comprehensive examination must
be presented to the secretary before taking the exam.
The comprehensive exam fee will be forfeited if the prospective
examinee fails to appear during examination dates, or fails to inform the
Graduate Program Services Office through a written note that he/ she will
not be able to take the exam. The student who failed to take the
Comprehensive Exam on the scheduled dates within the semester
Scoring

Students must get a minimum score of 7.00 points in all courses to pass
the comprehensive exam.

If a student gets a score of 7.00 points or higher (70% or higher) in the


courses taken, the student is considered “Passed” in the exam. However, if
a student gets lower than 7.00 points (lower than 70%), the student is
allowed to have the first retake exam in the courses which he/she failed
within the residency in comprehensive examination enrollment. The student
is allowed to take 2 retakes within the semester of enrollment.
If the student fails in the second retake of exam, he/she will be required
to take a refresher course on the failed course/s the following semester.
The student then is allowed to take the comprehensive exam for the third
and last time the following residency in comprehensive exam enrollment.
Failure in the comprehensive examination for the fourth time will mean
disqualification from the program.
Advancement to Candidacy
A student who passes the comprehensive examination will confer with
the Dean for a thesis/dissertation adviser. The student shall be considered
as having been advanced to candidacy for the degree.

3.10 PROJECT PAPER, THESIS & DISSERTATION


Standards for Project Paper/Thesis/Dissertation

The project paper/thesis/dissertation shall:


- embody an original, independent, significant, and scientific
research or creative work;
- show the student’s capacity to make a critical evaluation of
Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 57
previous work done in his chosen research topic; and
- demonstrate his ability to conduct the proposed research present
- research findings in a clear, systematic, and scholarly manner.
Thesis/Project Paper writing must be finished within two (2) years from
the time of the title defense/proposal defense. For the thesis, the
student is given one (1) year from the title defense to submit and
defend a proposal. If the approved title is still applicable in the
present times, the same concept paper is allowed to be presented for
re-defense. Otherwise, the student is required to change his/her
research title/topic and go through the process of title defense over
again.
Dissertation writing must be finished within three (3) years from the time
of the title defense. The student is given one (1) year from the title
defense to submit and defend a proposal. If the concept paper is still
applicable in the present times, the same concept paper is allowed to
be presented for re-defense. Otherwise, the student is required to
change the title/topic and go through the process of title defense over
again.

Project Paper/Thesis/Dissertation Adviser


The assignment of a Project Paper/Thesis/Dissertation Adviser may be
done while the student is still taking academic courses. The Dean shall then
appoint an adviser who shall be chosen on the basis of his expertise in the
student’s research topic following the Graduate School Research Protocols.

The choice for the adviser shall consider the following:

- The adviser shall be a faculty of the Graduate School and a


holder of a doctoral degree aligned with the discipline, and
has at least one publication in a refereed journal and/or
produced publicly recognized creative and/or technology
outputs guided by CMO 15 s. 2019;
- The adviser’s selection has to give primary importance to the
student’s choice with the approval of the program adviser
and the dean;
- The adviser’s specialization should be aligned with the
degree program of the advisee;
- Faculty from other universities in some circumstances can be
invited to serve as adviser provided that the faculty is an
adjunct faculty of the Graduate School;
- If the faculty is designated as adviser prior to the effectivity
of the retirement, he/she has the option to continue to serve
until the final defense
- In the exigency of service, the faculty can have more than
five advisees but with the approval of the Dean.
58 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
The Research Adviser shall be responsible for:
- Help the student in the proper conduct (through regular and
close monitoring) of research work according to the set
timetable (as stipulated in Form 3.2) to ensure the integrity
and high-quality output.
- Review/check submitted proposals, questionnaires, and
other chapters/aspects of the research paper.
- Provide not only technical expertise but moral guidance as
well to the student while working on the research project.
- Conduct mock defense prior to the oral defense, when
necessary.
- Attend the defense of the Advisee.
- Attend orientation/s set by the Graduate School.
- Adhere to the Graduate School Research Protocols.
- Bound only to advising and shall not be selected as editor
of the student, or to any other appointments related to the
conduct of the study.
The student may express preference for an adviser but the Dean,
Associate Dean and Research Coordinator make the final decision based
on the degree, expertise, research work, number of advisees (maximum of
five (5) per semester), and total workload of the faculty member. In some
cases (more advisees but less number of faculty in the program), a faculty
member can be assigned more than five (5) advisees.

Guidelines for Thesis/Dissertation Preparation and Defense


Guidelines for thesis/dissertation preparation and defense are as
follows:
Application for Title Defense
1. Student accomplishes Form 1 - Application for Title Defense.
2. Student emails Form 1 and 3 concept papers to the Academic
Coordinator (AC). Instead of asking the AC to sign Form 1, the student:
Requests the AC to endorse the application for the title defense to the GS research
coordinator (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph), by affixing his/her (AC) e-signature. The academic
coordinator also recommends a set of panel members.
Note: This must be done at least 2 weeks before the scheduled defense.

3. The Academic Coordinator endorses Form 1 and the 3 concept


Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 59
papers of the student to the research coordinator
(gsresearch@usls.edu.ph), CC Ms. Lyra (m.magbanua@usls.edu.ph)
4. The Research Coordinator (RC) then nominates the panel members
as per recommendation of the AC, after the deliberation with the GS
Research Committee.
Project Paper :1 Panel Chair* & 2 members* (1-Content Specialist*,
1 Method Specialist)
Thesis:1-Panel Chair *& 3 members (1-Content Specialist*, 1-Method
Specialist* & 1-External Panel**)
Dissertation: 1-Panel Chair* & 4 members (2-Content Specialist*, 1-
Method Specialist* & 1-External Panel**)
*University-affiliated
**Will participate from Proposal Defense onwards
5. The Graduate School Office coordinates with the panel members
with regard to the proposed schedule of the title defense.
6. Once finalized, the Research Coordinator informs the nominated
panel members and the student of the date and time of the title defense.
The 3 concept papers and Form 2 - Report of Title Defense are sent to the
panel members.
7. The panel chair prepares and emails the online details of defense
(i.e., meeting ID and password for Zoom or link of the meeting for Google
Meet) to the panel members and the student before the scheduled defense.
The panel chair also hosts the defense.
During the Title Defense
1. The members of the panel deliberate in the chosen
platform/venue the three submitted titles without the presence of the
student.
2. After the deliberation, the panel chair admits the student in the
meeting room.
3. The student takes note of the comments and suggestions of the
panel during the defense.
4. The panel chair may record the defense with the consent of
everyone in the meeting room and furnish the student the link of the
recorded video.

After the Title Defense

1. The panel members decide on the title to be pursued based on the


deliberation which must be reflected in Form 2 - Report of Title Defense.
Each panel member accomplishes Form 2 indicating the results of the
defense and other necessary information.
60 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
2. The panel chair emails the accomplished Form 2 to the RC
(gsresearch@usls.edu.ph) and to the student within the first working day
after the defense.

3. In the case that the proposed titles were disapproved by the panel
members, the student has to present a new set of three (3) titles and
follow the same protocol for the title defense. This decision must be
reflected in Form 2 - Report of Title Defense.

4. The student facilitates the settlement of the title defense fees by asking
the members of the panel regarding their preferred mode of payment.
The student then emails the screenshot/image of the fund transfer
confirmations or deposit slips made to the GS Office
(gsresearch@usls.edu.ph) within the first working day after the defense.

Application for the Designation of Research Adviser

Request for Research Adviser


1. The student shall accomplish Form 3 - Application for Designation of
Research Adviser. The research adviser must be affiliated with the
University and the degree program must be aligned with the student’s
program.

*Note: The research adviser must have a PhD degree (CHED CMO 15 s 2019).

2. The student then emails Form 3 - Application for Designation of


Research to the Academic Coordinator. Then the AC writes an
email/letter addressed to GS research coordinator
(gsresearch@usls.edu.ph) “noting the application for research adviser.

Note: The e-signature of the Dean is not required at this point.

3. The research coordinator emails Form 3 to the Dean for deliberation


and appropriate action. Once the research adviser has been decided,
the research coordinator, the associate Dean, and the GS Dean affix
their e-signatures.

4. The research coordinator then emails Form 3.1 - Appointment for


Research Adviser to the student and the appointed adviser.

5. Lastly, the Student/Adviser emails back the Accomplished Form 3.1 to


the research coordinator (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph).

Thesis/Dissertation Advising Contract


1. Once a Research Adviser has been appointed, the Advisee and the
Research Adviser must accomplish Form 3.2 - Research Timetable and
Form 3.3 - Thesis/Dissertation Advising Contract.
Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 61
2. The student shall email Form 3.2 and Form 3.3 - Thesis/Dissertation
Advising Contract to the GS Research Coordinator within 5 days of the
receipt of Form 3.1.

Change of Title of the Study


1. Should the student decide to change the title of her/his study, s/he must
email Form 3.4 - Request for Change of Title of the Study and the new
concept paper to the research adviser.

2. The research adviser then endorses the request to the members of the
panel for deliberation. A copy of the email is to be sent also to the
research coordinator (email add: gsresearch@usls.edu.ph)

3. The members of the panel deliberate among themselves whether to


approve or disapprove the request. (Note: Schedule of the online
meeting will be decided among themselves.)

4. The panel chair then emails the student, the research adviser, and the
research coordinator as per the decision of the members of the panel
regarding the request for the change of title.

*Note: The student is allowed to have only one (1) request of change in the title of
the study which must be done prior to proposal
defense application.

Request for the Change of Research Adviser


1. Should the student decide to change his research adviser due to
justifiable reason/s, then s/he shall accomplish Form 3.1.1 - Request for
Change of Research Adviser

2. The current adviser and the new adviser must agree to this request and
must reflect their signatures in Form 3.1.1.

3. The student then emails Form 3.1.1 to the Research Coordinator.

4. This request is subject for deliberation among the Research Coordinator,


Associate Dean, and the Dean.

5. Once approved, a new Form 3.1 - Appointment for Research Adviser


will be prepared by the Research Coordinator to be given to the
student and the new adviser.

Note: The student is allowed to have only one (1) request for the change of the
research adviser and it must be done prior to the proposal defense

Proposal Defense

62 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


Application for Proposal Defense

1. Prior to the proposal defense, the student must have consulted with a
Statistician (for quantitative studies) with the accomplished Form 4.1 -
Statistical Consultation Form by the Statistician.

Note: Form 4.1 is not required for Qualitative studies.

2. The student informs his/her research adviser via email with the attached
proposal paper and Form 4.1 - Statistical Consultation Form

3. The research adviser reviews the manuscript and accomplishes Form 4 -


Endorsement for Proposal/Final Defense with his/her e-signature
affixed once the student’s paper is already compliant to the research
paper guidelines set by the Graduate School Office.

*Note: This must be done at least 2 weeks before the date of defense.

Should the student decide to have a co-author, the student should submit
Form 4.2 - Co-authorship Information for Publication indicating the pre-
identified co- author/s and their expected contributions in the course of
the study to the revision of the manuscript for publication.

4. The research adviser recommends their preferred external panel whose


expertise is also aligned with the student. The recommendation is subject
to the approval of the GS office.

5. The student and the research adviser agree with the panel members as
to the date and time of the proposal defense. The agreed schedule must
be indicated in Form 4. The Advisee/Adviser provides the panel
members the copy of the manuscript together with Form 4.1.

6. The panel members are given two weeks to review/critique the paper
prior to the scheduled proposal defense.

7. The research adviser then emails Form 4 - Endorsement for Proposal


Defense with the student’s proposal paper and Form 4.1 to the research
coordinator (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph).

8. The research coordinator then emails the student’s manuscript, Form 4.1
- Statistical Consultation Form, and Form 5 - Comments Sheet for
Proposal Defense to the designated panel members.

9. The panel chair prepares the online login details and facilitates the
dissemination of the online login details to the student, adviser, and
other members of the panel.
During the Proposal Defense

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 63


1. The panel chair hosts and facilitates the proposal defense.

2. The panel members deliberate the paper in the “online meeting room”
without the presence of the student and the research adviser. After the
deliberation, the panel chair admits the student and the adviser in the
meeting room.

3. Prior to the presentation of the student, the panel chair facilitates the
discussion as to whether the student has a study grant and has a plan to
have a co-author.

*Note: Co-authorship or Study Grants agreement is subject to the institutional


guidelines of the Center for Research and Engagement

For co-authorship, the student must have the major part and contribute at least
80% during the conduct of the study. The student and co-author/s must
adhere to the contribution of work stipulated in Form 4.2 - Co- authorship
Information for Publication

4. The research adviser records the comments and suggestions of the panel
during the proposal defense.

5. After the presentation and the question-answer part, the panel chair
requests the adviser and the student to temporarily leave the “meeting
room” while they deliberate the proposal defense.

6. Then, the panel chair instructs the student and the adviser to go back to
the “online meeting room” for the announcement of the results.

7. In the case that major revisions are recommended by the panel


members, the student is advised to do a re-defense and follow the same
protocol for proposal defense. This decision must be reflected in Form 5
- Comments Sheet for Proposal Defense.

After the Proposal Defense

1. Each panel member accomplishes Form 5 - Comments Sheet for


Proposal Defense and emails it to the panel chair for consolidation. The
panel chair then emails the consolidated Form 5 to the student, the
adviser, and the research coordinator (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph) within
the first working day after the defense.

2. The adviser discusses with the student the consolidated comments and
suggestions of the panel members.

3. The student emails the revised manuscript and the consolidated Form 5
to the research adviser. Then, after the perusal of the research adviser,
the research adviser endorses the paper by sending the revised
64 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
manuscript and Form 5 to the panel members for their approval and for
the release of Form 5.1 - Technical Review Certificate.

4. The panel chair facilitates the accomplishment of Form 5.1 and emails it
to the student, research adviser, and CC the research coordinator
(gsresearch@usls.edu.ph).

5. The student accomplishes Form 5.2 - Application for Ethics Review, and
emails it together with the revised manuscript, and Form 5.1 to the RERC
(rj.desusa@usls.edu.ph).

*Note: The application for Ethics Review shall be done within one (1) month
after the proposal defense. This is to ensure that sufficient time is allotted for
review and revisions when necessary.

6. The student coordinates with the research adviser and settles the
payment to the preferred method of the panel members. The student
then emails the screenshot/image of the fund transfer confirmations or
deposit slips to the GS Office (email add: gsresearch@usls.edu.ph)
within the first working day after the defense.

7. The student must polish the paper further by addressing the comments
and suggestions of the panel members in preparation for the Final
Defense.

Closed-Door Final Defense - Without Public Defense (For students admitted before
August 2020)

Application for Closed Door Final Defense

1. The student informs and sends an email to his/her research adviser with
the attached revised manuscript to indicate that s/he is ready for the
closed-door final defense.

2. The research adviser reviews the manuscript prior to the endorsement.


The adviser then accomplishes Form 4 - Endorsement for Proposal/Final
Defense, with his/her affixed e-signature.

3. The student and the research adviser make arrangements with the panel
members as to the target date of the closed-door final defense. Once
they agree on the schedule, the research adviser then emails Form 4 -
Endorsement for Proposal/Final Defense, Ethics Clearance, and the
manuscript to the research coordinator (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph).

*Note: This must be done at least 2 weeks before the date of defense.

The panel members must not agree with the proposed schedule without the revised
manuscript. Hence, the student must ensure that before setting up the date, the
manuscript must have been given already to the panel members
Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 65
4. The panel members are given two weeks to review/critique the paper
prior to the scheduled final defense.

The 14-Day Rule

The submission of the thesis/dissertation drafts to all members of the


panel, is covered by the 14-Day Rule which states that:

“At least fourteen (14) days, inclusive of weekends, from the date the
panel members of the oral defense received their copies of the
thesis/dissertation to the date of the oral defense.”

*Note: The rule will ensure that all the oral defense members of the panel will have
sufficient time to study the thesis/dissertation manuscript before
the oral defense.

5. The same set of members of the panel participate in the closed-door


final defense.

6. The research coordinator emails Form 6 - Comments Sheet for Final


Defense and Form 7 - Evaluation Sheet for Final Defense to the panel
members.

During the Closed-Door Final Defense

1. The panel chair reserves the room through the GS office and hosts the
cclosed-doorfinal defense. The panel chair emails the venue to the
panel members and the student before the scheduled defense.

2. The panel members discuss the manuscript without the presence of the
student and the research adviser. Once the panel members are done
with their discussion, the panel chair admits the student and the adviser
in the meeting room. Then, the student presents the thesis/dissertation.

3. The research adviser records the comments and suggestions of the panel
members during the defense.

4. After the student’s presentation and the question-answer, the panel


chair requests the student and the adviser to temporarily leave the
room. Then, the panel members deliberate the final defense.

5. Once done with the decision, the panel chair instructs the student and
adviser to go back to the room and informs them of the decision of the
panel members.

Final decisions are categorized as follows: pass, pass with minor revisions
66 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
and provisional pass with major revisions (subject for re-defense).

● If the student incurs a Provisional pass with a major revisions


rating (subject fore-defensese) and is recommended by the panel
members for a re-defense, the student follows the same protocol for
final defense afterward.

*Note: The same amount of fees is applied for re-defense.

● If the student incurs a Provisional pass with major revisions rating


(subject for re- defense) but the panel members do not recommend
a re-defense, the student complies with the corrections/suggestions
by the panel members. Once the revised manuscript is given to the
panel members for approval, the 14-Day Rule shall be applied.

● The research adviser then accomplishes Form 8 - Settlement of


Provisional Thesis/Dissertation Approval and emails it to the GS
office (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph). However, if the student failed to
meet the recommendations set by all the panel members at a given
time, then the student is advised to do a re-defense following the
same protocol for the final defense.
Note:
Provisional pass with major revisions (subject for re-defense) must be reflected in
the Form 6 - Comments Sheet for Final Defense and in agreement with the score
reflected in the Form 7 - Evaluation Sheet for Final Defense.
[Thesis: score is Below 85; Dissertation: score is Below 90]

After the Closed-Door Final Defense

1. Each panel member accomplishes Form 6 - Comments Sheet for Final


Defense and emails it to the panel chair within the first working day
after the defense. The panel members also accomplish Form 7 -
Evaluation Sheet for Final Defense and emails it to the research
coordinator (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph), within the first working day after
the defense.

2. The panel chair emails Form 6 - Comments Sheet for Final Defense of all
panel members, together with the consolidated comments and
suggestions to the research coordinator (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph),
research adviser, and the student, also within the first working day after
the defense.

3. The adviser discusses with the student the consolidated comments and
suggestions of the panel members. The student polishes the paper
further by addressing the comments and suggestions of the panel
members.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 67


4. The student coordinates with the research adviser regarding the
preferred method of payment of the panel members. The student then
emails the screenshot/image of the fund transfer confirmations or
deposit slips made to the GS Office (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph) within the
first working day after the defense.

5. After the student revised his/her paper, s/he emails the manuscript to
the panel members and elicits their approval prior to Turnitin scanning
and Editing.

Note: The 14-Day Rule is applied when students seek the approval of the
panel members for the final manuscript. Afterward, the panel members send
an email to the student confirming their initial approval of the final
manuscript.

6. Then, the final draft undergoes Turnitin scanning (follow the protocol for
Turnitin scanning request). A similarity index rating (SIR) of not more
than 15% is required. Once passed the required SIR, the student then
sends his/her paper to the Editor with the Turnitin certificate. The 14-
Day Rule is applied. The student chooses from the pool of editors
affiliated with the university to ensure that the USLS - IRF is employed.
The student applies the corrections and presents the revised paper to
the editor. The editor gives Form 9-Editor Certification once corrections
have been carried out.

7. The student then sends the soft copy of the final manuscript to the GS
Office (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph), and copy furnished RERO committee
(rj.desusa@usls.edu.ph) with the attached documents: a screenshot of the
emails from the panel members certifying their approval of the student’s
manuscript, Ethical clearance, Turnitin certificate and the Editor’s
certification within the period set by the office. This is to inform the
office that the manuscript is ready for the hard-bound reproduction of
copies.

8. The GS Office coordinates with the panel members and advisers for the
accomplishment of Form 10 - Approval Sheet.

9. The student submits the bound copies and CD with the signed approval
sheets as part of the completion of the requirements for the acquisition
of the diploma, TOR, and other related documents.

Note:
Students enrolled before August 2020, will not be required to do Public
Final Defense. Instead, after the Closed-door final defense, the student
should present his/her thesis/dissertation at a research conference
(Graduate School Research Conference or external research conference).
If it is presented at an external research conference, the Certificate of
Presentation/Proof of Presentation must be submitted to the Graduate
68 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
School Office. Submission of Certificate of Presentation/Proof of
Presentation may be done after hard-bound copies and CD have been
submitted. Only graduating students are to present at the Graduate School
Research Conference and join the graduation ceremony.

Closed-Door Final Defense - (For students admitted on August 2020 and


onwards)

Application for Closed-Door Final Defense

1. The student informs and sends an email to his/her research adviser with
the attached revised manuscript to indicate that s/he is ready for the
closed-door final defense.

2. The research adviser reviews the manuscript prior to the endorsement.


The adviser then accomplishes Form 4 - Endorsement for Proposal/Final
Defense, with his/her affixed e-signature.

3. The student and the research adviser make arrangements with the panel
members as to the target date of the closed-door final defense. Once
they agree on the schedule, the research adviser then emails Form 4 -
Endorsement for Proposal/Final Defense, Ethics Clearance, and the
manuscript to the research coordinator (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph).

*Note: This must be done at least 2 weeks before the date of defense.

The panel members must not agree with the proposed schedule without the
revised manuscript. Hence, the student must ensure that before setting up the date,
the manuscript must have been given already to the panel members

4. The panel members are given two weeks to review/critique the paper
prior to the scheduled final defense.

The 14-Day Rule

The submission of the thesis/dissertation drafts to all members of the panel is


covered by the 14-Day Rule which states that:

“At least fourteen (14) days, inclusive of weekends, from the date the
panel members of the oral defense received their copies of the
thesis/dissertation to the date of the oral defense.”

*Note: The rule will ensure that all the oral defense members of the panel
will have sufficient time to study the thesis/dissertation manuscript before

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 69


the oral defense.

5. The same set of members of the panel participate in the closed-door


final defense.

6. The research coordinator emails Form 6 - Comments Sheet for Final


Defense and Form 7 - Evaluation Sheet for Final Defense to the panel
members.

Closed-Door Final Defense - (For students admitted on August 2020 and


onwards)

During the Closed-Door Final Defense

1. The panel chair reserves the room through the GS office and hosts the
closed-door final defense. The panel chair emails the venue to the panel
members and the student before the scheduled defense.

2. The panel members discuss the manuscript without the presence of the
student and the research adviser. Once the panel members are done
with their discussion, the panel chair admits the student and the adviser
into the meeting room. Then, the student presents the thesis/dissertation.

3. The research adviser records the comments and suggestions of the panel
members during the defense.

4. After the student’s presentation and the question-answer, the panel


chair requests the student and the adviser to temporarily leave the
room. Then, the panel members deliberate the final defense.

5. Once done with the decision, the panel chair instructs the student and
adviser to go back to the room and informs them of the decision of the
panel members.

Final decisions are categorized as follows: pass, pass with minor revisions,
and provisional pass with major revisions (subject to re-defense).

● If the student incurs a Provisional pass with a major revisions rating


(subject for re-defense) and is recommended by the panel members for a
re-defense, the student follows the same protocol for the final defense
afterward.

*Note: The same amount of fees is applied for re-defense.

● If the student incurs a Provisional pass with a major revisions rating


(subject for re-defense) but the panel members do not recommend a re-
defense, the student complies with the corrections/suggestions by the panel
members. Once the revised manuscript is given to the panel members for
70 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
approval, the 14-Day Rule shall be applied.

● The research adviser then accomplishes Form 8 - Settlement of Provisional


Thesis/Dissertation Approval and emails it to the GS office
(gsresearch@usls.edu.ph). However, if the student failed to meet the
recommendations set by all the panel members at a given time, then the
student is advised to do a re-defense following the same protocol for the
final defense.

Note:
Provisional pass with major revisions (subject to re-defense) must be reflected in
Form 6 - Comments Sheet for Final Defense and in agreement with the score
reflected in Form 7 - Evaluation Sheet for Final Defense.
[Thesis: score is Below 85; Dissertation: score is Below 90]

After the Closed-Door Final Defense

1. Each panel member accomplishes Form 6 - Comments Sheet for Final


Defense and emails it to the panel chair within the first working day
after the defense. The panel members also accomplish Form 7 -
Evaluation Sheet for Final Defense and emails it to the research
coordinator (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph), within the first working day after
the defense.

2. The panel chair emails Form 6 - Comments Sheet for Final Defense of all
panel members, together with the consolidated comments and
suggestions to the research coordinator (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph),
research adviser, and the student, also within the first working day after
the defense.

3. The adviser discusses with the student the consolidated comments and
suggestions of the panel members. The student polishes the paper
further by addressing the comments and suggestions of the panel
members.

4. The student coordinates with the research adviser regarding the


preferred method of payment of the panel members. The student then
emails the screenshot/image of the fund transfer confirmations or
deposit slips made to the GS Office (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph) within the
first working day after the defense.

5. The student is given two (2) to four (4) weeks to prepare and apply for
their Public Final defense.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 71


6. The student decides with his/her research adviser the target schedule
for the Public Final Defense, and makes the necessary arrangement with
the members of the panel. Then, the research adviser emails Form 4.3 -
Endorsement for Public Defense to the research coordinator
(gsresearch@usls.edu.ph)

*Note: Application for Public Defense must be done 5 days before the preferred
schedule for GS posting purposes.

7. Once the proposed schedule for the Public Defense is approved, the
research coordinator sends the copy of the Public announcement to the
adviser, student, panel members, and sends the same copy (cc) to the
Associate Dean and GS Dean. Then, the public announcement shall be
posted in the GS official FB page.

Note:
Students enrolled before August 2020, will not be required to do Public
Final Defense. Instead, after the Closed-door final defense, the student
should present his/her thesis/dissertation at a research conference
(Graduate School Research Conference or external research conference).
If it is presented at an external research conference, the Certificate of
Presentation/Proof of Presentation must be submitted to the Graduate
School Office. Submission of Certificate of Presentation/Proof of
Presentation may be done after hard-bound copies and CD have been
submitted. Only graduating students are to present at the Graduate School
Research Conference and join the graduation ceremony.

Public Final Defense

1. The student sends the revised manuscript for public defense and
accomplished Form 6 - Comment Sheet for Final Defense to the research
adviser. Then, the research adviser reviews and checks whether the
student’s paper is already compliant with the suggestions of the panel
members during the Closed-door Final Defense.

*Note: Form 6 must clearly stipulate the “Action Taken” by the Student to
address the comments of the panel members, and must indicate the specific
“Page number” where the improvements are incorporated.

2. The student/adviser sends the revised manuscript and the accomplished


Form 6 to the panel members. Then, the research adviser/student
negotiates with the panel members as to the convenient schedule for
Public Defense. Once the student, the research adviser, and the panel
members agree on the date and time, the research adviser sends Form
4.3 - Endorsement for Public Defense to the research coordinator.

*Note: Form 4.3 Endorsement for Final Defense must be fully


accomplished with the affixed e-signature of the panel members and the date
72 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
the panel received the revised manuscript.

This must be done at least 2 weeks before the date of defense.


3. The research adviser then emails the revised manuscript and
accomplished Form 4.3 to the research coordinator for endorsement.

4. The Research Coordinator prepares the announcement and posts it on


the Graduate School Official Facebook Page
(https://www.facebook.com/uslsgradschool).

5. A pre-registration link is embedded in the poster announcement. This will


allow the interested public to register prior to the public defense and
for campus entry as well.

6. The Research Coordinator facilitates the pre-registration link and


coordinates with Ms. Lyra for the processing of Campus Entry.

7. The panel chair facilitates the public final defense.

During the Public Final Defense

1. The panel chair facilitates the Public Final Defense.

Note: Panel members must ensure that they have the copy of the Form 6
during the public final defense and check the compliance of the students to
their suggestions and comments.

2. To ensure that the public defense runs smoothly, the panel chair gives a
brief orientation emphasizing the flow of the defense. The student is
given 30 minutes to present his/her thesis/dissertation, followed by
another 30 minutes for the question and answer. The panel chair
facilitates the question and answers. The audience is given a chance to
ask some questions to the student.

3. The research adviser records the comments and suggestions of the panel
during the public defense.

4. Once the presentation and Q&A are done, the panel chair announces
the results and informs the audience that the public defense has
concluded. Then, the panel chair advises the audience to leave the
room.

5. Should there be some comments not addressed by the student, the panel
may emphasize the following to the student and the research adviser
after all the audience has left the room.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 73


After the Public Final Defense

1. After the student revised his/her paper, s/he emails the manuscript to
the panel members and elicits their approval prior to Turnitin scanning
and Editing.

2. The 14-Day Rule is applied when students seek the approval of the
panel members for the final manuscript. Afterward, the panel members
send an email to the student confirming their initial approval of the final
manuscript.

3. Then, the final draft undergoes Turnitin scanning (follow the protocol for
Turnitin scanning request). A similarity index rating (SIR) of not more
than 15% is required. Once passed the required SIR, the student then
sends his/her paper to the Editor with the Turnitin certificate. The 14-
Day Rule is applied. The student chooses from the pool of editors
affiliated with the university to ensure that the USLS - IRF is employed.
The student applies the corrections and presents the revised paper to
the editor. The editor gives Form 9-Editor Certification once corrections
have been carried out.

4. The student then sends the soft copy of the final manuscript to the GS
Office (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph), and copy furnished RERO committee
(rj.desusa@usls.edu.ph) with the attached documents: a screenshot of the
emails from the panel members certifying their approval of the student’s
manuscript, Ethical clearance, Turnitin certificate and the Editor’s
certification within the period set by the office. This is to inform the
office that the manuscript is ready for the hard-bound reproduction of
copies.

5. The GS Office coordinates with the panel members and advisers for the
accomplishment of Form 10 - Approval Sheet.

6. The student submits the bound copies and CD with the signed approval
sheets as part of the completion of the requirements for the acquisition
of the diploma, TOR, and other related documents.

Note:
The student is required to present his/her thesis/dissertation at a research
conference (Graduate School Research Conference or external research
conference). If it is presented at an external research conference, the
Certificate of Presentation/Proof of Presentation must be submitted to the
Graduate School Office. Submission of Certificate of Presentation/Proof of
Presentation may be done after hard-bound copies and CD have been
submitted. Only graduating students are to present at the Graduate School
Research Conference and join the graduation ceremony.

74 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


Publication Procedures

*Note: If the student had pre-identified his/co-author/s during the proposal,


they shall accomplish Form 11 - Formal Invitation to Co-Author Journal Article.

1. The student chooses a journal from the approved list provided by the
Publication and Engagement Office (PEO). Once a journal has been
chosen, the student accomplishes Form 12 - Publication Information Form
(specifically Scopus, ISI, and Web of Science for PhD, while MA students
may choose from peer reviewed journals only).

*Note: Refer to the list of journals as per PEO.

The student may submit his/her research output for publication provided that
s/he indicates in Form 12 the name of the professor and the course that
required the said research output.

2. The student then emails the manuscript to be published, Ethical


Clearance (if applicable), Form 11 (if applicable), and Form 12 to the
GS Research Coordinator to be reviewed by the Research Committee.
The Research Committee is composed of the GS Research Coordinator,
Academic Coordinator, Associate Dean, and the external expert.

3. After the screening, the members of the research committee sign Form
12 and the research coordinator endorses the documents to the GS
Dean.

4. Once approved by the Dean, the RC emails Form 12 to the student. The
student then proceeds to the submission of the manuscript to the chosen
journal.

5. For the last and final step, the student shall accomplish Form 13 and
provide a copy of the journal and/or the certificate of publication to
the GS Research Coordinator (gsresearch@usls.edu.ph) as evidence that
the manuscript has been accepted/published.

NOTE: The student can only be declared a graduate and join the
Graduation Ceremony once Form 13 and a copy of the journal and/or
the certificate of publication has been submitted. A student cannot join
the Graduation Ceremony if no evidence of publication has been
submitted.

Note: The journal published must include authorship affiliation in the following sample
format:
Janice A. Bolen1, 3 and Joval N. Martinez1, 2
1Graduate School, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City, Philippines
2 College of Arts and Sciences, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City, Philippines
3 Bacolod City National High School, Bacolod City, Philippines

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 75


Best Thesis/Dissertation
Awards are given to best theses and dissertations in order to give
recognition to outstanding research/projects to encourage quality re-
search in the Graduate Programs.

Criteria for the Selection of Outstanding Thesis/Dissertation


Format/ Content 15 points
Analysis/ Discussion 40 points
Findings/ Actions Plan/ Program 15 points
Originality/ Novelty/ Contribution to
New Knowledge/ Applicability of Research 30 points
100 points

Evaluation of the above criteria will be based on the following:


Content/format will take into consideration the following:
- identification of a strong theoretical/conceptual framework within
which the problem is developed
- conceptualization of the study: nature and sources of data
- conforms with standard format
Analysis/Discussion will be the Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation
of Data and will take into consideration the following:
- method and approach in the treatment of data
- analysis and interpretation of data
- integration of related literature, discussion and implications
- clarity of thought and expression
- accuracy of language
- correctness and integrity of form
Findings/Action Plan/Program will take into consideration the
following:
- synthesis and integration of result
- quality of execution: the degree to which the objectives of the study
are achieved; depth, thoroughness and accuracy of execution

76 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


Originality/Novelty, Contribution to New Knowledge and Applicability
of Research will take into consideration the following
- significant contribution to the development or refinement of
knowledge or improvement of current practices
- originality
- practicability in the discipline to which it applies, or the extent to which the
study reflects and/or responds to practical problems

A cut-off score of 96 points is set to qualify for outstanding Project


paper/ Thesis/Dissertation.
The chairman of the committee/or Dean submits the Project Paper/
Thesis/ Dissertation to the committee for deliberation. An approval by the
majority is required.
The chairman of the committee/or Dean submits the Project Paper/
Thesis/ Dissertation to the committee for deliberation. An approval by the
majority is required.

3.11 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

A student will only be considered a graduate of the University after


completing all the requirements listed below. A student will not be allowed
to go up the stage if requirements are not met.
- Officially enrolled during the semester of application for
graduation
- completion of all the prescribed subjects for the degree
- passing the comprehensive examination
- successful final oral defense of project paper/thesis/dissertation
- compliance of required project paper/thesis/dissertation revisions
- submission of 1 bounded approved copy of project paper/thesis/
dissertation and 1 CD. The bound copies must conform to the
standard format of the university and contain the official approval
by the members of the defense panel and the official acceptance
of the project paper/ thesis/dissertation by the Dean
- payment of all financial obligations to the University
- presentation of thesis/dissertation in a public seminar series
- publication of at least 1 research paper while enrolled in the
program in a Scopus-indexed, Web of Science and ISI journals (for
those enrolled AY 2022-2023 onwards

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 77


7
STUDENT LIFE AND DISCIPLINE

In line with the Graduate Program Mission Statement, the Graduate


Program provides the forum where the students share and learn from their
experiences with the guidance of the faculty. Student activities are geared
towards collaboration, dialogue, empowerment and community service as
a means to attain and sustain change.
The University has the right to maintain good school discipline within the
school campus as well as outside the school premises when students are
engaged in activities authorized by the University.
The Graduate Program discipline program is grounded on the
following principles:
• character formation is, first and foremost, the responsibility of the
student himself/ herself
• faculty members are vested with the authority to instill discipline among the
studentry and to promote order and harmony on campus
• the University Administration guarantees adherence to duly-promulgated
disciplinary policies and procedures, anchored on due process and
equity
The Graduate Program Deans, as the representative of the University
Administration, is charged with the responsibility of investigating any and
all forms of complaints concerning the behavior and conduct of Graduate
students, including the convening of the Discipline Advisory Board whenever
deemed appropriate.
The Graduate Program Discipline Advisory Board shall be composed
of the Deans, three Guidance Counselors and a faculty representative who
shall evaluate and decide on cases pertaining to any violation of university
policies which may be referred to it by the Dean.
The Discipline Advisory Board shall elect from among them a
Chairperson, who shall preside at its meetings and ensure the presence of
a lawyer acting in behalf of the University. When acting as a body, the
Discipline Advisory Board decides by a majority vote of its members. The
Chair shall vote only in case of a tie.
It sets up mechanisms for the investigation of the case and ensures that
all concerned are accorded due process. It then submits its findings and
recommends sanctions in accordance with University policies.

78 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


7.1 ORIENTATION

An orientation is given to new students in the first month of classes to


orient them on the Mission Statement, Institutional Officers, Program,
important policies and student discipline. This is an opportunity where the
President-Chancellor or Institutional Officers welcomes them to the
University. The Student Council Officers are introduced and their activities
are presented to the Student Body.
Assembly is held per semester, where awards are given to both honor
students.
7.2 STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Lecture Series
In order to enhance the formal delivery of subject content, seminars-
workshops, forums and lectures are given. Resource speakers provide the
expertise and current information on various topics. Alumni are tapped as
resource speakers.
Acquaintance Party

Student Council Officers prepare a party to welcome new students.


A program of songs, dances and games add color and fun to the activity.

University Week

This is an Institutional celebration where the different colleges and pro-


fessional units present a variety of activities such as cultural presentation,
debates, fora, fair, dances and others. Graduate School Student Council
Officers involve the student body in these activities as well.
Christmas Party

An opportunity for social interaction like the Christmas Party is a yearly


activity. Together as one unit, the students and faculty of the
Graduate School come together for fun and fellowship.
Sportsfest

One of the most eagerly awaited and prepared for activity is the Sports-
fest. Different programs compete with one another in various parlor games and
exhibition games where faculty and students team-up, are well-attended
especially in basketball and volleyball. A picnic follows where everyone shares
their family dish or dessert.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 79


Alumni Seminar

Graduating students are required to attend the Alumni seminar given


by the Alumni Director to orient them to their role as Alumni and present the
benefits they may avail and the responsibility expected of them.
Leadership Training

For students who want to develop and enrich their leadership skills,
participation in the Student Council is strongly encouraged. Students from the
different programs are nominated by their peers to represent their program
and officers of the Student Council are selected from these representatives. The
Dean and Faculty Adviser provide opportunities for leadership training on the
various activities sponsored by the Student Council and through participation in
school committees.

7.3 COMMUNITY OUTREACH

To give back to the community, the Graduate School student body is in-
volved in Student Council sponsored community outreach activities like tree
planting, medical mission and advocacy. It is actively involved in the Institute of
Negros Development and Institute of Environmental
Governance.

7.4 SPIRITUAL LIFE

Spiritual development is provided through the regular masses held in


the chapel and yearly recollection for graduating students facilitated by
the Center for La Sallian Ministries (CELAM).
The University is home to the Pope John Paul II Institute which advocates
strong family ties and the preservation of marriage as an institution. This
partnership with the Graduate Program has continued to develop a
stronger relationship between the school and diocese.
Classes, meetings and any other endeavor begin and end with a
prayer. Religion is viewed not as a separate component of life but as a
dynamic way of life.
With this view, Lasallian members are encouraged to make their
Christianity show forth and permeate every aspect of their lives with the
ideal of making life the ultimate prayer itself.
7.5 GUIDELINES ON FUND-RASING ACTIVITY

If fund-raising is necessary to defray expenses, the following guidelines


should be followed:
1. If the fund-raising activity is related to academic field trips or is in
way related to the academic course, the endorsement of the College
Dean must be obtained.

80 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


2. In all cases, a formal letter shall be submitted with the fund-raising
activity stating the purpose, the date and the venue.
3. In all cases, a financial report shall be submitted not later than two
weeks after the said activity.
4. In any case, the Dean or Student Council Faculty Adviser may sus- pend
or rescind any approval already given if holding of such may
jeopardize the interest of the University or may be detrimental to the
common good.

7.6 VEHICLE PARKING AND STICKER PASS

1. All stickers shall be replaced on the UPPER RIGHT SIDE corner of the
windshield.
2. Only authorized personnel from the Campus Internal Security
Office are allowed to issue and place such sticker on the vehicle’s
windshield.
3. Stickers must be renewed upon expiration.
4. A sticker may be removed/confiscated by the University authorities for
the following reasons:
a. Parking on a NO PARKING zone
b. Blocking the driveway, emergency exits, and other vehicles
c. Double Parking
d. Parking on prohibited areas (please refer to No. 11)
e. Reckless driving in the campus
5. Car stickers are for entry only and parking is on first come first serve
basis at designated places.
6. NO STICKER, NO ENTRY policy is always strictly implemented unless
waved by school authorities during some in campus events.
7. The University through its personnel, reserves the right to inspect
vehicles and ask for identification from its occupants. Passengers
aboard vehicles with stickers shall be subject to University procedures
and pol- icy on gate entry and control. Those who cannot present
proper identification shall be refused entry. Students who do not have
IDs and do not conform to the dress code may be refused entry.
8. All cars/vehicles are subject to follow and comply with the Campus
Internal Security Office procedures related to security and safely
related matters.
9. Disposal/sale of vehicles with unexpired stickers should be reported
immediately to Campus Internal Security Office for proper
documentation.
10. All hired regular drivers should apply for a Season ID Card from the

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 81


Campus Internal Security Office and surrender the same card upon
termination by the employee.
11. College students and Alumni are strictly prohibited from parking at
the back of the University Coliseum, furthermore, college students are
likewise prohibited to park at the administration parking area at all
times.
12. Re-application for lost or defected car sticker will require a duly
notarized affidavit.
13. The University will not be liable for whatever loses for personal items
in vehicles while inside the campus.
14. Students/owners/drivers must follow proper parking procedures and
guidelines, traffic rules imposed by the campus authorities while inside
the University compound.
15. Due to the limited parking space at the back of the Coliseum and at
the administration parking area, an administrator/faculty/staff may
be issued only one car sticker.
16. There will be NO re-issuance of Car Sticker during the duration of
suspension.
17. No running engines when parked or waiting.
18. Occupants of parked vehicles required to roll down their window
while in the car.

VIOLATIONS: SANCTIONS:

Automatic Cancellation for


a.) Parking on a “No Parking” zone
1 semester
Blocking the Driveway/ Emergency Automatic Cancellation for
b.)
Exit 1 semester
Automatic Cancellation for
c.) Parking on Prohibited areas
1 semester
d.) Double Parking
e.) Wrong Parking
f.) Violation of the Parking Sign
g.) Reckless Driving

82 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


7.7 PROCEDURES FOR FILING AND INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS

Filing a Complaint
The aggrieved party submits a letter of complaint, in three copies, to
the Dean, containing the following information:
1. name, course, year and ID number of the student
2. name, course, year, or position of the person complained against
3. date, time and place of the incident
4. detailed narration of the circumstances
5. signature of the complainant
6. signed testimonies of witnesses, if any

Summons

Upon receipt of the complaint, the Dean summons the subject of the
complaint, provides him/her a copy of the complaint, and directs him/ her
to answer the complaint or explain his/her side in writing within a period
of three schooldays.

Dialogue

Upon receipt of the respondent’s answer, the Dean summons both par-
ties for a dialogue intended to clarify issues and arrive at an amicable
settlement of the case, without prejudice to any disciplinary sanctions that
may be imposed.

The Dean may summon witnesses when deemed necessary.

Failure of the respondent to participate in the dialogue without due


notification or valid cause shall be construed as waiver of his right to be
heard, and the Dean may impose appropriate sanctions.

Formal Hearing

If the case cannot be settled during the dialogue, the Dean convenes
the Discipline Advisory Board, which shall investigate the case.

The Discipline Advisory Board shall submit its findings and recommend
appropriate sanctions to the Dean.

The following procedures will apply:

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 83


• both parties will be notified in writing of the date, time and venue of
the hearing at least two days before the hearing
• the hearing shall be recorded
• both parties may be accompanied by their respective legal counsels
and present their witnesses
• failure of the complainant to appear at the hearing without prior
notice or valid cause shall be tantamount to lack of interest to pursue
the case
• failure of the respondent to appear at the hearing without prior
notification or valid cause is tantamount to a waiver of his right to be
heard, in which case the Board shall proceed with its investigation
and render its judgment of the case

Appeal

An appeal may be filed within three days from receipt of the Discipline
Advisory Board’s decision, and submitted to the Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs.

Legitimate grounds for filing an appeal may be any of the following:


• lack of due process
• grave abuse of discretion
• relevant evidence was not appreciated
• discovery of new material evidence

The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs may affirm or modify the
recommendation of the Dean or the Discipline Advisory Board, or if war-
ranted, convene a Review Board composed of one administrator, a faculty
member, a student representative, an alumnus, and a legal counsel to re-
view the case.

7.8 CATEGORIES OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES

Suspension

Suspension is a penalty in which the University is allowed to deny or


deprive an erring student attendance in classes for a period not exceeding
20% of the prescribed class days for a semester or summer term.

Preventive Suspension may be imposed when the presence of the


respondent on campus during the investigation of the case constitutes a dis-
traction to the normal operations of the University, or poses risk or danger
to the life of persons and property within the University.

84 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


Exclusion or Dismissal

Exclusion or dismissal is a penalty in which the University is allowed to


exclude or dismiss an erring student from its rolls for being undesirable, and
transfer credentials are immediately issued.

Expulsion

Expulsion is an extreme penalty consisting of an erring student’s


exclusion from admission to any public or private school in the Philippines,
and which requires the approval of the Chairman of the Commission on
Higher Education.

Reprimand or Warning

A reprimand is a written or oral reproach addressed to an erring


student.

Restitution

Restitution is a reimbursement or payment for damage, destruction, or


misappropriation of any school property, or property of any member of
the school community. This supplements other principal sanctions.

Retribution

This sanction requires recompense for misbehavior, which may be in


form of service or community work related to the offense committed. This
may be imposed alone or in addition to other sanctions.

Disciplinary Probation

Disciplinary Probation disqualifies a student from elective or appointive


positions in any student organization during the period of probation, and
renders him/her ineligible to represent the University in any external
function or activity. Another infraction of any school policy within the
probation period makes the student liable for dismissal after due process.
This supplements other sanctions.

7.9 OFFENSES SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Offenses are classified into three categories according to gravity and/


or penalty.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 85


Category A Offenses that Warrant Dismissal
1. conviction in court of a criminal offense
2. gross immorality or scandalous acts which cause dishonor to the
University
3. possession, distribution or use of prohibited drugs or substances
within university premises
4. unauthorized possession or carrying of deadly weapons within the
campus
5. threatening and/or assaulting any member of the University within
the University premises
6. theft
7. forging or falsifying and/or tampering with academic or official
records or documents
8. instigating, leading or participating in unlawful activities
9. possession, distribution, or use of exam leakages
10. cheating and plagiarism
11. unauthorized exploding of firecrackers on campus
12. inflicting or attempting to inflict physical injury upon another person
within the University premises
13. hazing and other similar acts

Category B Offenses that Warrant Suspension


1. unauthorized use, possession, or storage or any weapon on
University premises or at university-sponsored activities
2. intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report,
warning or threat to/at university-sponsored activities
3. reckless conduct leading to interference of normal University-
sponsored activities, including but not limited to: studying, teaching,
research, programs, competitions, concerts, meetings, fora and other
related events
4. willful violation of any of the terms of any disciplinary sanctions
imposed in accordance with this Student Handbook
5. intentional, reckless or malicious acts which lead to damage to
property and equipment
6. engaging in disorderly conduct, public intoxication, or lewd,
indecent, or obscene behavior in university premises or at
University- sponsored activities
7. fighting on campus or at official off campus activities
8. gross acts of disrespect, which tend to put any member of
University to ridicule or contempt
9. using someone else’s ID or allowing another to use one’s ID

86 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


10. possession or distribution of pornographic materials
11. gambling inside the campus
12. unauthorized possession and/or drinking of alcoholic beverages
within the University premises, or at official off campus activities
13. coming on campus under the influence of liquor
14. unauthorized collection or exaction of money, or other instruments
used as equivalents of money
15. giving or offering false testimony during a school investigation
16. computer security violations
- accessing a university computer or computer network without
authority or beyond authorized access
- altering information (e.g., changing the password of someone
else’s account and changing files beyond one’s authorized access,
etc.) and/or damaging or destroying information
- introducing false information or using someone else’s account and
sending offensive mail
- preventing authorized use of information
- preventing normal operation of computers or computer networks
of the University

Category C Offenses that Warrant the Minimum Penalty of Reprimand


or Community Work, or the Maximum Penalty of Suspension
1. proselytizing
2. conduct unbecoming of a Lasallian
3. disruptive behavior in class or on campus premises
4. loitering in the corridors during class periods
5. violating “off-limits” areas
6. violation of the dress code policy
7. unauthorized eating in classroom or audio-visual rooms
8. public display of affection that includes the following, but are not
limited to: kissing in public, lying on the lap of another person, em-
bracing in public
9. utterance of obscene and vulgar language
10. unauthorized removal of official notices and posted materials
11. failure to respond administrative summons without valid reason
12. using cellular phones during class or exams
13. violation of the ID policy
14. violation of the no smoking policy
15. charging cell phones on campus

7.10 ACADEMIC AND INTELLECTUAL DISHONESTY

The University expressly prohibits any form of intellectual dishonesty,


most common of which are cheating and plagiarism.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 87


Specifically prohibited are the following acts of dishonesty:
1. use or performance of another person’s work or intellectual
property such as submitting and claiming as one’s own, either in
part or in whole, studies, papers, researches or any other work
that someone else has authored or created
2. submitting and claiming as one’s own any work which owes any
part of its content or substance to another person who is the
author or creator of the work
3. cheating during examinations which may be in the form of
copying from another person’s answers, lifting from unauthorized
materials, giving information to another student, or colluding or
attempting to collude with other students during an examination,
having somebody else take one’s examination or taking it for
another person, and using unauthorized notes or texts during an
exam
4. acquiring or possessing or attempting to acquire or to possess an
examination before it is given
5. use and submission of false, altered, or contrived data or docu-
mentation with the intent to mislead or disinform or otherwise
benefit from such act
6. submission of work that has already submitted in the same or similar
form as part of any other academic requirement in the Graduate
School
7. falsification of transcripts, grades, or other official records;
tampering with, or misrepresenting or attempting to falsify,
tamper with, or misrepresent, one’s own transcript or other official
ad- ministrative document, or that of another student or any material
relevant to a student’s academic performance

The penalty for the offenses under Academic and Intellectual


Dishonesty will range from a minimum of total loss of credit for the
assignment or examination in question, suspension of not less than five school
days, disciplinary probation for the rest of the student’s stay in the
University and a maximum penalty of dismissal from the University.

The penalty will be determined through an individual review of each


case by the Discipline Advisory Board.

7.11 DRESS CODE


Men and women are expected to wear appropriate attire.
The following are considered INAPPROPRIATE ATTIRE:
• Shorts, halters, spaghetti strapped dress, plunging necklines, micro-
mini skirts, see-through dress, slippers.
• Cross-dressing is not allowed.
88 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
7.12 ID POLICY

The NO ID, NO Entry Policy is observed on campus.

All students are required to wear their IDs at all times while on campus.
These are non-transferable and should be worn around the neck with the
ID photo facing front.

Students without an ID card shall not be admitted in class unless they


present a temporary ID slip from the Graduate School Office (GSO).

Students who claim that they have lost their ID cards should submit to
the GSO an affidavit of loss and apply for a new ID.

The following requirements must be complied with:


1. Affidavit of loss
2. Processing fee (non-refundable)
• First retake P 100
• Second retake P 150
• Third retake P 200
3. For mutilated ID, affidavit of loss is not required, only payment
of P50.

7.13 ANTI-LITTERING AND ANTI-VANDALISM

All members of the Lasallian community are expected to keep the cam-
pus free of litter. They are also expected to properly use all equipment and
facilities.

Incidents of littering and vandalism should be reported to the Graduate


Program Services Office for appropriate action.

7.14 ANTI-PROSELYTIZING

The University is a Catholic institution that welcomes a truly ecumenical


spirit which recognizes and respects the religious beliefs of non-Catholic
members of the community. However, it will not compromise on any action or
issue that in any way detracts from, or contradicts, its mission and identity. In
this context, proselytizing, which is understood as any act done on campus
or even off campus during an officially sanctioned activity, by non-Catholic
members of the University to convert, recruit, or dissuade Catholics from the
dogma or practices of the Catholic faith will be considered a violation of
this policy.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 89


7.15 SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS

The University is a NO SMOKING CAMPUS. Violations will be dealt


with accordingly.

7.16 ENGLISH POLICY

English is the official medium of instruction and office communications in


the University. All members of the academic community are expected to use
English at all times.

7.18 CAMPUS-BASED ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

PROGRAM

As part of the University’s Environment Advocacy, a Solid Waste

Management Program is adopted by the different units to ensure that


proper segregation and disposal of any and all waste is met within the
University’s premises.

7.17 ANTI-SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

Committee on Decorum

Composition

• Chair Vice Chancellor


• Co-Chair (Appointed, preferably a lawyer)
• Secretary Personnel Officer
• Legal Adviser (no voting power)
• Unit Head or Representative
• Representative from: Faculty/Staff, Parents Teachers Council
• Student Government Alumni Association

The Existing Grievance Board may be constituted as the Committee for


purposes of conducting investigations, hearings and disposition of sexual
harassment cases.
Powers and Functions
• The Committee conducts meetings and consultations with sectors of the
academic community.
• The Committee promulgates rules and guidelines as may be necessary
for the implementation of R.A. 7877.

90 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


• The Committee undertakes activities in information dissemination,
consciousness-raising and better understanding and appreciation by
the academic community of the issues relating to sexual harassment.
• The Committee has the power to receive and hear complaints on
alleged
• sexual harassment violations.
• Should there be a prima facie case, the Committee shall conduct prop-
er investigation, hearing and disposition of sexual harassment cases.
• The Committee shall issue subpoenas and other necessary writs and
processes for the effective, efficient, objective, impartial and expedient
disposition of the cases.
• The Committee shall exercise such other powers necessary to effectuate
the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act.
• The Committee shall endorse its findings and recommendations to the
Office of the President for final disposition.

Jurisdiction
The Committee shall have jurisdiction over all (a) employees, whether
regular or probationary; (b) faculty, whether fulltime or parttime; (c) all
other employees who have subsisting and executory employment contracts
with the University of St. La Salle, verbal or in writing or in any other basis;
and (d) students.
Types of Offenses

Forms of Prohibited Acts

• Physical assault of a sexual nature, such as, but not limited to:
• rape, sexual battery, molestation, or attempts to commit these assaults:
intentional physical conduct which is sexual in nature, such as touching,
pinching, patting, grabbing, brushing against the victim’s body, or poking
the victim’s body.
• Unwanted sexual advances, propositions or other sexual comments,
such as, but not limited to:
• sexually oriented gestures, noises, remarks, jokes or comments
about a person’s sexuality or sexual experiences directed at or
made in the presence of the complainant who indicates or has
indicated in any way that such conduct in his/her presence is un-
welcome;
• preferential treatment or promise of preferential treatment to the
complainant in exchange of sexual favors;
• subjecting or threat of subjecting the complainant to unwelcome
sexual attention or conduct or intentionally making the

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 91


performance of the complainant’s task more difficult because of
the complainant’s sex.
• Reasons for sexual harassment complaints such as but not limited to:
• disciplining, changing work assignment of, providing inaccurate work
information to or refusing to cooperate or discuss work or school
related matters with the complainant because she/he has
complained about or resisted harassment, discrimination or
retaliation; intention- ally pressuring, falsely denying, lying about or
otherwise covering up or attempting to cover up conduct such as that
described in any item above enumerated.
Other Considerations
The above is not construed as an all-inclusive list of prohibited acts
under these policies and guidelines.
• Sexual harassment is unlawful and hurts all members of the aca-
demic community. Sexually-oriented acts
• or sex-based conduct have no legitimate purpose in an educational
institution. Accordingly, anyone who engages in such conduct, should
be and will be made to bear the full responsibility for such unlawful
conduct.
Procedures
Complaint
A formal charge in writing and under oath shall be filed with the Chair
of the Committee by the aggrieved party or by any member of the community
having direct knowledge of the commission of the act complained of, or by the
University itself. In the event that the University is the complainant, the victim shall
be considered as the principal witness.
The complaint shall contain the following:
- The name and other personal information of the person(s) against
whom the complaint is filed.
- The narration of the pertinent facts and other circumstances of the
case.
- The complaint shall be signed and sworn to by the complainant.
The respondent shall be notified by the Committee in writing of the
complaint filed against him/her with the copy of the complaint attached
within three (3) days after receipt of the complaint. Preliminary hearing
may be conducted during this period.
Answer
• The respondent is required to answer the complaint in writing and also

92 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


under oath, within three (3) days from receipt of the notice and the
copy of the complaint.
• Unwarranted failure of the respondent to file the answer within the
prescribed period shall be deemed an admission of the principal act
complained of.
• During the preliminary hearing, the Committee may determine a prima fa-
cie case not later than three (3) working days from receipt of the complaint
and all other documents and shall schedule the case for formal hearing
after receipt of the answer.
Notice of Hearing
Upon receipt of the answer or should the respondent fail to file an an-
swer, the case shall be scheduled for hearing within five (5) working days
and the corresponding notice of hearing shall be issued to the parties. If
the parties are students, the parents or guardians shall also be informed of
the hearing.
The issuance of the notice of hearing is mandatory.
Hearing
The hearing shall be governed by the following procedures:
• In sexual harassment cases, the appearance of counsel shall be
allowed. However, it shall be the responsibility of the parties to see
to it that their lawyers have the time to attend to the case, adhere
strictly to the rules and not cause unnecessary delay of the
proceedings. In any event, the Chair of the Committee shall exercise
complete control of the proceedings at all stages. He/ she shall use
every and all reasonable means to ascertain the facts in each case
speedily and objectively, without prejudice of due process, justice
and fair play.
• • Should the complainant unreasonably fail to appear on the
scheduled initial hearing despite notice, the case shall be dismissed.
On the other hand, should the respondent unreasonably fail to
appear for the initial hearing, after due notice and without sufficient
cause, this shall be placed on record and the hearing shall proceed
exparte without prejudice to the respondent’s appearance in
subsequent hearings.
• Both testimonial and documentary evidences shall be limited to
the allegations contained in the written complaint or answer.
Amendments to the complaint/ answer after submission may not be
allowed without leave of the Committee.
• Witnesses shall testify under oath.
• The Chair may rule on the exclusion of other witnesses when a witness

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 93


for the same party testifies and shall be allowed re-entry only when
their respective turns to testify come. The Chair shall likewise have the
power to rule on the admissibility of evidence presented, or testimony
given.
• The hearing shall be completely under the control of the Chair of the
Committee. He/she shall conduct an examination of the complainant and
his/her witnesses as well as those of the respondent and his/her witnesses.
Other members of the Committee may also ask clarificatory questions.
• The parties may be presented by counsel but only for the purpose of see-
ing to it that due process is observed during the hearing. Counsel however,
cannot ask questions, except to the Chair and only for clarification on the
proceedings. Counsel’s suggestions may not be followed by the Chair.
• A record of the entire proceeding shall be taken and filed as official
records of the case. The proceedings may likewise be tape recorded
by the Committee and shall be immediately filed with the Chair, who
shall take custody of all the records of the proceedings.
Decision
• The duty of the Committee shall be to find and establish facts which
shall be the basis of a recommendation/ decision to be submitted to
the Office of the Chancellor.
• A majority of the vote of the Committee shall be sufficient to pass a
judgment in a case. But if the recommended penalty is dismissal, a
unanimous vote shall be required. It shall be the duty of every member of
the Committee to cast his vote. No abstention shall be allowed. But a
Committee member may voluntarily inhibit himself/ herself from being a
member of the Committee at the start of the investigation of a particular
case in the interest of fair play.
• The Committee shall render a decision within five (5) working days from
the date of the last hearing, which shall be in writing, stating the rea-
sons or grounds therefore. Copies of such decision shall be furnished to
all parties of the case and shall be endorsed to the office of the
University Chancellor for approval. A copy of the complaint together
with a copy of the decision shall be filed and shall form part of the
record of the respondent, unless otherwise decided by the Committee.
• Any party not satisfied with the decision rendered by the Committee
may file a motion for reconsideration with the President stating the
grounds thereof, within five (5) working days from receipt of such
decision. Only one motion for reconsideration will be allowed and
entertained. The decision of the Committee shall become final and
executory if neither party avails of the remedy within the prescribed
period and after approval by the Office of the University Chancellor.
• The decision of the Committee is recommendatory in nature and needs
the approval of the Office of the University Chancellor for final disposition
and implementation.
94 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
• The penalties for proven sexual harassment violations are:
• Severe reprimand
• Suspension without pay, with prejudice to subsequent promotion,
reclassification or permanency for at least two (2) years
• Dismissal from the University upon clearance from the Department of
Labor and Employment
• Any proven physical assault or even threat of physical assault suffered
as a retaliation of the filing of a case on sexual harassment, shall result
in suspension or dismissal from employment depending upon the nature
and severity of retaliation acts.
Request for Reconsideration
• The decision of the Committee may be appealed to the Office of the Pres-
ident within five (5) working days from receipt thereof.
• The University Chancellor may affirm, or modify the recommendation
of the Committee.
• Upon the lapse of the period for reconsideration, the decision shall
become final and executory.
• As far as practicable, the Chancellor shall decide the appeal within five (5)
working days from receipt of the notice of appeal.
Resort of Courts
• All complainants, respondents and witnesses, upon the submission to the
jurisdiction of the Committee, are expected to respect the proceedings
and wait for the final resolution of the case before resorting to the
courts.
• In recognition of the primary jurisdiction of the University over them, the
complainants, respondents and witnesses shall be bound to respect and
abide by the procedures and policies of the Committee, and shall, thus,
refrain from hampering, interrupting or frustrating, willfully or otherwise,
said proceedings or any incidents thereof, by obtaining any appropriate
writ or process from the courts.
• Nothing in these guidelines shall be interpreted, construed or deemed
to diminish the rights of the parties under the law.
Malicious Prosecution
• While the University is totally committed to the safeguarding of the rights
of all members of the academic community against sexual harassment, it
is likewise the policy of the University to protect the same members from
any malicious accusation and prosecution involving unsubstantiated acts
of sexual harassment which may, however, be in fact, baseless and even
non-existent.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 95


• While recognizing that sexual harassment involves the use of power
and ascendancy by the superior against a subordinate, it must be
conceded that the threat to accuse and prosecute another of acts
involving alleged sexual harassment, is also an instrument to wield
power over another.
• To deter malicious, vindictive, or baseless accusation and prosecution
by one against another invoking alleged acts of sexual harassment, the
University shall:
1. require that all pleadings filed be under oath and duly notarized;
2. endeavor to place the complainant, respondent and witnesses under
oath whenever asked to testify during the hearings; and
3. observe the demeanor of the complaint, respondent and witnesses
as indicators of their own credibility as well as the credibility of
their claims and testimonies.

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8
GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL
8.1
8.2 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. NAME AND DOMICILE
This body shall be known as the University of St. La Salle Graduate
School Student Council. The seat of government shall be the main
campus of the University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City.
Section 2. OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES
1. To be of service to the school in the pursuit of its worthy objectives
as embodied in the school’s mission statement.
The University of St. La Salle, as part of international institute
of Roman Catholic religious educators who work with their
dedicated lay associates, is committed to the service of
humanity, especially the economically deprived, through
education. The education being offered at the University of
St. La Salle is founded on Christian principles and molded by
a desire to help individuals live their lives to the fullest of
their human dignity and within the totality of their human
potential. Whether the rich or the economically deprived are
educated, the University of St. La Salle commits itself to the
same end– the Christian foundation of youth in the building
of a society which strengthens the moral fiber of the nation
and which preserves all that is good in Philippine culture.
2. To instill in its members intellectual, moral, and spiritual values
as a solid foundation in the fulfillment of commitments in the
community and the country. More specifically, to:
• foster and maintain high ideals of integrity, learning,
professional competence, public service and conduct
among its members;
• safeguard the academic interests and freedom of its
members and cultivate among them a spirit of cordiality
and fraternity; and
• provide a forum for academic discussion, improvement
of the mind, and development of the ability to articulate
ideas clearly and effectively.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 97


ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. MEMBERSHIP
All students of the University of St. La Salle Graduate School and
other official extension schools are automatically members of the
Council.

ARTICLE III STUDENT COUNCIL


Section 1. OFFICERS
The government of the Council shall be vested in the duly elect- ed
representatives of the respective programs of the Graduate
School.
The duly elected officers shall thereafter elect among themselves
the President and other such officers as they may deem proper
and necessary.
Such representatives shall be composed of the following:

MBA Two (2) 1st Year


Two (2) 2nd Year
MEd 3
MN 3 Doctoral 1
The President and the Vice President shall act as Chairperson and
Vice Chairperson, respectively.
In case of any permanent vacancy, except that of President, which
shall be filled up by the Vice President, the officers shall elect a
successor to serve the unexpired portion of the term. In case of a
temporary vacancy that affects the quorum of the council, the
remaining officers of the council shall elect a temporary
replacement.
Any officer may be removed for cause, including three (3) consecutive
absences from regular meetings without justifiable excuse. A
resolution may be adopted by the majority of the remaining officers
of the council at a regular meeting for this purpose. Within ten (10)
days from receipt of the resolution, the aggrieved party may ap-
peal to the officers who shall render a final decision.

Section 2. COUNCIL OFFICERS MEETING


The Council Officers shall hold regular monthly meetings at such time
and place prescribed. Special meetings may be called by the Pres-
ident or upon written request of two officers. All written notices of
meetings shall be dully relayed by the Secretary to the officers at
least one (1) week prior to the fixed date of the meeting.

98 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023


A simple majority of the officers shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of the business of the Council and every resolution duly
approved by the officers assembled in such meeting shall be valid.
ARTICLE IV
ELECTIONS
Section 1. QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS
The representatives to the Graduate School Student Council must
have the following qualifications:
1. six (6 units) to her/his favor; and

2. at least one (1) year work experience.


Section 2. ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES
The representatives shall be elected by the members of the
Graduate School Student body in secret balloting or viva voce
among themselves or in any other manner they may deem
appropriate.
Section 3. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
President
The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Student
Council and, as such, shall exercise general supervision over all its
activities, represent it in official functions, and preside over all its
meetings, as well as those of the Student Council Officers. He/she
shall countersign all checks, sign all documents pertaining to the As-
sociation and shall perform such other duties as the Council may
authorize. He/she shall render an annual report to the members
of the Student Council, to be presented during the general
assembly.
Vice President
The Vice President shall have such powers and perform such duties as the
Council may from time to time prescribe. In cases of absence or disability
of the President, the Vice President shall exercise the powers and dis-
charge the duties of the President.
Secretary
As Secretary, he/she shall be responsible for all records of the
Council, documents, and other pertinent papers related to its
operation and activities, and shall also perform such other duties
incidental to his/ her office and those which may be prescribed by
the Council or the President.
Treasurer
As Treasurer, he/she shall function as the financial officer of the
Student Council. He/she shall collect contributions, receive and de-
posit the funds of the Student Council in a bank or any banking
Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 99
institution and may withdraw the same as the officers of the Council
may direct.
He/she shall sign all checks and such other documents and/ or papers for
disbursements of funds of the Student Council, countersigned by the
President. He/she shall be ready to submit the book for audit anytime the
Council or members so desire. The itemized accountability report of funds
signed by the Auditor shall be presented at each Council Officers Meeting
and General Assembly. He/she shall perform such other duties with
respect to the finances of the Student Council as may be prescribed.
Business Manager
He/she shall be responsible for all the business aspects of activities
decided upon by the officers. He/she shall keep the officers
informed on the status of the activities or projects undertaken by
the Student Council.
Public Relations Officer
He/she shall be responsible for the preparation and dissemination
of any news item and activities of the Student Council. He/she shall
perform other duties as may be prescribed by the Council or the
President.
Auditor
He/she shall audit/certify as to the correctness of all the financial
transactions of the Student Council as well as its adherence to the
rules and regulations as set forth in the By-Laws.

ARTICLE V
STUDENT COUNCIL MEETINGS
Section 1. GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The annual general assembly shall coincide with the Orientation
Program conducted by the school at the start of the first semester.
The special general assembly may be called at any convenient
time and date upon the call of the President with fifteen (15) days
notice.
The order of business during the annual general meeting shall be
as follows:
1. Roll Call
2. Consideration and approval of the minutes of the last general
assembly meeting
3. Consideration and approval of the consolidated report of
the Student Council Officers including audited Statement of
Financial Condition and Operations
4. Unfinished business
100 Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023
5. New business
6. Election of the Student Council Officers
7. Adjournment
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENT
The general membership may, by a majority vote, amend, alter, or
modify the Constitution and By-Laws in whole or in part at the general
or special assembly called for the purpose.

Graduate Programs Student Handbook 2022-2023 101

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