By: Carl Michael Dela Cruz, Dexter Joel Umil, Precy Baluarte, and Adelyn Fernandez
Last year marked a renewed commitment by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) to improvement and innovation in Tertiary and Graduate Education. This was exemplified by clearer policy dissemination, strengthened collaboration with stakeholders, and the upholding of institutional policies alongside a balanced approach to student needs and concerns. As it embarks on another academic year, its commitment to excellence, transparency, and service grows even stronger.
With the newly instituted “Inclusive and Comprehensive Policies and Guidelines on Student Affairs and Services” of the Commission on Higher Education, the OSA is charting a progressive course in preparation for Compliance Certification, aiming to strengthen and showcase the College’s best practices. Bringing this vision to reality requires strong collaboration—one that the office has already successfully forged with various units and offices providing student support services within the Tertiary and Graduate Education division.
Foremost among these initiatives is digital innovation, which aims to digitize document processing, monitor disciplinary procedures, and track student organization activities. Furthermore, this direction supports three key strategic goals of the Rector: Curriculum Development Amid Cultural Shift, Quality Management Systems, and Quality Research Outputs. This initiative highlights the partnership between the OSA and Engr. Rosmond Ramirez, CCpE, the school’s Systems Developer.
A more vibrant campus life awaits as student activities gear up to elevate engagement and external presence. Last school year, Bedans brought pride to their alma mater by winning various competitions in sports, journalism, film, and business pitching. Building on this success, the OSA plans to fund more student competitions, with sights set on the international stage. The office is also supporting the vision of Mr. James Tolentino, Athletics Head, to establish an annual pep rally, with the hope that it becomes a new tradition fostering school pride and community spirit.
Furthermore, the OSA aims to expand its external engagement through active participation in national and international student affairs organizations, including the Philippine Association of Practitioners of Student Affairs and Services (PAPSAS) and the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS). Looking outward to broaden its professional impact, the OSA also hopes to spearhead the formation of a Student Affairs and Services organization among member schools of the Consortium of the South.
Additionally, the OSA will continue to champion transparency and accountability by forming student review panels that ensure student voices are heard in policy development and reforms. Staying true to Benedictine ideals, the office is realigning its disciplinary framework from punitive measures to restorative and transformative approaches that foster genuine personal growth. Simultaneously, ongoing Catholic formation will remain a core program across all student organizations.
Ultimately, these key initiatives are expected to foster a truly inclusive and vibrant campus life for all Bedans.
PHOTO CREDITS: THE BEDAN HERALD, TERTIARY STUDENT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
