Graduate Program Manual 2021 Edition

Graduate Program Manual
2021 Edition
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USTP GRADUATE PROGRAM MANUAL
Table of Contents
TITLE ONE. THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM 1
Chapter 1. University Charter 1
Chapter 2. Vision 1
Chapter 3. Mission 1
Chapter 4. University Seal and Color 1
Chapter 6. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy 2
Chapter 7. Moral Duty of the University to the Community 2
Chapter 8. Graduate Attributes 2
Chapter 9. Core Values 3
TITLE TWO. USTP GRADUATE PROGRAMS 4
Chapter 1. Introduction 4
Chapter 2. Graduate Program Objectives, Goals, and Outcomes 4
Chapter 3. Research and Creative Works/Innovation 5
Chapter 4. Operation of Graduate Programs 6
Article 1. Structure of Graduate Programs 6
Article 2. OBE Graduate Program Design 6
Article 3. Administration 7
Article 4. Faculty Requirements 7
Article 5. Number of Qualified Faculty 8
Article 6. Library 9
Article 7. Research, Creative Work/Innovation Laboratory, and Other Facilities 9
Article 8. USTP–Industry Partnership 10
Chapter 5. Curricular and Developmental Initiatives 10
TITLE THREE. GRADUATE PROGRAM LEVELS, OUTCOMES, AND TYPES 11
Chapter 1. Program Levels and Outcomes 11
Article 1. Master‟s Level 11
Article 2. Doctoral Level 11
Chapter 2. Types of Graduate Programs 12
Article 1. Master‟s Programs in the Sciences and in the Arts 12
Article 2. Master‟s Programs by Tracks 13
Section 1. Thesis Track (Master of Science/Master of Arts) 13
Section 2. Non-Thesis Track (Master‟s Degree - Professional Track) 13
Article 3. Doctoral Programs 14

Section 1. Doctor of Philosophy 14
Section 2. Doctoral Degree - Professional Track 15
Chapter 3. Summary Matrix of Graduate Programs 16
Chapter 4. Residency, Comprehensive Exam, Thesis/Dissertation, and Publication
Requirements 19
Article 1. Residency 19
Article 2. Comprehensive Examination 19
Section 1. Comprehensive Examination (Masters). 19
Section 2. Comprehensive Examination (Doctoral). 20
Section 3. Passing the Comprehensive Examination. 20
Article 3. Capstone/Thesis/Dissertation 21
Section 1. Defense Panel. 21
Section 2. Appointment of the Adviser. 23
Section 4. Summary of Stages for Capstone / Thesis / Dissertation 25
Section 5. Oral Defense of Capstone/Thesis and Dissertation Proposal 26
Section 6. External Examiner (BOR Res. No. 38, s. 2007) 27
Section 7. Oral Defense of Completed Research Study / Thesis / Dissertation 28
Article 4. Publication 30
Section 1. Masters 30
Section 2. PhD 30
Section 3. Process 30
Section 4. Conference Presentation and Other Publication Output 31
Chapter 5. Research and Creative Work Degrees 31
TITLE FOUR. GRADUATE PROGRAM ACADEMIC POLICIES 33
Chapter 1. Admission 33
Article 1. Admission Requirements 33
Article 2. Admission Categories 33
Article 3. Deferment of Admission. 34
Article 4. Re-Admission Requirements. 34
Chapter 2. Registration 34
Article 1. Adding/Dropping/Changing of Courses 34
Article 2. Transfer of Credits 35
Chapter 3. Grading System 35

Article 1. Change of Grades. 36
Article 2. Completion of Grades 36
Chapter 4. Recognition of Accomplishment Level 37
Chapter 5. Leave, Discharge, Withdrawal 37
Article 1. Leave of Absence 37
Article 2. Withdrawal from the Program. 38
Article 3. Honorable Discharge 38
Chapter 6. Transcript of Records 38
Chapter 7. Graduation 39
Article 1. Graduation Requirements. 39
Article 2. Clearance for Graduation. 39
Article 3. Request for Credentials. 39
Article 4. Commencement Exercises. 39
TITLE FIVE. CODE OF CONDUCT 40
Chapter 1. General Provisions 40
Chapter 2. Disciplinary Process 40
Article 1. Due Process 40
Article 2. Motion for Reconsideration 40
Chapter 3. Offenses and Penalties 40
Article 1. Offenses 40
Section 1. Academic Offense 41
Section 2. Non-Academic Offenses 41
Article 2. Classification of Penalties 41
Section 2. Suspension 41
Section 3. Dismissal 42
Chapter 4. Student Complaint against a University Personnel 42
TITLE SIX. DELIVERY MODES IN GRADUATE PROGRAMS 43
Chapter 1. In-Campus or Off-Campus Graduate Programs 43
Article 1. In-Campus or Residential Graduate Programs. 43
Article 2. Off-Campus or Extension Graduate Programs. 43
Section 1. Coverage of the Extension Graduate Programs 44
Section 2. Eligibility Criteria. 44
Section 3. Other Requirements. 44

Chapter 2. Non-Conventional Graduate Programs 46
Article 1. Distance Education. 47
Section 1. Qualifications. 47
Section 2. Guiding Principles. 47
Section 3. Institutional Management and Commitment. 48
Section 4. Components of Distance Education. 48
Article 2. Transnational Education. 49
Article 3. Consortium-Delivered Graduate Programs. 49
TITLE SEVEN. ASSESSMENT AND FEES 51
Chapter 1. Capstone, Thesis, and Dissertation 51
Article 1. General Rule 51
Article 2. Units 51
Article 3. Successive Enrollment 51
Article 4. Midyear Defense 51
Article 5. Fees 52
Chapter 2. Professional Fees of Panel of Evaluators 52
Chapter 3. Bridging Courses 52
Chapter 4. Audit Courses 52
Chapter 5. Petitioned Class 53
Chapter 6. Adding/Dropping of Courses 53
Chapter 7. Refund of Tuition and Other School Fees 53
Article 1. For Regular Term 53
Article 2. Mid-Year Term 54
TITLE EIGHT. TRANSITORY AND OTHER PROVISIONS 56
Chapter 1. Effectivity Clause 56
Chapter 2. Transitory Provision for CMO No.15, s.2019 56
APPENDICES 57
APPENDIX A: VALUING RESEARCH 57
Section 1. Eligibility Requirements. 57
Section 2. Procedure. 57
Section 3. Research Load Equivalent Units. 58
Section 4. Equivalent of the Collective Utility Values to Research in Units 59
Section 5. Benefits and Privileges. 59

Section 6. Terms and Conditions 59
Section 7. Termination or Extension of the Research Project 60
APPENDIX B: JOURNAL PUBLICATION INCENTIVE 61
Section 1. Coverage and Criteria 61
Section 2. Uncommitted Publication 62
Section 3. Responsibility of the Research Director in the Giving of Incentives 63
APPENDIX B: BOR SECRETARY‟S CERTIFICATE 64
TITLE ONE. THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
Chapter 1. University Charter
The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, hereinafter referred

to as the USTP is a chartered state institution of higher learning operating by virtue of
Republic Act No.10919 which took effect on August 16, 2016.
Chapter 2. Vision
The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) is a

nationally-recognized Science and Technology University providing a vital link
between education and the economy.
Chapter 3. Mission
The mission of the University is to: a) bring the world of work (industry) into the actual
higher education and training of students; b) offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to
maximize their business potentials through a gamut of services from product
conceptualization to commercialization; c) contribute significantly to the National
Development Goals of food security and energy sufficiency through technological
solutions.
Chapter 4. University Seal and Color
The University is represented by its University colors and seal. The atomic particles in
the seal reflect the University‟s vision of being a nationally recognized Science and
Technology University providing the vital link between education and the economy.
They are shaped into a stylized map of the Mindanao islands, depicting the traditional
weaving patterns to represent the rich and varied peoples and cultures of Southern
Philippines. The linked particles represent the strong community of students, staff, and
faculty establishing strong linkages with other stakeholders such as the industry and
the government – all committed to excellence in the field of Science and Technology
with the goal of serving the greater community. The visual image of a sphere brings to
mind the University‟s goal of becoming a premier and globally competitive institution.
The University colors shall be navy blue, white and yellow. The color navy blue
symbolizes importance, confidence, power, authority, intelligence, stability, and unity.
The color white symbolizes purity, cleanliness and peace. The color yellow is derived
from the sun, which is an emblem of glory and brilliance. It also symbolizes hope,
happiness, life, spirituality and optimism.
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Chapter 5. USTP Strategic Plan: Vision 2030
The USTP Strategic Plan 2017-2030 has three development phases namely: (Phase 1)
Laying Down the Foundations, (Phase 2) Strengthening the S&T Academe Economy
Ecology, and (Phase 3) Attaining International Recognition as an S&T University. To
realize its Vision and Mission, USTP shall pursue its goals, strategies, and targets
following the seven Strategic Directional Areas (SDA), namely: innovation and
entrepreneurship; teaching and learning, and curriculum; student services and faculty
development; revenue generation and resource management; research and extension
services; finance and administration services; academe-industry engagement and
development of S & T parks. The USTP Strategic Plan: Vision 2030 was approved by
the Board of Regents through BOR Resolution No. 54, s. 2020.
Chapter 6. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy as provided
for in Batas Pambansa Blg. 232, otherwise known as the “Education Act of 1982”;
Republic Act No. 8292 known as the “Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997; the
1987 Constitution (paragraph 2, Section 5, Article XIV); and the RA 10919 or the
University Charter (Section 44).
Chapter 7. Moral Duty of the University to the Community
Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must at all times be
accountable to the people and serve with the highest degree of responsibility, integrity,
loyalty and efficiency and shall remain accountable to the people (Philippine
Constitution, X1, Sec. 1). It is the duty of every member of the University community
to be committed to the attainment of its vision, mission, goals and objectives in the most
effective, efficient, economical and judicious manner. The rule of law shall be respected
in the exercise of power and authority, and in the discharge of duties by all officials,
staff member, faculty members, and office personnel. Bound to be conscious of their
accountability to the public, they shall endeavor to discharge the legal duties inherent in
their respective positions with the spirit of teamwork and the highest standard of
professionalism.
Chapter 8. Graduate Attributes
The USTP Graduate is an innovative and entrepreneurial thought leader and game
changer in the academe and industry. S/he possesses the following Institutional
Graduate Attributes:
1. Innovative Thinking – A USTP graduate generates new ideas or new ways of

approaching things to create possibilities and opportunities.
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2. Critical Thinking – A USTP graduate objectively examines a situation by gathering

information from all possible sources and evaluates both the tangible and
intangible aspects, as well as the implications of any course of action.
3. Resilience – A USTP graduate thrives, grows, and develops competence in the

face of adverse circumstances.
4. Empathy – A USTP graduate identifies and understands another‟s situation and

feelings allowing for caring relationships as well as understanding and
connecting with those who may be different.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration – A USTP graduate works effectively and respectfully

with diverse teams. This includes assuming shared responsibility for
collaborative work and valuing the individual contributions made by each team
member.
6. Communication Skills – A USTP graduate presents and articulates views,

thoughts, and ideas by effectively using oral, written, multimedia, and nonverbal
communication skills in a variety of forms and context.
Chapter 9. Core Values
Setting the right behavior and perspectives is fundamental in the fulfilment of one‟s
goals. Thus, the University agreed upon the following core values that would guide its
members and stakeholders in all their undertakings and move them towards the right
path:
1. Unselfish Dedication – Selfless commitment and complete fidelity towards a

course of action or goal.
2. Social Responsiveness – Ethical/moral responsibility leading to corrective action

on social issues and contributions for the betterment of the environment and the
community‟s quality of life.
3. Transformational Leadership – Leading through inspiration and by example to

foster positive change with the end goal of developing followers into leaders.
4. Prudence – Self-governance leading to circumspection and good judgment in the

management of affairs and use of resources.
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TITLE TWO. USTP GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Chapter 1. Introduction
In pursuit of its mandate, vision, and mission, the USTP establishes its graduate
programs with reference to CMO No.15, s. 2019, which stipulates the revisions to CMO
No.36, s.1998 and CMO No.9, s.2003.
With the continuing changes set by globalization, regional integration,

internationalization of higher education, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, graduate
students are expected to optimally use 21st century skills in their daily work and
professions towards strengthening the nation‟s innovation, research, and development.
This Graduate Program Manual offers a system of rationalizing offerings of graduate

programs in matters of curriculum, research and creative work/innovation, supervision
and resource optimization.
Chapter 2. Graduate Program Objectives, Goals, and Outcomes
As stipulated in CMO 15, s. 2019, graduate academic work entails advanced programs
of study focusing on a specific or interdisciplinary academic discipline involving the
following objectives: rigorous evaluation of work and interaction with professors and
peers; professional experience via internships, teaching, and research; and production
of original research or creative work. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the process of
knowledge acquisition, generation, sharing, and exchange that is distinct from the
baccalaureate level.
The general outcomes of graduate programs are the following: mastery of a specialized
field of study, the development of original and critical thinking, and the demonstration
of problem-solving skills that prepare the degree holder for advanced instruction and
leadership positions in the areas of research, creative work, as well as the practice of his
or her profession.
To better contribute to the attainment of sustainable development, graduate programs

are expected to:
1. Achieve a clear progression beyond basic education and baccalaureate /

undergraduate education by stressing:
a. Cutting-edge, integrative and interrogative teaching and learning contents
and methods; and
b. Higher competencies in knowledge production (research), knowledge
sharing and exchange (teaching), and knowledge application and
utilization.
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2. Produce advanced competencies that can spur and sustain:

a. Leadership and innovation;
b. Scientific and technological growth;
c. Creative and effective learning and teaching;
d. Agro-industrial productivity;
e. Entrepreneurship;
f. Good governance;
g. Inclusive economic development and environmental security;
h. National sovereignty and independent international relations;
i. Articulation of Filipino culture and arts;
j. Cultural and religious diversity; and
k. Nationalism.
Chapter 3. Research and Creative Works/Innovation
A solid research and/or creative work program in the chosen specific area or field of
study must be maintained through the following institutional arrangements:
Article 1. Research and Creative Work/Innovation Office. Each USTP campus

maintains a research and innovation office that develops and implements a
working mechanism that facilitates the planning, management, conduct, and
monitoring and evaluation of research and creative/innovative work across the
different programs.
Article 2. Research and Creative Work/Innovation Policies. USTP has policies and
guidelines on benefits and incentives for faculty undertaking research or creative
work/innovation, such as de-loading, research awards, and support for
publications and other scholarly or creative works, among others.
Article 3. Research and Creative Work/Innovation Office Agenda. USTP has research
and creative work/innovation agenda that are: anchored on the institution‟s
philosophy and framework; responsive to identified goals and prioritized
university niches; aligned with the research and development thrusts and
agenda of the country as articulated by national government institutions such as
the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of
Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of
Agricultural Research-Department of Agriculture (BAR-DA), and CHED through
its National Higher Education Research Agenda (NHERA); and are responsive to
the development needs of industry and society.
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Article 4. Ethical Standards. USTP maintains ethical standards to be observed by

faculty and students when they conduct research/thesis/dissertation involving
human participation or using animal subjects.
Article 5. Research and Creative Work/Innovation Funding. USTP allocates a regular

budget for RCW and mobilizes other sources of funding to ensure dynamic and
proactive research and creative work/innovation initiatives.
Article 6. Research and Creative Work/Innovation Collaboration, Partnerships or

Networks. USTP collaborates and/or partners with other research institutions
and networks that demonstrate leadership in research, creative work, innovation,
and extension.
Chapter 4. Operation of Graduate Programs
CMO 15, s. 2019 provides the following minimum standards for the operation of
graduate degree programs:
a. With Center of Excellence (COE) or Center of Development (COD) status in the
discipline being applied for; or
b. With international accreditation (such as AUN or ABET) in the corresponding
undergraduate degree program; or
c. With at least Level III program accreditation or equivalent from CHED
recognized accrediting agency in the corresponding undergraduate degree
program.
Article 1. Structure of Graduate Programs

A graduate program shall be organized and managed by discipline or field of
specialization.
Article 2. OBE Graduate Program Design

USTP follows the outcomes-based education (OBE) framework in its graduate
program design. The USTP curriculum review process includes the submission
of the following documents:
a. The Complete set of program and learning outcomes, including its

proposed additional program outcomes.
b. Proposed curriculum and its justification including a curriculum map.
c. Proposed performance indicators for each outcome.
d. Proposed measurement system for the level of attainment of each
indicator.
e. Proposed outcomes-based syllabus for each course.
f. Proposed system of program assessment and evaluation
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g. Proposed system of program Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
Article 3. Administration
The qualifications of the administrators of the graduate programs are as follows:
a. The Dean or Head of the academic unit shall be a holder of a doctoral

degree in the discipline or allied fields and has published works in
refereed journals in one of the disciplines under the academic unit.
b. The designated Department Chair/Program Coordinator/Head shall be a

holder of a doctoral degree in the discipline or allied fields.
c. For a Professional Master‟s Program, the Dean or the designated graduate

program head shall hold a doctoral degree in the discipline or allied fields
or at least a master‟s degree in the discipline or allied fields and relevant
professional experience outside the academe.
Article 4. Faculty Requirements

Generally, faculty teaching in graduate programs, especially the doctoral level,
shall be holders of doctoral degrees who have track records of scholarly work
(research or creative work) and with publications in refereed journals and/or
books published in reputable academic publishing companies.
Industry-oriented Master‟s programs may require at least one (1) faculty with a
doctoral degree, depending on whether there is a dearth of doctoral degree
holders in the discipline. However, those with only Master‟s programs shall be
required to have equivalent extensive industry experience, as determined by the
various CHED Technical Committees, but they cannot serve as a thesis adviser.
For scholarly work, faculty members are expected to show proof of publications
in refereed academic journals, internationally/nationally indexed journals (e.g.,
Scopus and Web-of-Science), or in industry/professional-based journals (e.g.,
journals in medical science field).
For recognition of creative work by reputable bodies, the faculty members are
expected to show proof of award or recognition from reputable bodies for their
exemplary creative works.
For faculty members who have graduated from foreign HEls, there should be
certification from CHED that the foreign HEI is a duly recognized HEI by the
country where it is based.
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Article 5. Number of Qualified Faculty

The number of qualified faculty for the graduate programs are as follows:
a. For Master‟s Programs, there shall be at least four (4) faculty members per
program at all times.
● For the Thesis Track:

o Four (4) full time faculty who have doctoral degrees in the
discipline and with published works in refereed journal/s
and/or have produced publicly recognized creative and/or
technology outputs; or
o If there is a dearth of doctoral degree holders in the
discipline, at least one (1) full-time faculty who has a
doctoral degree in the discipline and with published works
in refereed journal/s and/or have produced publicly
recognized creative and/or technology outputs; and at least
three (3) full-time faculty who are master‟s degree holders,
but with doctoral units in the discipline and have at least one
(1) publication in a refereed journal. The faculty with
master‟s degrees plus doctoral units can only teach in the
Master‟s program, but cannot serve as thesis advisers.
● For the Non-Thesis Track:

o Four (4) full time faculty who have doctoral degrees in the
discipline and with published works in refereed journal/s
and/or have produced publicly-recognized creative and/or
technology outputs; or
o If there is a dearth in doctoral degree holders in the
discipline, at least one (1) full-time faculty who has a
doctoral degree in the discipline and with published works
in refereed journal/s and/or have produced publicly-
recognized creative and/or technology outputs; and at least:
▪ three (3) full-time faculty who are master‟s degree
holders, but with doctoral units in the discipline and
have at least one (1) publication in a refereed journal.
However, they can only teach courses, they cannot
serve as thesis advisers; or
▪ for industry-oriented programs, three (3) full-time
faculty who are master‟s degree holders, but with
extensive industry experience. However, they can
only teach courses, they cannot serve as
thesis/capstone advisers.
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b. For Doctoral Programs, there shall be at least four (4) full time faculty
members per doctoral program at all times. They are all doctoral degree
holders in the discipline and with published works in
internationally/nationally indexed journal/s and/or have produced
publicly recognized creative and/or technology outputs.
Article 6. Library
For the graduate program, the following shall be added to the library
requirements for undergraduate programs:
a. subscription to at least two (2) peer-reviewed professional journals or
internationally-refereed journals;
b. at least five (5) titles of graduate reference books (print and non-print) on
specialized discipline for every subject offered under the program,
published within the last five (5) years. At least one (1) of the five (5) titles
is a foreign reference published by a reputable academic press; and
c. Subscription or have access (through a consortium/interlibrary basis) to
electronic databases of international and reputable journals indexed in
internationally recognized indexes of scholarly journals. Examples of
these databases are ProQuest, EBSCOHost, ScienceDirect, Sage, Taylor
and Francis, Oxford, Cambridge, and Philippine eLib.
The use of the internet, materials in electronic format, open educational resources
and other education technologies is encouraged.
Article 7. Research, Creative Work/Innovation Laboratory, and Other Facilities

USTP shall provide adequate and relevant facilities and equipment to support
research and creative work/innovation in the specified discipline; or access to
the same, which may be available or sourced through linkages and partnerships
with industry, communities, and pertinent social organizations.
For graduate program, the following shall be added to the requirements for
laboratory and other facilities for undergraduate programs:
a. provision for research equipment and facilities in the basic sciences, if
applicable (detailed requirements can be determined in the specific CMOs
by discipline);
b. instructional laboratories for Professional Masters Programs;
c. extensive information technology facilities that will allow for internet
access;
d. subscription to various software programs to detect plagiarism and to
analyze quantitative and qualitative data that are accessible to faculty and
students; and
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e. occupational safety and health policies/standards for laboratories

handling nanomaterials, radioactive materials and other hazardous
chemicals.
Article 8. USTP–Industry Partnership

USTP shall formally engage with professional associations, business, and
industry to participate in curriculum planning and development, instruction,
research and development, production, research immersion or internship, and
other related activities.
Chapter 5. Curricular and Developmental Initiatives
Curricular content of USTP graduate programs shall be strengthened through the

inclusion of strategic learning and teaching competencies that are key and relevant to
contemporary global, regional, and national economic, political, and social
development. USTP shall innovate and enhance its curricular offerings, using
integrative and interrogative methods of implementation. With reference to the
minimum requirements set by CHED, the significant role of ICT in education, and the
rationale of OBE in conjunction with the PQF based on RA 10968, both conventional
and non-conventional teaching-learning delivery and management systems shall form
part of the total delivery system of graduate programs.
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TITLE THREE. GRADUATE PROGRAM LEVELS, OUTCOMES, AND TYPES

Chapter 1. Program Levels and Outcomes
Article 1. Master’s Level

Programs under the Master‟s Level are designed to provide students with
advanced academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies,
leading to a second degree higher than the bachelor‟s degree. They contain a
substantial research component. These programs are theoretically-based, but
may also include practical components and are informed by state-of-the-art
research and/or best professional practice.
By level of outcome or competency, Master‟s programs are aligned with Level 7

of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF). PQF Level 7 descriptors
demand the following from graduates of master‟s degree programs:
a. Advanced knowledge and skills in a specialized, interdisciplinary, or
multidisciplinary field of study for professional practice;
b. Self-directed research;
c. Lifelong learning with a highly substantial degree of independence that
involves individual work or teams of interdisciplinary or
multidisciplinary experts; and
d. Application of the above-mentioned skills in research, professional, or
creative work.
Entry into the Master‟s level that prepares a student for a higher degree normally
requires the successful completion of a Bachelor‟s degree.
Article 2. Doctoral Level

The doctoral level is the highest level of academic degree in any field of
knowledge or discipline, thus making it a terminal degree. Programs at this level
lead to an advanced research qualification and devoted to advanced study and
original research.
Doctoral programs are aligned with Level 8 of the PQF. The outcomes with
reference to PQF Level 8 descriptors would demand the following from the
graduates of doctoral degree programs:
a. Demonstration of highly advanced systematic knowledge and skills in
highly specialized and/or complex interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary
field of learning;
b. Utilization of complex research/creative work and/or professional
practice and/or the advancement of learning with full independence in
individual work and/or in teams of interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary
setting;
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c. Application of more complex setting that demands leadership in research

and creative work with strategic value added; and
d. Application of significant level of expertise-based autonomy and
accountability to professional leadership for innovation, research and/or
development management in highly specialized or interdisciplinary or
multi-disciplinary field.
Entry into Level 8 programs requires the successful completion of specific Level
7 programs. Level 8 programs or doctoral programs usually concludes with the
submission and defense of a dissertation or equivalent written work of
publishable quality, representing a significant contribution to knowledge in the
respective field of study. Therefore, these programs are typically based on
research and not only on course work. For a professional doctoral degree, prior
work experience in the discipline being applied for is also required.
Furthermore, a doctoral degree is not determined solely by the number of units

completed or the number of years in graduate school. As already mentioned in
the preceding paragraphs, a doctoral program entails the creation of new
knowledge in a field of specialization through a dissertation, which needs to be
publicly presented and defended before a committee of doctoral holders in a
specific field of study. It usually involves the publication of one‟s research in
peer-reviewed academic journals to demonstrate contribution to advanced
scholarship.
CHED determines the equivalency of any doctoral program subject to existing policies,
standards and guidelines (PSGs), mutual recognition agreements, and other applicable
international laws and policies.
Chapter 2. Types of Graduate Programs
Article 1. Master’s Programs in the Sciences and in the Arts

Graduate Programs in the Sciences - Master of Science programs focus on
specialized professional fields and are commonly applied in programs related to
the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics sciences, and information
technology. These programs have more units in the sciences and technology and
have laboratory classes. Thesis is a requirement for graduation.
Graduate Programs in the Arts - Advanced degrees in the arts (Master of Arts)
offer broader education or liberal arts education. These degrees are common in
programs related to the social sciences, humanities, and communication.
Graduation requirement may either be a thesis or creative work, which passed
rigorous academic or jury review.
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Article 2. Master’s Programs by Tracks

The Master‟s programs have two (2) major tracks. These are the thesis track and
the non-thesis track. The thesis track is research intensive while the non-thesis
track is often referred to as a professional or course-based master‟s program.”
Section 1. Thesis Track (Master of Science/Master of Arts)

Under the thesis track is the Master of Science/Master of Arts (MSc/MA)
degree program. The MSc/MA is a graduate academic degree program
consisting of advanced studies in an academic discipline with the primary
purpose of contributing to the generation, production and advancement of
knowledge rather than specific applications to professional practice.
Programs of this type are research-focused and serve as preparation for a
doctoral research program. There are two (2) sub-tracks under this,
namely the Academic Track and the Research Track:
1. Master of Science/Master of Arts (MSc/MA) Academic Track. This

program has at least twenty-four (24) units of coursework and at
least six (6) units of thesis. It requires students to pass a
comprehensive examination. As a final output, the students must
have at least one (1) publication in refereed journal or juried
creative work. Creative work is a tangible evidence of creative
effort in a specific field of specialization, such as artwork, literature,
music, paintings, dance, drama, productions, architecture, and
games and apps. Due to the arbitrariness of creative work, it is
impossible that two people would create the same work
independently.
2. Master of Science/Master of Arts (MSc/MA) by Research.
This program has at least a total number of thirty-six (36) units

wherein there is less coursework and more research activities. All
units to be taken is by research (no coursework). It requires
students to pass a comprehensive examination. As a final output,
students have at least one (1) publication, specifically, evidence of
acceptance to a refereed journal or have a juried creative work
outlet.
Section 2. Non-Thesis Track (Master’s Degree - Professional Track)

Under the non-thesis track is the Master‟s degree (Professional Track). It is
a professional track at the master‟s level with the primary purpose of
applying knowledge in professional practice. A Master‟s degree of this
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type is either terminal or geared towards preparation for a doctoral degree

program with a professional track.
The professional master‟s degree program has at least thirty (30) units of
coursework consisting of advanced studies in professional or vocational
fields wherein at least three (3) units of which shall be labeled as a
capstone course or practiced-based project.
This program requires students to pass a comprehensive examination and

complete a capstone project.
A capstone project culminates the student‟s academic or learning

experience. It provides the student an opportunity to exhibit the
knowledge and skills obtained during the course of graduate study. It can
be featured through a long-term investigative project that concludes in a
final output, presentation, or performance. A typical form is when a
student may be required to choose a topic or a problem that interests
them, perform a research on these topics and generate a final output (for
example, in the form of essay, case study, research paper, or a short film
or multimedia presentation) indicative of the student‟s acquisition of
learning. The student presents the capstone project to a committee of
experts for grading and evaluation.
Article 3. Doctoral Programs

There are two (2) types of doctoral programs: the Doctor of Philosophy and the
Doctoral Degree (Professional Track).
Section 1. Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a graduate program leading to a
doctoral degree that focuses on research and prepares students for a life of
scholarship in an academic discipline. A PhD student must show the
capacity to make an original contribution in pushing the frontier of
knowledge in a chosen field through dissertation, and to demonstrate
ability to work independently as a student. Examples of this type of
doctoral program are PhD in Education or PhD in Public Administration.
The PhD program has two (2) sub-tracks, namely the Academic Track and
the Research Track.
1. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Academic Track
This program has at least twenty-four (24) units of coursework and

at least twelve (12) units of dissertation.
14
There shall be a public defense of the dissertation. USTP shall

announce the schedule of the defense through posting in its
website/social media or sending email to its academic community.
Furthermore, students are required to pass a comprehensive

examination. As a final output, the students must also have a
publication, specifically evidence of acceptance to an
internationally or nationally refereed and indexed journal or have a
juried creative work outlet.
2. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) By Research
This program has at least seventy-five per cent (75%) of the

total units focused on research-dissertation work. The
remaining units shall be allocated for courses on various
research methods and advance courses that will contribute to the
development and writing of the dissertation.
There shall be a public defense of the dissertation. USTP shall

announce the schedule of the defense through posting in its
website/social media or sending email to its academic community.
A student has a minimum residency of three (3) years on a full-time

basis and a maximum residency of ten (10) years.
Furthermore, students are required to pass a comprehensive

examination. As a final output, the students must also have a
publication, specifically evidence of acceptance to an
internationally or nationally indexed journal or juried creative
work outlet.
Section 2. Doctoral Degree - Professional Track
The Doctoral Degree (Professional Track) represents a mastery of the

subject matter and techniques of a professional field to a stage of
competence parallel to that required for the PhD. Although the work for
the professional doctoral degree may extend the boundaries of knowledge
in the field, it is directed primarily towards distinguished-practical
performance. Examples of this type of doctoral program are Doctor of
Education and Doctor of Public Administration.
15
Students admitted to the program will be prepared to train or supervise

others in the field or to discover new knowledge that has practical
applications as demonstrated in one‟s profession.
Admission to the program requires prospective students to have the

relevant professional experience. Applicants must therefore demonstrate a
substantial actual professional work experience. The required minimum
number of years of professional experience needed for their respective
disciplines shall be set by each College, unless otherwise provided by the
Program PSG‟s.
The professional doctoral degree program has at least twenty-four (24)

units of coursework and twelve (12) units of practiced-based dissertation.
The students are required to pass a comprehensive examination. As a final

output, the students must also have completed a practice-based research.
There shall be a public defense of the dissertation. USTP shall announce
the schedule of the defense through posting in its website/social media or
sending an email to its academic community.
A practice-based research is an original investigation to gain new

knowledge partly by means of practice and the outcomes of that practice.
For a doctoral dissertation, claims of originality and contribution to
gaining new knowledge may be demonstrated through creative outcomes
such as designs, music, digital media, performances and exhibitions.
Chapter 3. Summary Matrix of Graduate Programs
The succeeding table summarizes the types of graduate programs and their
corresponding admission requirements, required minimum number of units, major
requirement and student outputs.
Types of Minimum
Number of Major Requirement and
Graduate Admission
Units/Residency Student Output
Programs Requirement
A. MASTER’S PROGRAMS
THESIS TRACK
1. Master of Bachelor‟s ● With at least 24 ● Passing the
Arts/Science Degree units of Comprehensive
Academic coursework Examination
Track ● With at least 6 ● Thesis
units of Thesis ● At least one (1)
● Max publication in refereed
16
Residency: 6 journal or juried

years creative work
2. Master of Bachelor‟s ● With at least ● Passing the
Arts/Science Degree thirty-six (36) Comprehensive
By Research units Examination
● All units to be ● Thesis
taken by ● At least one (1)
research (no publication in refereed
coursework) journal or juried
● Max creative work outlet
Residency: 8
years
NON-THESIS TRACK
2. Master‟s Bachelor‟s ● With at least 30 ● Passing the
Degree Degree units of Comprehensive
(Professional coursework Examination
Track) ● With at least 3 ● Capstone project
units of
Capstone or
practice-based
project
● Max
Residency: 6
years
B. DOCTORAL PROGRAMS
Doctor of Philosophy
1. Doctor of Master‟s ● With at least 24 ● Passing the
Philosophy Degree units of Comprehensive
(PhD) coursework Examination
Academic ● With at least 12 ● Publicly defended
Track units of dissertation (Theory-
dissertation building)
● Max ● Publication in an
Residency: 8 internationally/nation
years ally indexed journal or
juried creative work
outlet.
2. Doctor of ● Master‟s ● At least 42 ● Comprehensive
Philosophy Degree units with at Examination
(PhD) By ● Demonstra least seventy- ● Publicly defended
Research ted five per cent dissertation (Theory-
17
research (75%) of the building)

aptitude, total units ● Publication in an
research focused on internationally/nation
experience research/ ally indexed journal or
and skills, dissertation juried creative work
and a body work. outlet.
of past ● All units to be
and/or taken by
ongoing research (no
research coursework)
work and ● Students are
publication required to
and/or have a
capsule minimum
research residency of 3
proposal years on a full-
time basis
● Max
Residency: 10
years
Doctoral Degree
3. Doctoral ● Master‟s ● With at least 24 ● Passing of

Degree Degree units of Comprehensive
(Professional ● 5 years of coursework examination
Track) profession ● With at least 12 ● Publicly-defended
al work units of practice-based
experience practice-based dissertation
related to dissertation ● Practice-based research
the degree ● Max
being Residency: 8
applied for years
Notes:
Outlet refers to a journal or juried creative work outlet (e.g. Palanca award-winning
articles, reviewed/critically-acclaimed theater productions or musical recitals,
investigative journalism reports, etc.)
Indexed Outlet refers to journals selected to give citation index, e.g. Scopus, ISI, Web of
Science.
18
Chapter 4. Residency, Comprehensive Exam, Thesis/Dissertation, and Publication

Requirements
Article 1. Residency
The student is in residence when he/she is registered for coursework,
capstone/thesis/dissertation work in the campus or work in absentia. For
the Master‟s degree, a minimum residence of two (2) years; with a
maximum of six (6) calendar years for academic and professional tracks
and eight (8) calendar years for the research track, including unapproved
leave of absence. For the doctoral programs, a minimum residence of
three (3) years; with a maximum of eight (8) years for the academic track
and professional tracks, and a maximum of ten (10) years for the research
track, including unapproved leave of absence. The period of residence
does not include the period that the student is on approved leave of
absence (maximum of one school year or three terms). When the
maximum residency period is reached, a student must enroll in additional
9 units of course work and comply with all the program requirements
including, among others, thesis/dissertation and publication within one
(1) year.
Article 2. Comprehensive Examination
Section 1. Comprehensive Examination (Masters).

After completing all the academic course requirements with a general
weighted average (GWA) of “1.75” or better, the student may apply for
the comprehensive exam.
If the student has taken all courses but the GWA did not meet the
requirement, the student may be advised to enroll in an additional course
(e.g. elective) and obtain the grade needed to increase the GWA prior to
comprehensive exam application.
If the student has obtained a failed grade, the student must retake the
course if it is a required course or enroll an additional course to obtain the
grade needed to increase the GWA but the failed grade shall be included
in the computation of the GWA.
The student should submit his/her application for the comprehensive

examination, duly recommended by the chair of his/her defense panel,
noted by the Graduate program coordinator/Chair, and approved by the
Dean not later than one month before the date of examination. Professors
who taught the courses will be asked to construct questions for the
comprehensive exam. It shall test the student‟s competence in integrating
knowledge in his/her field and shall be based on courses prescribed for
19
the student. It shall be in written form composed of 2 core courses and 2

major courses chosen by the student.
Section 2. Comprehensive Examination (Doctoral).

A Comprehensive Examination is taken after completing and passing all
the courses prescribed in the approved plan of course work and the
foreign language requirement, if any, and upon recommendation of the
student‟s adviser. The student must obtain a general weighted average
(GWA) of “1.50” or better in all the courses prescribed in the approved
plan of course work under the major and cognate fields.
If the student has taken all courses but the GWA did not meet the
requirement, the student may be advised to enroll in an additional course
(e.g. elective) and obtain the grade needed to increase the GWA prior to
comprehensive exam application.
If the student has obtained a failed grade, the student must retake the
course if it is a required course or enroll an additional course to obtain the
grade needed to increase the GWA but the failed grade shall be included
in the computation of the GWA.
Application to take the Comprehensive Examination, duly recommended

by the chair of the defense panel and noted by the program
coordinator/department chair, shall be submitted to the Dean at least one
month before the date of examination. Professors who taught the courses
will be asked to construct questions for the comprehensive exam. It shall
test the student‟s competence in integrating knowledge in his/her field
and shall be based on courses prescribed for the student. The written
examination shall be composed of two (2) core courses and four (4) major
courses chosen by the student.
Section 3. Passing the Comprehensive Examination.

To pass the comprehensive examination, not more than one negative vote
of the committee is required. A student who fails the examination may be
given one examination upon unanimous approval of the committee, not
earlier than one month but not later than one year after the first
examination. Failure to pass the re-examination disqualifies the student
permanently from earning the degree. The chair of the committee shall
submit the result to the Dean within one week after the examination.
20
Article 3. Capstone/Thesis/Dissertation
Section 1. Defense Panel.
The capstone, thesis, or dissertation panel shall have among its members
content and method specialists. The thesis/dissertation adviser shall be
selected from the content specialists, but he/she must be a doctoral degree
holder with completed and on-going research/creative work. The method
specialist shall provide technical advice on the appropriate research
methodology to be used including the specific research design and
appropriate technique to analyze either quantitative or qualitative data.
The Thesis defense panel shall have at least three (3) members, while the
dissertation defense panel shall have at least five (5), the membership of
which include content and method specialist. (CMO No.15, s. 2019)
1. Aside from the Panel Chair, which shall be assumed by the adviser,
the Capstone/Thesis/Dissertation Defense Panel shall be
composed of experts who can contribute to the success and
improvement of the capstone/thesis/dissertation of the candidate
in terms of content and/or methodology. They must be doctorate
degree holders (master‟s degree holders are acceptable for the
research study/thesis) in fields closely related to the study
undertaken. Experience as Capstone/ Thesis/ Dissertation Panel
member is not needed. As to the involvement of the dean of the
college offering the program, this is left to his/her discretion to sit
or not as a member of the panel. Moreover, they must have
published at least one (1) paper in an indexed journal (such as
Clarivate Analytics,Thomson Reuters, Scopus, IEEE and the like) in
the last three (3) years prior to his/her appointment as member of
the defense panel for the proposed study.
2. There shall be at least three (3) panel members for master‟s thesis
and five (5) panel members for dissertation including the adviser.
Majority of the members must be graduate program professors of
the college concerned. One of the members in the panel must come
from another college in the University and must be one who can
relate to the thesis/dissertation topic. Preferably, another member
should come from an external institution/establishment and
recognized for his/her expertise in the field that corresponds to the
research field of the candidate.
3. In the case of a Master‟s Capstone, the Panel of Evaluators shall be

composed of three members, as follows:
21
a) the adviser who may serve as the committee chair;

b) graduate professor from the department in charge of the
program;
c) program coordinator/department chairman.
4. The exact panel composition shall be decided in consultation with

the student and the adviser, indorsed by the program
coordinator/department chair, and approved by the Dean. A
change in the panel composition can only be made when absolutely
necessary and will require the indorsement of the program
coordinator / department chair and the approval of the dean.
5. A consultant or consultants may be tapped by the candidate or

recommended by the adviser, indorsed by the program
coordinator/department chair, and approved by the dean to
participate in the panel during the oral defense. The consultants
may not have earned degrees for the title the candidate seeks but
must have the expertise needed. The consultants do not have
voting rights when a decision shall be finally made by the Panel.
6. For documenting the proceedings, a secretary may be present

during the defense. He/She must be conversant in the field where
the research belongs.
The College Dean may choose to sit (or not) as a member of the Panel.
However, he/she must have published at least one (1) paper in an
indexed journal (such as Thomson Reuters, Scopus, IEEE and the like) in
the last three (3) years prior to his/her appointment as member of the
advisory committee for the proposed study.
In cases where the publication requirements for advisers and/or panel

members mentioned above are not satisfied, approval of the proper
authorities shall be sought prior to the appointment of the adviser and/or
panel members.
For the Professional Science Masters (PSM) and other related

practitioners-degree program, industry experts (even without the
appropriate graduate degree but with a considerable level of industry
expertise in line with the field) may be tapped as panel members.
However, this should not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total
composition of the panel members.
22
Section 2. Appointment of the Adviser.
The capstone/thesis/dissertation adviser shall be selected from the

content specialists, but he/she must be a doctoral degree holder with
completed and ongoing research/creative work. Students must be
assigned an adviser at the time of admission and must be provided with
the regular opportunity to communicate with their advisers. The adviser
is expected to guide the student in terms of courses to enroll, compliance
to degree requirements, and other intellectual and professional concerns
as well. Preferably, the adviser must be a member of the
department/college faculty. The adviser to student ratio is one (1) full-
time faculty per maximum of five (5) students, inclusive of both in and
off-campus students. (CMO No.15, s. 2019)
1. The candidate must submit an appointment for his/her adviser,

concurred by the adviser himself, endorsed by the program
coordinator/department chairman, and approved by the dean of
the college offering the degree.
2. As a general rule, research study/thesis/dissertation advising shall

be done by a regular faculty member of the University.
3. Specifically, the thesis/dissertation adviser must:

a. Have a doctorate degree relevant to the field of study of the
proponent
b. Have published at least one (1) paper related to the
proposed field of study of the proponent in an indexed
journal such as Clarivate Analytics, Thomson Reuters,
Scopus, IEEE and the like) in the last three (3) years prior to
his/her appointment as adviser of the proponent.
c. Have served as thesis and/or dissertation committee
member.
4. In the absence of an appropriate faculty, two (2) competent faculty

members will serve as co-advisers; one serves as the internal
adviser and the other as external adviser. The internal adviser must
be a graduate program professor of the college concerned and a
full-time faculty of the University. She/he must have published at
least one (1) paper in an indexed journal (such as Clarivate
Analytics, Thomson Reuters, Scopus, IEEE and the like) in the last
three (3) years prior to the defense presentation of the student.
23
5. The external adviser must be considered an expert on the student‟s

topic, coming from another academic
institution/agency/establishment, whom may or may not be a
part-time professor of the graduate program of the university.
She/he must have published at least two (2) papers related to the
field of study of the proponent in an indexed journal (such as
Thomson Reuters, Scopus, IEEE and the like) in the last three (3)
years prior to his/her appointment as adviser of the proponent.
6. In all cases, however, the adviser must have conducted the

corresponding graduate-level academic research as requirement of
his/her program, have published in an indexed journal in the last
three (3) years prior to serving as an adviser and must have also
served as a member of a research study/thesis/dissertation
committee for at least three times prior to serving as an adviser.
7. After an appointment has been made, no change of adviser will be

accepted without prior approval of the dean concerned.
Section 3: Roles and Responsibilities of the Adviser.
The adviser is expected to guide the student in terms of courses to enroll,

compliance to degree requirements, and other intellectual and
professional concerns as well. (CMO 15, s.2019)
1. The adviser, identified by the student upon admission, can begin

thesis/dissertation work even before completion of course work.
2. The Adviser facilitates the oral presentation of Progress Reports by
the student with the attendance of at least on panel member.
3. The role of the Panel Chair shall be assumed by the adviser, who
assists the student in determining the composition of the defense
panel for indorsement by the program coordinator/department
chair and approval by the Dean.
4. A major responsibility of the adviser is the plagiarism check to be
conducted before the final oral defense. The adviser sends the paper
to the Research Office who will issue a certificate of indorsement.
The paper is returned to the student for revision until the
requirement set by the Research Office is complied with.
5. The Adviser may recommend consultants (indorsed by the
program coordinator/department chair, and approved by the dean)
to participate in the panel during the oral defense.
24
Section 4. Summary of Stages for Capstone / Thesis / Dissertation
1. Upon Admission, the student shall identify a

capstone/thesis/dissertation adviser who can start to guide
him/her regarding the possible thesis/dissertation topic/proposal.
The student and the adviser can begin thesis/dissertation work
even before completion of course work.
2. Before working on a full-blown capstone/thesis/dissertation

proposal, and/or based on program requirements, the student
makes a Concept Paper on the research problem/topic he/she
plans to address in consultation with the adviser. This paper is a
brief presentation which includes the research problem statement,
practical and/or theoretical significance, brief literature review, list
of the major research activities that will be involved, and tentative
references. The paper shall be submitted for the joint evaluation of
the adviser, program coordinator/department chairman, Dean and
two other experts who can be prospective committee/panel
members, where applicable.
3. When the Concept Paper is approved, the student shall prepare

and complete his/her full blown capstone/thesis/dissertation
proposal under the close guidance of the Adviser.
4. When the proposal is ready as endorsed by the adviser, it shall be

presented and defended by the student before a panel. However,
the proposal defense can only take place after the completion of all
the required coursework. The student is required to enroll the
Capstone/Thesis/Dissertation course during the semester/term he
is going to conduct his/her proposal defense.
5. The actual study shall commence under the close guidance of the
Adviser after the research study/thesis/dissertation proposal has
passed the examination of the panel/committee and when the
following requirements have been complied with:
a. The student has advanced to candidacy for masters or

doctorate degree through the completion of all the
coursework for the program (as certified by the Registrar).
b. The student has enrolled in Thesis/Dissertation. The first
enrolment is assessed as a three-unit course for capstone; six-
unit course for master‟s thesis; and a twelve-unit course for
25
dissertation. This enrolment covers one school-year (i.e.,

inclusive of two semesters and one summer).
c. The student is required to re-enroll the Capstone/ Thesis/
Dissertation after the validity of the first enrolment has
expired. This means that one school Year after the first
enrolment in 3 units capstone/6 units thesis/12 units
dissertation the student is required to enroll in a three-unit
Capstone/ Thesis/ Dissertation course for every semester
thereafter, except the mid-year term, until he/she is able to
successfully defend his/her capstone/ thesis/ dissertation
(refer to Title Seven: Assessment and Fees for details).
d. The student must be enrolled during the term (i.e., regular
semester/summer) when his/her capstone/ thesis/
dissertation is presented for final defense.
6. The student is required to present Progress Reports of the

capstone/thesis/dissertation through oral presentation every end
of the semester to his/her adviser and at least one member of the
defense panel. If the student fails to present such report at the end
of the semester, he/she shall be placed under probationary status.
The Dean concerned shall correspondingly inform the student of
his/her status through an official letter.
7. When the student is placed under probationary status for two

consecutive semesters, his/her readmission to the program is
subject to the evaluation of the Dean concerned and approval by
the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
8. The completed capstone/thesis/dissertation shall be presented in

writing and orally to the panel/committee for final evaluation.
Section 5. Oral Defense of Capstone/Thesis and Dissertation Proposal
1. The candidate should submit to the college Dean, through the

program coordinator/Department Chair, an application to conduct
an oral proposal presentation together with copies of the
capstone/thesis/dissertation proposal (four copies for capstone; six
copies for thesis; and eight copies for doctorate; can be more
depending on the size of the committee) which has been reviewed
and endorsed by the adviser. This should be done at least two (2)
weeks before the scheduled date of the defense.
26
2. The proposal‟s content and format must comply with the college
prescriptions for thesis/dissertation.
3. A public announcement related to the holding of the oral defense

must be made at least a week before the schedule. Such must be
posted in conspicuous locations in the University. Observers may
be allowed to attend with prior arrangements and subject to
availability of space in the venue. However, only the committee
members attending shall be allowed to participate in the
discussion. A secretary shall also be present to record the
proceedings of the defense.
4. The purpose of the defense is for the candidate to demonstrate that

he/she possesses the expertise/readiness necessary for the select
subject area and that the plan for answering the research questions
is sound. It is also aimed at improving the research plan.
5. The panel‟s/committee‟s decision may be one of the following:

a. Approved – with appropriate modifications/remarks as
needed.
b. Disapproved – a written summary of the decision and
accompanying summary of corrections/comments shall be
prepared by the committee secretary and attested to by the
panel/committee chairperson, confirmed by the members.
The candidate shall be furnished with a copy of these
documents for his/her guidance.
Section 6. External Examiner (BOR Res. No. 38, s. 2007)
1. Part of the requirement for a dissertation (not for a thesis) is for it to

undergo a review by an External Examiner.
2. The External Examiner shall be identified by the Program
Coordinator/Department Chair and the Dean of the College
concerned, who shall subsequently recommend to the Chancellor,
through the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, for approval and
issuance of appointment.
3. The recommendation must be accompanied by the proposed
External Examiner's curriculum vitae, list of publications and
doctorate research supervision experience.
4. The External Examiner has the option to attend the final defense of
the candidate.
5. Qualifications of the External Examiner:
27
a. The External Examiner must be a doctorate degree holder

and should normally have experience in supervising doctoral
students and must be actively involved in research as
evident from publications in reputable journals.
b. Non-doctorate degree holders may be appointed as External
Examiners only if they are currently full professors or of
equivalent rank in recognized academic or research
institutions; and must have experienced in supervising
doctoral students as well as actively involved in research as
evident from publications in reputable journals.
In the absence of the preceding qualifications, any prominent professional in the
field of specialization, with track record in conducting research, may be
considered as an External Examiner.
Section 7. Oral Defense of Completed Research Study / Thesis /

Dissertation
1. Before the conduct of the final oral defense, the paper will undergo
a plagiarism check. The adviser sends the paper to the Research
Office who will issue a certificate of indorsement. The paper is
returned to the student for revision until the requirement set by the
Research Office is complied with.
2. The candidate should submit to the college Dean, through the

program coordinator/department chairman, an application to
conduct a final oral presentation together with copies of the
complete research study/thesis/dissertation manuscript (four
copies for capstone; six copies for thesis; and eight copies for
doctorate; can be more depending on the size of the committee)
which has been reviewed and endorsed by the adviser. This should
be done at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled date of the
defense.
3. Publication requirements may be complied with prior to applying

for defense. (Please refer to guidelines for publication requirements
below)
4. The complete capstone/thesis/dissertation manuscript must follow

the format approved by the college concerned. Adherence to the
prescribed format shall be certified also by the adviser.
28
5. The defense may take place in front of a bigger audience consisting

of the committee/panel members, interested faculty of the
University, and graduate/undergraduate students.
6. A public announcement related to the holding of the oral defense

must be made at least a week before the schedule. Such must be
posted in conspicuous locations.
7. The purpose of the defense is for the candidate to demonstrate

his/her mastery of his/her research and the broader field of
knowledge related to the research by defending his findings and
participating in scholarly challenges to methodology, analysis, and
conclusions. It is also intended as an opportunity to assist the
candidate in polishing his/her work.
8. Part of the evaluation shall be the compliance with the

panel‟s/committee‟s recommendations during the proposal
defense. The defense shall be composed of four phases, namely:
a. a presentation by the candidate of a summary of the

capstone/thesis/dissertation to the panel/committee and
the other participants (faculty and graduate/undergraduate
students) followed by a question and discussion period open
to all present.
b. a continuation of the oral examination by the
panel/committee, but with the other participants excused
from the room, for an in-depth scrutiny and discussion of
the research study / thesis / dissertation.
c. a deliberation by the committee, with the candidate excused
from the room; the deliberation shall include a synthesis of
the corrections / modifications that need to be done aside
from a decision on the research study / thesis / dissertation
and the performance on examination.
d. information to the student on the decision of the
panel/committee and presentation of the synthesis of the
recommended corrections / modifications.
9. A secretary shall be present to record the proceedings of the

defense.
10. Time shall be managed such that the entire procedure shall take
only a maximum of four hours.
11. The possible outcomes expected after the oral defense are:
29
95 – 100 1.00 Excellent

88 – 94 1.25 Very Satisfactory
81 – 87 1.50 Satisfactory
75 – 80 1.75 Passed
Below 75 2.00 Failed
The bases shall be the presentation (oral and written), content, and
defense.
12. During a particular academic year, the last date for oral defense for
those who like to be included for graduation in that semester shall
be two months before the end of the semester.
Note: Other requirements in connection with the capstone / thesis /

dissertation that are unique to a degree program or to a college may be
adopted after they have passed through the usual channels of review
including that by the Academic Council.
Article 4. Publication
Section 1. Masters
Students in the Master of Science/Master of Arts (MSc/MA) Academic
Research tracks are required to have a publication culled from the thesis in
a refereed journal or juried creative work outlet.
Section 2. PhD
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Academic and Research tracks are required to
have publication/s culled from the dissertation in
internationally/nationally indexed journals or juried creative work outlet.
Section 3. Process
1. Publication requirements may be accomplished prior to the final oral
defense but must be coordinated with the adviser. Only the
publication culled from the thesis or dissertation shall be accepted as a
required submission for graduation.
2. Before the student can proceed with the publication as a requirement,
s/he should have an approved topic. The student, in coordination with
the adviser, may be allowed to propose regardless of the number of
units completed.
3. The proponent should submit the following documents to the
department as a requirement for evaluation of publication:
30
a. Copy of the article accepted for publication (or copy of published

article when available) in which the proponent‟s affiliation should
include the name of the university;
b. Outline detailing which part of the article submitted for publication
is taken from the thesis/dissertation;
c. Proof of submission to the journal;
d. Trail of correspondence between the author and the editor as proof
of the review process and its compliance;
e. Proof of acceptance for publication of the article submitted (with
details on journal issue where the article will be published); and
f. Proof of indexing of the journal.
The student may suggest journals other than those indexed in Thomson
Reuters / Scopus / Clarivate Analytics, subject to the approval of the
defense panel/ adviser in consultation with the Chair and Dean.
Evaluation of journals may be based on criteria established by the
graduate school evaluation committee.
While indexed and high-impact publication outlets are desired in the graduate
programs, the CHED, based on the recommendation of the CHED Technical
Panel for each discipline, may specify or determine additional national publication
outlets appropriate for their respective fields with some of the leading scholars in
the field as members of the editorial boards and may also exclude outlets
inconsistent with ethical research standards. (CMO No.15, s. 2019)
Section 4. Conference Presentation and Other Publication Output

a. Although not a requirement for graduation, students may be
encouraged to present in conferences both local and international,
preferably peer-reviewed and where proceedings are published.
This may be done as a course requirement.
b. Publication outputs not related to the thesis/dissertation may be
encouraged but will not be counted towards the publication
requirements for graduation. This may be done as a course
requirement.
Chapter 5. Research and Creative Work Degrees
To promote the culture of Research and Creative Work (RCW) and increase RCW
productivity, Colleges/Departments may offer RCW degrees.
The RCW degrees shall be for candidates with demonstrated RCW aptitudes,
experience and skills, and a body of research and/or creative work and publications.
Such programs of study shall require:
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1. statement or outline of RCW purpose;

2. supervision by a senior adviser and designated RCW panels;
3. monitoring of progress of work;
4. record of progression of RCW skills and experiences;
5. rigorous internal and external reviews of work and results;
6. thesis/dissertation defense; and
7. publication in a refereed journal or juried creative work.
Research degree-based programs aim to produce graduates who shall contribute to the
body of knowledge in specific field of study or to have provided innovative, theory-
based, systematic, and practical solutions to significant concerns of specific industries.
CHED shall prescribe the guidelines for the selection and operation of HEls to be authorized or
deputized to offer research and creative work degree programs within the framework of academic
freedom. (CMO No.15, s.2019)
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TITLE FOUR. GRADUATE PROGRAM ACADEMIC POLICIES
Chapter 1. Admission
There shall be a system for assessing the ability of students who will be admitted in the
graduate program taking into consideration their aptitude, motivation and capacity to
pursue and complete further studies, conduct research, or apply advanced knowledge
in professional practice (Section 15, Art 10, CMO 15, s. 2019)
Article 1. Admission Requirements

An applicant for admission must be a holder of a Bachelor‟s degree or its
equivalent for the Master‟s degree and must be a holder of Master‟s degree for
PhD degree from any recognized academic institution. It is the applicant‟s
responsibility to obtain information on the requirements for the proposed
program. An applicant must:
a. pass the entrance examination for graduate program;
b. submit an original and a photocopy of the official transcript of
academic records from all tertiary and graduate institutions
attended;
c. submit a study objective which would include the required
research facilities, if applicable;
d. submit two (2) letters of recommendation from supervisors or
professors not related by consanguinity or affinity;
e. pass the interview with the department chairman/program
coordinator; and
f. satisfy other requirements as specified by the College concerned.
Article 2. Admission Categories
Section 1. An applicant to a Graduate degree program may be admitted

on regular status, on probationary status, or denied admission.
Section 2. Regular Admission is given to an applicant whose academic

records and supporting documents indicate that he/she is qualified to
undertake graduate study in his/her chosen field.
Section 3. Probationary Admission is given to an applicant whose

academic records and supporting documents indicate deficiencies such as
lack of fundamental courses. He/she shall be required to take those
courses to qualify as a regular graduate student.
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Section 4. An applicant who fails to meet the terms of his/her

probationary admission is automatically disqualified from pursuing his
intended program of study.
Section 5. Applicants who are denied admission due to lack of

preparatory or fundamental courses in the intended graduate program of
study may have their applications reconsidered only after submission of
additional documents not submitted at the time of original evaluation.
Article 3. Deferment of Admission.

Deferment of admission for a period not exceeding one year may be granted
upon written request. A student unable to register after one year of admission
needs to re-apply for admission to the Graduate program.
Article 4. Re-Admission Requirements.

A student who was not able to complete the requirements for the degree within
the time limit may apply for re-admission to the Graduate program.
Chapter 2. Registration
All students intending to pursue a Graduate degree will be allowed to register only
upon presentation of all the required documents. The prospective student should
consult the program coordinator/department chairman prior to enrolment. The student
is considered officially enrolled upon receipt of his/her Certificate of Registration
(COR) from the Registrar‟s Office.
Article 1. Adding/Dropping/Changing of Courses
Section 1. Adding, dropping or changing of courses (after registration fees

have been paid) shall be made for valid reasons only, and must be
recommended by the department chair/program coordinator and
approved by the dean of the college where the student belongs.
Section 2. The student may add, drop or change a course within one week
after the opening of classes by filling out a form for this purpose. S/he
should secure the signature(s) of the professor(s) concerned and the
approval of the Dean. The approved form should be submitted to the
Registrar‟s Office within the adding/dropping period.
Section 3. A course dropped officially will not appear in the student‟s

Transcript of Records (TOR).
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Article 2. Transfer of Credits
Section 1. Only a maximum of 15 units of master‟s or 18 units of doctorate

work taken within the last five years from any recognized graduate
institution may be credited towards the corresponding master‟s or
doctorate degree upon admission to the USTP graduate program,
provided the course descriptions match those in the USTP program.
Section 2. The accreditation of courses taken in other universities should

be done prior to enrolment to avoid cases where the student has enrolled
in a course or courses only to have it dropped later because said courses
can be credited. The accreditation is initiated by accomplishing a form for
this purpose, which can be obtained from the Registrar‟s Office. The
program coordinator/department chair shall undertake the evaluation for
approval of the Dean.
Chapter 3. Grading System
The academic performance of students shall be evaluated and graded at the middle and
at the end of each term in accordance with the prescribed grading system. The
instructor shall be the sole authority to determine and give grades of his/her students.
The grading system shall use number grades in multiples of 0.25 from 1 to 5, where “1”
is the highest for both master‟s and doctorate degrees, and 2.0/1.75 is the lowest
passing grade for Masters and PhD, respectively. More specifically, the grading system
of the University shall be as follows:
The following grading system is used for graduate program:
DOCTORATE PROGRAM MASTER’S PROGRAM

1.00 Excellent 1.00 Excellent
1.25 Very Satisfactory 1.25 Very Satisfactory
1.50 Satisfactory 1.50 Satisfactory
1.75 Passed 1.75 Fair
2.00 No Credit 2.00 Passed
5.00 Failed 2.50 No Credit
5.00 Failed
1. An INC grade is only given during the Final grading period. The grade of “INC”
is given if a student‟s class standing throughout the semester is PASSING but
s/he fails to take the final examination or fails to complete other requirements for
the course. Such requirement(s) must be complied/satisfied within one school
year (2 semesters and one summer) reckoned from the end of the term that the
student incurred the INC; otherwise, the “INC” grade shall automatically be
35
converted into a grade of “5.0”. In case the class standing is not passing and the
student fails to take the final examination for any reason, a grade of “5” is given.
2. A mark of “W” (Withdrawn) is given to the student who voluntarily and

officially withdraws his/her registration.
3. A mark of “D/F” (Dropped with Failure) shall be given to the student who
dropped subject(s) without permission of the instructor concerned and/or when
the student exceeds the allowable number of absences. A mark of “D/F” is not
equivalent to a failing grade of „5.0‟.
4. The student is allowed to have only 1 failed grade. In such case, the student must
retake the course if it is a required course but the failed grade shall be included in
the computation of the GWA. As a general rule, if a student at any time has
incurred 2 or more failed grades, s/he will not be allowed to continue the
program.
5. The cumulative grading system is used in computing the final grades. In

computing the final grade, any of the following may be used as discussed and
agreed between the instructor and the students concerned:
a. Final examination coverage – all topics discussed from the beginning of
the semester. The mid- term grade is given a weight of one-third (1/3); or
b. Final examination coverage – all topics discussed from the mid-term
examination. The mid-term grade is given a weight of one-half (1/2).
6. Only the Office of the Registrar is authorized to officially release grades.
Article 1. Change of Grades.

The student has the right to confer with the professor about his/her grades. If the
need to change the grade arises, the professor must accomplish the „Change of
Grade‟ Form, which can be secured from the Registrar‟s Office. In the event that
the professor is indisposed, the student may elevate the matter to higher
authorities.
Article 2. Completion of Grades
Section 1. Incomplete (INC) mark is given to the student who has not
fulfilled all course requirements but whose class standing merits a passing
mark.
Section 2. As a general rule, if a student at any time has incurred three

INC marks, he/she will not be allowed to continue the program.
36
Section 3. To remove an INC mark after completing the requirements, the

student should get a completion form from the Registrar‟s Office and
submits this form to the professor after paying the removal fee to the
cashier. The professor concerned gives the completion grade and submits
the form to the dean for approval. It is the Dean‟s Office that will forward
the completion form to the Registrar‟s Office.
Section 4. The student who incurred less than three INC marks may be
allowed to re-enroll after said marks are removed within a year
immediately following the semester where the INC marks are obtained. In
case of failure to do so within the prescribed period, the student shall no
longer be allowed to comply and must retake the course if it is a required
course. The INC grade will remain in the students‟ record of grades.
Chapter 4. Recognition of Accomplishment Level
Article 1. For each degree program, different levels of accomplishment may be

recognized by way of a certificate, title, e.g., Certificate of Advance Studies in __
.
Article 2. These levels of accomplishment can also be the exit points for students who
are not able to meet the required Grade Point Average (GPA) for graduate
program as indicated in the guidelines specific to a particular degree program.
These students will be advised to consider other degree programs that will better
suit them.
Chapter 5. Leave, Discharge, Withdrawal
Article 1. Leave of Absence
Section 1. The student who does not enroll for a full school year, i.e.,
he/she will enroll only for one or two terms within a school-year, must
apply for a “Leave of Absence (LOA)” for the term he/she will not be able
to enroll by filling out the corresponding form, which can be secured from
the Registrar‟s Office, for approval by the Dean. The application must be
due to meritorious reasons such as illness, financial reasons etc. A
maximum of one school year (3 terms) LOA will be granted to a student.
The period covered by approved LOAs shall not be included in the
reckoning of the number of residency years.
Section 2. The student who has been on a “Leave of Absence” will reapply
to the program by filling out the „Re-admission Form‟, which can be
secured from the Registrar‟s Office. The approved LOA shall be attached
37
to the Re-Admission Form, for information and guidance of the

Assessment Office.
Section 3. The student who failed to apply for a Leave of Absence can also
reapply to the program by filling out the Re-Admission Form, which can
be secured from the Registrar‟s Office. Without an approved request, the
period covered by the absence without approved leave shall be counted in
the number of residency years. The student will be charged with the new
rate of fees imposed by the University by the time he/she will be
readmitted to the program.
Article 2. Withdrawal from the Program.

To withdraw from the program before the end of the semester, the student must
inform the Dean as well as complete the Application of Withdrawal form in the
Registrar‟s Office. Upon approval of the withdrawal application, a grade of “W”
is entered for each course in which the student has registered. The University
reserves the right to require the withdrawal of any student from a program when
health status or general conduct may be judged clearly detrimental to the best
interests of either the student or the University community.
Article 3. Honorable Discharge

Section 1. A graduate student who desires to sever connection with the
College shall present a written petition to this effect to the Dean. If the
petition is granted, the student shall be given honorable dismissal.
Without such petition and favorable action, no record of honorable
dismissal shall be made.
Section 2. Honorable dismissal is voluntary withdrawal from the College

with the consent of the concerned Institute. All indebtedness to the
College must be settled before a statement of honorable dismissal will be
issued.
Chapter 6. Transcript of Records
The Transcript of Records (TOR) of students after successful completion of the program
shall include:
a. Title of thesis/dissertation/research project and date when it was successfully
defended; and
b. Complete citation of the journal article/s published using any standard format
(e.g. APA) as prescribed by the college.
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Chapter 7. Graduation
Article 1. Graduation Requirements.

Graduation requirements include passing all the prescribed courses, successful
defense of capstone/thesis/dissertation, and submission of the final copies of the
capstone/ thesis/dissertation manuscript, including other program
requirements. Publication requirements shall also be satisfied. Students who
have failed to submit entry credentials shall be considered ineligible for
graduation.
Article 2. Clearance for Graduation.

Clearance may be done by accomplishing the General clearance of the College.
Students who have completed all academic and other requirements for their
respective degrees may only be recommended for graduation after they have
processed their clearance.
Article 3. Request for Credentials.

Credentials shall be released upon request by the student/graduate concerned
provided that s/he has complied with all the requirements including the
submission of entry credentials from college/university last attended, and is
cleared from property and monetary obligations. Application for issuance of
diploma and transcripts of records should be filed at the Office of the Registrar
upon presentation of the clearance slip. Graduates are encouraged to file their
requests for transcripts as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delay.
Article 4. Commencement Exercises.

Candidates for graduation are encouraged to attend the
Graduation/Commencement Ceremonies. Those who are unable to do so
because of illness or other valid reasons, must submit a request for graduation in
absentia to the Dean of the concerned College.
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TITLE FIVE. CODE OF CONDUCT
Chapter 1. General Provisions
All students must observe all laws, rules and regulations of the University of Science
and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) and the laws of the land. The
maintenance of the proper norm of conduct in the campus is the concern of the school
faculty and administrators who are empowered to take disciplinary action on conduct
unbecoming by any student. Any student outside the class whose conduct is
unbecoming must be reported to the proper authorities for appropriate action.
Chapter 2. Disciplinary Process
Article 1. Due Process
All complaints shall be initiated pursuant to Chapter 4, Art. 6 of the Student

Handbook.
No student shall be reprimanded, suspended or dismissed from the University

except for cause as provided by University policy and only after due process.
Due Process refers to the mandatory right of a student respondent to be given the
opportunity to be heard, to explain or defend his/her side in a controversy, to
refute the charge/complaint/accusation against him/her, or to seek
reconsideration of any disciplinary action or ruling which may have already been
taken by proper authorities in the University. No penalty shall be implemented
unless the right to due process has been accorded to the respondent.
Article 2. Motion for Reconsideration
The student concerned, after due notice, has 5 working days within which to file
a motion for reconsideration with the University President who may form an Ad
Hoc Committee to conduct further investigations; or, within 3 working days
from receipt of the motion, shall render a decision which shall be final and
executory.
Chapter 3. Offenses and Penalties
Article 1. Offenses
Misconducts for which the students are held liable and for which they shall be
subjected to disciplinary action include the following:
40
Section 1. Academic Offense

Academic Offense refers to a violation of any of the prohibited
acts/omissions that have a direct bearing on the academic performance of
a student. Cheating refers to any deceitful, fraudulent or dishonest act of a
student which shows lack of integrity and a disposition to lie, betray and
violate the truth.
Section 2. Non-Academic Offenses
These are actions of a student that do not have a direct bearing on his/her
academic performance, but nevertheless seriously disrupt, disturb and
destroy the harmonious learning atmosphere sought to be maintained in
the University. Non-academic offenses may be grave offenses, less grave
offenses, or light offenses.
All offenses particularly cited in the Student Handbook are hereby

incorporated and are penalized accordingly.
Article 2. Classification of Penalties
Penalties for any violation of the Student Code of Conduct are classified as follows:
Section 1. Reprimand
Reprimand is a penalty imposed on a student who commits a light offense
for the first time in the Student Handbook. This consists of a written
official reproach by the Chancellor expressing disapproval of the student‟s
offense with a stern warning that a repetition of the said offense shall be
dealt with more severely. Moreover, the reprimand shall form part of the
permanent official records of the student.
Section 2. Suspension
Suspension is a penalty imposed on a student found guilty of violating
certain disciplinary provisions in the Student Handbook in which the
student shall be barred from entering the university campus for the whole
duration of the suspension.
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Section 3. Dismissal
Dismissal refers to the separation/expulsion of a student from the
University as a penalty for a grave offense or violation of certain
disciplinary provisions in the Student Handbook.
Chapter 4. Student Complaint against a University Personnel
A student may file a complaint against a faculty, staff, administrator, or any regular,
temporary, contractual, or part-time university personnel at the Office of the Student
Affairs (OSA) by filling up the complaint form. The complaint shall contain the name of
the personnel in question and the reasons for the complaint. The complaint shall be
endorsed to the Human Resources Unit and acted upon accordingly, following due
process for University personnel.
42
TITLE SIX. DELIVERY MODES IN GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Chapter 1. In-Campus or Off-Campus Graduate Programs
Graduate programs are usually offered in-campus or as residential programs. They can
also be offered off-campus as extension programs. Alternative Delivery Modes are
provided by the CMO 15, s.2019, as described below.
Article 1. In-Campus or Residential Graduate Programs.

The USTP charter RA 10919 identifies its campuses as main, major, and satellite
campuses. In CMO 15, s.2019, CHED has the following definitions for main,
branch, and annex campuses:
1. Main Campus. The main campus is the primary location of the University.
It has the educational facilities required to offer degree programs and to
provide student services. The main campus is also where the institution‟s
top administrators are based.
2. Branch Campus. A branch campus is a school facility where: (1) a separate

site and attendant educational facilities such as building and classrooms
specifically for the institution have been established; (2) it is offering
higher education programs which may also be offered at the main
campus; and (3) it offers degree programs that are not restricted to a
special clientele, but are open to the general public. A branch is located in
a separate city or municipality from the main campus.
3. Annex Campus. An annex campus is similar to a branch campus except

that all of the degree programs offered at the annex campus are not being
offered at the main campus. The annex campus is found within the region
where the main campus is located.
Graduate programs offered or to be offered at any of these campuses shall be

referred to as in-campus or residential graduate programs.
Article 2. Off-Campus or Extension Graduate Programs.

Off-campus graduate programs are graduate programs offered at a site not
identified as the main, branch, or annex campus. The USTP colleges have the
option to engage in such arrangements in order to make quality graduate
programs more accessible to Filipino professionals who are based in areas
without or with limited number of HEls offering graduate programs. Such
programs could address their continuing education needs and upgrade their
knowledge, skills and competencies relative to their professional practice.
43
An off-campus graduate program is offered as an extension graduate program. It

is offered to a specific group of special clienteles and it is not available to the
general public. It is held in a Learning Center or site that possesses the
characteristics of a campus where only classrooms or instructional facilities are
available, but not administrative and support facilities. The off-campus or
extension graduate program is temporary in manner and as such, it ends when
the cohort of students finish the program within the time frame agreed between
USTP and the requesting organization or party. Since an extension graduate
program targets a specific group of professionals, only the professional graduate
degrees may be offered as extension graduate programs. Below are the minimum
standards set by the CMO 15, s.2019 to ensure that quality extension graduate
programs are provided:
Section 1. Coverage of the Extension Graduate Programs
1. Only graduate programs under the professional track can be

offered as extension graduate programs.
2. Professional graduate programs to be offered as extension should
be residential graduate programs already offered in the main,
major, and/or satellite campuses.
3. The extension graduate programs may only be offered within the
region where the main, major, and/or satellite campuses are
located.
4. In no instance shall a graduate program declared to be under
moratorium by the CHED be offered as extension graduate
program.
Section 2. Eligibility Criteria.

USTP Colleges may offer extension graduate programs in the same region
if anyone (1) of the following conditions is met:
1. With Center of Excellence (COE) or Center of Development (COD)
status in the discipline being applied for; or
2. With international accreditation (such as AUN or ABET) in the
professional graduate program to be extended; or
3. At least Level III accreditation or equivalent from CHED
recognized accrediting agency in the professional graduate
program to be extended.
Section 3. Other Requirements.

The following are other requirements set by CMO 15, s.2019 for extension
programs:
44
1. Institutional Presence. USTP has an established campus in the

region where the extension graduate program shall be offered.
2. Program Administration. The extension graduate program shall be
under the direct supervision of a campus-based academic unit
handling the professional graduate program being applied for. There
shall be an administrator of the extension graduate program who
will oversee its implementation. The program administrator shall be
a qualified faculty teaching in the concerned professional graduate
program.
3. Learning Center. The extension classes shall be held in a learning

center that has a semblance of an HEI. It shall have the necessary
infrastructure to host the graduate program. For instance, it has
classrooms and areas with internet connections for the students to
meet, study and do research. It is also compliant with the safety and
sanitary requirements of the concerned local government unit.
Furthermore, the learning center should be able to provide the

adequate academic support. This includes access to computer
technologies and software, or classrooms or laboratories which are
well-equipped and up to the standards required for graduate study.
Library resources should contain the necessary books and periodicals
and be accessible at times convenient for the off-campus students.
The library resources available off-campus shall be supplemented by
e-learning resources of the USTP.
4. Memorandum of Agreement
USTP may enter into a partnership with another HEI, agency or any
entity on the offering of the extension professional graduate
education program. The partnership is supported with a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) showing the specific
responsibilities of each party, duration of the program, and the
specific clientele who will be enrolled in the program.
The MOA should indicate the cohort of students that will complete
the program within the specified period. Within this period, USTP
shall not accept new students who are not included in the specified
cohort. CMO 15, s.2019 stipulates that if a new cohort shall be
identified, a new government authority shall be sought from the
CHED to offer another extension graduate program, as supported by
a new MOA. However, this new authority shall only be secured only
after the previous extension graduate program has ended.
45
For partnership with another HEI, the specific clientele shall be

limited to the academic and/or non-academic personnel of the
requesting HEI. The program to be extended shall not be offered to
the general public. There shall be a dedicated learning site within the
campus of the requesting HEI.
5. Student Enrollment and Student Advising. The student enrollment

should be commensurate with the resources (human, infrastructure,
and other learning resources) of USTP.
Since academic advising is a fundamental dimension of any graduate

degree program, students must be assigned an adviser at the time of
admission and must be provided with the regular opportunity to
communicate with their advisers to discuss not only choice of course
enrollment and satisfaction of degree requirements, but other
intellectual and professional concerns as well.
It is reiterated here that at all times, the student to adviser ratio is not
more than 1:5. Advisees include both the residential and off-campus
students.
6. Faculty. The faculty members who will handle the extension classes
are in the faculty roster of the USTP with the corresponding
qualifications for the discipline. Adjunct faculty members may be
hired by USTP for their ability to make unique contributions to the
program because they possess professional skills, experiences, or
perspectives that are not represented or not available within USTP‟s
own graduate faculty.
7. Learning Management System (LMS). USTP has a learning

management system (LMS) or USTeP, which is a software-based
platform, that facilitates student access to the e-Iearning resources of
USTP and facilitate student enrollment and advising/consultation,
among others and support online learning if necessary.
8. Delivery Mode. The extension graduate program is primarily

delivered through face-to-face or classroom-based instruction, but
can be supplemented with distance learning or blended learning
(combination of the face-to-face mode and distance education).
Chapter 2. Non-Conventional Graduate Programs
In response to the changing demands of time, USTP Colleges may choose to offer
graduate programs through non-conventional modes.
46
Article 1. Distance Education.

Distance Education (DE) is a mode of educational delivery whereby teacher and
learner are geographically separated and instruction is delivered through
materials and methods using communication technologies, and supported by
organizational and administrative structures and arrangements. The delivery
medium is typically online but can be by print-based modules or by mobile
phone.
Section 1. Qualifications.
CMO 15, s. 2019 sets the following as qualifications for the offering of
graduate programs by distance education:
a. With Center of Excellence (COE) or Center of Development (COD)

status in the discipline being applied for; or
b. With international accreditation (such as AUN or ABET) in the
corresponding graduate program; or
c. With at least level III program accreditation or equivalent from
CHED recognized accrediting agency in the corresponding
graduate degree program.
Section 2. Guiding Principles.

All subjects/courses offered in distance education shall adhere to the
following guiding principles:
a. Learner-Centered. Distance education program shall focus on the

needs of the students and the goal of facilitating independent
learning. Such program shall not be driven merely by available
technologies, but rather by the need to enable demonstrable
learning in an accessible environment.
b. Rigorous and Sound Instructional Design. Distance education

program shall be equivalent in challenge and depth to conventional
programs. Academically qualified individuals must make
instructional design decisions in the analysis, design, development,
implementation and evaluation of distance education courses.
c. Transparency and Peer Review to Guide Informed Choice.

Distance education program implementers shall make information
about their programs particularly on the curriculum and delivery
system, instructional materials development, delivery
mode/strategies, student support services, and other relevant
information available to accrediting bodies, academic peers,
47
regulators, and students. Updates/information shall be made

accessible through such media as the World Wide Web.
d. Public Responsibility and Accountability. Implementers shall

take heed of the public impact of distance education programs and
shall always exercise due diligence in avoiding harm to program
stakeholders, especially students. Consumer protection, in
particular, shall be a priority because of the high value that
Filipinos put on education.
e. Quality and Continuous Improvement. Implementers shall embed

in their program framework the proactive identification of student
and stakeholder needs and the monitoring of student and
stakeholder satisfaction in order to continuously improve all
aspects of development and delivery. Because of the realities of
global education, it is also imperative that distance education
programs meet internationally acceptable quality standards.
Section 3. Institutional Management and Commitment.

The name “Open University” may be used by USTP as a separate,
autonomous, degree granting academic entity qualified to operate as a
University, with the following components:
a. The mission, budget and policy statement of USTP shall reflect its
commitment to its distance education program.
b. There shall be an organizational structure and clear institutional
procedures for managing and ensuring academic oversight over its
distance education system.
c. A competent key person shall be designated to manage and be
responsible for its distance education.
d. There shall be an internal quality assurance management system
appropriate to distance education programs.
e. There shall be evidence of a program of continuous self-evaluation
directed toward program improvement targeting more effective
pedagogy, advances in the assessment of student achievement of
intended outcomes, improved retention rates and effective use of
resources.
Section 4. Components of Distance Education.

USTP may refer to CMO No. 27, series of 2005, “Policies and Guidelines
on Distance Education,” for determining the components of distance
education pertaining to curriculum and delivery system, instructional
materials development, delivery mode/strategies, and student support
services and other requirements.
48
Article 2. Transnational Education.

USTP Colleges may choose to offer graduate programs through Transnational
Education (TNE). Transnational Education (TNE) is a higher education delivered
in a country other than the one where an awarding institution is based. Graduate
programs may be classified as inbound TNE or outbound TNE. An inbound TNE
program refers to a higher education program being offered in the Philippines by
a foreign higher education provider while an outbound TNE program refers to a
higher education program being offered by a Philippine HEI outside of the
Philippines.
Categories of TNE programs include academic franchising; articulation; branch

campus; international branch campus; international extension program; joint and
double degrees; online, blended, and distance learning; TNE Offshore Institution;
twinning arrangements; and validation. Description of each category can be
found in CMO No. 62, series of 2016, “Policies, Standards and Guidelines (PSGs)
for Transnational Education.”
Article 3. Consortium-Delivered Graduate Programs.

CMO 15, s/2019 stipulates that a Consortium-Delivered Graduate Program
refers to a graduate program delivered by an organization of two (2) or more
HEls with expertise in a particular discipline delivering a common program by
sharing physical and human resources for program delivery, allowing learners to
cross-enroll among consortium member HEls, and to take courses that are
considered the expertise of the respective consortium school.
Consortium member HEls may be situated in different regions. In such cases, the
strength of the proposed design or implementation of program delivery shall be
assessed by the Commission. The consortium of HEIs should together meet the
specific requirements for the graduate program being applied for. In addition,
the following should also be met by the consortium:
1. HEI Eligibility. At least two (2) consortium member HEls must

hold a Level III accreditation in the corresponding undergraduate
program or Center of Excellence/Center of Development
(COE/COD) status in the discipline. Other member HEls without
Level III accreditation or COE/COD status cannot be the degree
granting institutions.
2. Memorandum of Agreement. There is a Memorandum of

Agreement (MOA) to establish the consortium, as agreed upon by
all consortium member HEls. The MOA should specify the resource
sharing and responsibilities of each member HEI as well as identify
49
the coordinating member HEI that shall communicate with the

Commission and ensure compliance of the consortium with the
minimum requirements set for graduate programs. The MOA shall
also indicate the degree granting institution/so The MOA shall be
approved by the Commission.
3. Implementation Plan. The consortium has a detailed

implementation plan that shows how the graduate program shall
be delivered. This includes how the consortium shall monitor and
evaluate the graduate program.
50
TITLE SEVEN. ASSESSMENT AND FEES
Chapter 1. Capstone, Thesis, and Dissertation
Article 1. General Rule

As a general rule, a student who has completed all required coursework shall be
allowed to enroll in capstone/thesis/dissertation course.
Article 2. Units
Enrolment in capstone/thesis/dissertation course shall be in accordance to the
following guidelines:
a. First Enrolment (good for one school year – two semesters and one
Summer)
i. Capstone – at least 3 units
ii. Thesis – at least 6 units
iii. Dissertation – at least 12 units
b. Subsequent Enrolment per semester after One School Year
i. Capstone – 3 units
ii. Thesis – 3 units
iii. Dissertation – 3 units
Article 3. Successive Enrollment

The student who has enrolled in Capstone / Thesis / Dissertation shall be
required to enroll the same until the capstone/thesis/dissertation is defended
and accepted by the panel. This means that for unfinished
capstone/thesis/dissertation after 1 year (2 terms), the student is required to re-
enroll in a three-unit Capstone/Thesis/Dissertation course for every semester
thereafter, except the mid-year term, until he/she is able to successfully defend
his/her research study/thesis/dissertation. The student shall complete his/her
Capstone/Thesis/Dissertation within the allowable residency period of the
program. However, if the student fails to re-enroll the
capstone/thesis/dissertation course in the succeeding semester, and fails to file
for LOA, the student‟s status shall be marked as AWOL (absence without leave),
with applicable consequences. The student will be charged with the new rate of
fees imposed by the University by the time he/she will be readmitted to the
program.
Article 4. Midyear Defense

Moreover, if the student is scheduled to defend his/her
capstone/thesis/dissertation during the mid-year term, he/she is required to
enroll in the Capstone/Thesis/Dissertation course. As such, he/she shall be
51
assessed with the corresponding fees and applicable charges.
Article 5. Fees
The student will only pay registration, tuition, and library fees including e-
Library fee (for other school fees) during subsequent enrolment of 3 units
Capstone/Thesis and Dissertation.
Chapter 2. Professional Fees of Panel of Evaluators
The professional fees for the adviser, panel members, external examiner, secretary
and manuscript editor (as may be required by the panel) shall be based on the
schedule of fees approved by the Board. The professional fees/honoraria shall be
shouldered by the candidate.
Chapter 3. Bridging Courses
Article 1. General Rule.

As a general rule, the graduate student who is required to take bridging course(s)
must not be admitted to the graduate program applied for until such time that
he/she has satisfactorily passed the said bridging course(s).
Article 2. Rate of Bridging Courses.

As such, the graduate student enrolled in bridging course(s) shall be assessed
with the same rate applied to the regular students who are enrolled in the said
course(s). For example, an applicant for a doctorate degree who is required to
enroll in bridging course(s) that is/are part of a master‟s curriculum shall be
assessed using the tuition fee rate for the master‟s program. Similarly, a master‟s
degree applicant who is required to enroll in a bridging course(s) that is part of
an undergraduate curriculum shall be assessed using the tuition fee rate for
undergraduate program.
Article 3. Fees.
The student enrolled in bridging course is required to pay tuition fee, library fee,
e-library fee, medical/dental fees, and ID.
Chapter 4. Audit Courses
Article 1. Fees.
The student enrolled in audit course(s) shall be assessed 50 percent of the tuition
fee rate applied to the regular degree program if he/she intends to have the
audit course/courses reflected in his/her Transcript of Records (TOR). The
student who wants to enroll audit course shall fill out an Audit Course Form,
which can be secured from the Registrar‟s Office.
52
Article 2. Grades.
The student enrolled in audit course(s) is not entitled to receive a grade for the
course(s) enrolled.
Chapter 5. Petitioned Class
Article 1. General Rule.

In general, tuition fee for a petitioned class is 50% higher than the regular
class.
Article 2. Fees.
Students enrolled in a petitioned class shall be assessed tuition in the following
manner:
a. Class size of at least five - tuition fee shall be 50% higher than tuition for
regular class.
b. Class size of four and below – tuition fee equivalent to five students
shall be divided equally among the students enrolled in the petitioned
class.
Chapter 6. Adding/Dropping of Courses
Article 1. Fees.
Adding/dropping of courses within one week from the start of classes is
allowed subject to payment of adding/dropping fee.
Article 2. Timeline and Refund.

Dropping/adding of courses after the adding/dropping period will not entitle
the student for a refund except for highly meritorious cases, subject to the
approval of the University President or his duly authorized representative.
Chapter 7. Refund of Tuition and Other School Fees
Refund of school fees shall be made based on standing policies as approved by the
Board. Details of the approved refund scheme and mechanisms are as follows:
Article 1. For Regular Term
1. Within the enrolment period, 10% of the required down payment for
enrolment shall be forfeited in favor of the University. Therefore, if the
student has paid the required down payment only, he/she shall be
entitled to a refund of 90% of his payment. However, if the student pays
more than the required down payment for enrolment, his/her refund
shall be equivalent to 90% of the required down payment for enrolment
53
plus the excess of the required down payment for enrolment.
2. After the enrolment period and within two weeks after classes have
begun, 25% of the required down payment for enrolment shall be
forfeited in favor of the University.
3. After two weeks and within one month after classes have begun, 75% of
the required down payment for enrolment shall be forfeited in favor of
the University.
4. After one month from the start of classes and before the mid-term
examinations, the required down payment for enrolment shall be
forfeited in favor of the University. The student who has paid more
than the required down payment for enrolment must show proof that
he/she has not taken any mid-term examination to be entitled for
refund.
5. Within three weeks after the mid-term examinations, two-third or

66.67% of the school fees shall be forfeited in favor of the University.
6. After three weeks from the mid-term examinations, no refund shall be

made. The student who has unpaid school fees for the semester shall be
liable for its full payment. He shall be made to settle the amount before
he/she will be granted clearance for whatever purpose (e.g., enrolment,
request for TOR).
Article 2. Mid-Year Term

1. Within the enrolment period, 10% of the required down payment for
enrolment shall be forfeited in favor of the University. Therefore, if the
student has paid the required down payment only, he/she shall be
entitled to a refund of 90% of this payment. However, if the student
pays more than the required down payment for enrolment, his refund
shall be equivalent to 90% of the required down payment for enrolment
plus the excess of the required down payment for enrolment.
2. After enrolment period and within two weeks after classes have begun,
50% of the required down payment for enrolment shall be forfeited in
favor of the University.
3. After two weeks after the start of classes and before the mid-term
examination, the required down payment for enrolment shall be
forfeited in favor of the University. The student who has paid more
than the required down payment for enrolment must show proof that
54
he/she has not taken any mid-term examination to be entitled for

refund.
4. Within one week after the mid-term examination, 2/3 or 66.67% of the
school fees shall be forfeited in favor of the University.
5. After one week from the mid-term examination, no refund shall be

made. The student who has unpaid school fees for the summer term
shall be liable for its full payment. He shall be made to settle the
amount before he will be granted clearance for whatever purpose (e.g.,
enrolment, request TOR).
55
TITLE EIGHT. TRANSITORY AND OTHER PROVISIONS
Chapter 1. Effectivity Clause
The policies contained in this manual shall take effect fifteen (15) days after approval by
the Board of Regents.
Chapter 2. Transitory Provision for CMO No.15, s.2019
Graduate programs are mandated to comply with all the minimum requirements
stipulated in this manual which is largely based on CMO No. 15, s. 2019 within a period
of 2 years after the date of its effectivity. For disciplines which currently have their own
PSGs, the minimum requirements provided for in CMO No. 15, s. 2019 shall prevail.
The Technical Panels for these disciplines have been tasked by CHED to revise the PSGs
in accordance with CMO No. 15, s. 2019 as well as in consideration of the needs of their
respective disciplines.
56
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: VALUING RESEARCH
In compliance with BOR Resolution No. 44-B, s. 2017, the Valuing Research for Faculty
of USTP is established to increase the research productivity of the university by
considering the research undertakings of faculty as part of their teaching load. This
should allow faculty members undertaking research projects some flexibility in the
observance of official time for reporting to work. The equivalency scheme serves as an
incentive mechanism for faculty conducting research projects.
Section 1. Eligibility Requirements.

To be eligible for the valuing research scheme, the faculty applicant should:
1. be a professor or a faculty member who has a good track record of
conducting research.
2. not be designated to any administrative function whose time release is 18
credit units (Administrative designations refer to Chancellor, Vice
Chancellors and others who have 18 credit units time release); Other
designated faculty may apply, as long as the required minimum teaching
load of 3 units is satisfied.
Section 2. Procedure.
In order to ensure effective and efficient implementation of research faculty loading,
the following should be observed:
1. Only one proponent per approved externally/internally funded research may
submit the application for research loading to the Research Director. The
following shall be attached:
a. Application Letter or Letter of intent to apply for research loading
b. Approved research proposal
c. Work and Financial Plan
d. Schedule of deliverables
e. GANTT Chart
f. Roles and responsibilities of each proponent
2. Upon evaluation and once the documents are in order, the Research Director
shall accept the application for research loading any time during the school
year, for as long as it is submitted prior to the completion of loading
assignments for the following semester.
3. The Research Director shall endorse copies of all the documents to the Dean
of the College where the faculty is assigned for evaluation of credit units.
Original copies of the documents submitted shall be in the custody of the
Research Office for monitoring and evaluation purposes during the conduct
of the research.
57
4. The Dean determines the equivalent credit units based on the prescribed
indicators.
5. The Dean endorses the application for research loading (with equivalent
credit units) to the Chancellor for approval.
6. Once the equivalent credit units for a faculty engaged in research are
approved by the Dean, the Dean‟s office shall furnish the HRMO with an
approved copy of the application. The faculty research credit load shall be
credited and integrated into the faculty work load.
Section 3. Research Load Equivalent Units.

For faculty following the research track, a minimum of 3 units teaching load are
required while for faculty following the teaching track, a minimum 3 credit units for
research may be carried.
All approved institutional or external research proposals will be evaluated to

determine the load equivalent credit units of the research engagement. The research
undertakings of faculty will be valued according to the Valuing Using Multi-
objective Decision Making (MODM) Method, and Collective Utility Technique (CU).
Criteria and weighting factors of the Collective Utility Values (CU) will be based on
the relative values of indicators, which are as follows:
1. Research Type and Potential Impact (15%)

i. Basic research – 0.50
ii. Potential for Technology Dissemination/Utilization – 0.75
iii. Potential for commercialization – 1.0
2. Aligned with the Research Agenda of the University or funding agency (15%)
i. Aligned – 1.0
3. Source of Fund (20%)
i. External – 1.0
ii. Internal – 0.50
4. Partnership with Industry/HEI (25%)
i. Industry – 1.0
ii. Foreign HEI – 0.5
5. Research Project Cost (15%) for external
i. 1M or less – 0.25
ii. 1M to 1.5 M – 0.50
iii. 1.5M to 2M – 0.75
iv. > 2M – 1.0
6. Research Duration (10%)
i. 6 mos. or less – 1.0
ii. 6 mos. To 1 year – 0.75
iii. 1 year to 1 year & 6 mos. – 0.50
iv. More than 1 year & 6 mos. – 0.25
58
Section 4. Equivalent of the Collective Utility Values to Research in Units
Equivalent Value of Research

Collective Utility Values
(in units)
0.8 – 1.0 9
0.70 – 0.79 8
0.60 – 0.69 7
0.50 – 0.59 6
0.40 – 0.49 5
0.30 – 0.39 4
= < 0.30 3
Section 5. Benefits and Privileges.

The professor can avail the following benefits and privileges:
1. Research awards and incentives;
2. If it is not operationally viable to use biometrics in the conduct of the
research, the faculty may instead submit a monthly accomplishment report to
account for the hours corresponding to the research activities. However, the
faculty is required to report to the university on the day/time s/he is
scheduled to teach, and to allocate at least 9 hours of consultation time per
week;
3. The professor may avail of his/her equivalent research load at the beginning
of either the first or second semester and within the duration of the approved
research project.
Section 6. Terms and Conditions

1. Only one of the proponents of the approved research proposal (program or
project leader) will be granted the research credit units.
2. The equivalent faculty research load must be approved by the Chancellor.
3. The professor availing of the policy is allowed to handle a regular load of 18
units and an overload of not more than 6 units. All faculty in the research
track must have a minimum teaching load of 3 units.
4. The proponent should comply with other requirements such as:
a. Submission of deliverables on the research project every quarter;
b. Submission of letter of explanation if the researcher will not be able to
complete his/her research project within the prescribed period;
c. Notifying USTP through the College where the proponent is assigned,
of any abnormal condition during the prescribed period, e.g. health,
peace and order situation, which affects the completion of the research,
if applicable.
59
d. Publication of at least one paper culled from the research output of the
project within two years after the completion of the research.
Section 7. Termination or Extension of the Research Project

1. The professor who will not be able to complete his/her research project
according to the proposed timeline may submit a letter of explanation and
request for extension or termination of the research project to the Research
Director who will endorse it to the VCRI.
2. Based on their evaluation, the Research Director and VCRI may recommend
to the Chancellor the extension or termination of the research project.
3. If the research project/program is terminated in the middle of the semester,
the faculty will be reverted back to the 18-unit teaching load in the next
semester.
4. The extension of the period for the conduct of a research project/program
will have the following consequences for the faculty:
a. When the research is not completed for no valid reason:
1) The faculty may be granted an extension of not more than six (6)
months or one semester, but s/he will not be entitled to the
benefits of the scheme. Instead, the research load will be
reverted back to the 18-unit teaching load after the expiration of
the proposed/approved research duration. The faculty should
be subjected for evaluation within the given extension period.
2) The non-completion of the research during the prescribed
period shall be considered in the performance evaluation of the
faculty.
3) The faculty will not be allowed to handle teaching overload
until such time that s/he is able to complete his/her research
project.
b. When the research is not completed for valid reasons including health
and peace and order situation:
1) The faculty may be granted an extension of not more than six (6)
months or one semester, but s/he will not be entitled to the
benefits of the scheme. Instead, the research load will be
reverted back to the 18-unit teaching load after the expiration of
the proposed/ approved research duration. The faculty should
be subjected for evaluation within the given extension period.
2) The non-completion of the research during the prescribed
period shall not be considered in the performance evaluation of
the faculty.
3) The faculty will be allowed to handle teaching overload.
5. Faculty who will not avail of the valuing research scheme can still pursue his
approved externally/institutionally funded research and will be entitled to
honoraria specified in the research proposal.
60
APPENDIX B: JOURNAL PUBLICATION INCENTIVE
In compliance with BOR Resolution No. 35, s. 2018 and as a matter of policy, the
granting of incentives for publication is not a matter of right. It is subject to the
following: (a) the availability of funds; and (b) the quality of the research based on
established criteria set by the university. Only publications which are committed in the
Individual Performance Commitment Review (IPCR) shall be granted incentives. A
journal publication refers to any periodical containing scholarly articles and/or
disseminating current information on research and development in a particular field. It
usually appears at regular PERIODIC intervals. Refereed/peer-reviewed journal refers
to a refereed journal that has structured reviewing system in which at least two
reviewers, excluding in-house editors, evaluate each unsolicited manuscript and passes
judgment on its acceptability and/or rejection.
Section 1. Coverage and Criteria
1. To be included in this category, the journal article must meet the

requirements of research and must be published in a scientific journal and
have an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN). Journals that are
regularly published as separate volumes with an ISBN rather than an ISSN
may also be considered, provided that the publication is clearly identified as
an edition of a journal, and not of a book.
2. For publication without an ISSN, or if the ISSN does not appear in the
journal, external evidence such as an ISSN number being cited in an extract
from one of the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Indexes is required.
3. Specific Criteria for ISI/SCOPUS-Indexed Journal Publication
Other than the aforementioned criteria, the following criteria for journal
publication incentives shall be the following:
a) The subject of the published article is aligned with or related to the
university research niche/agenda
b) The article is published in a journal listed in the Clarivate Analytics
(formerly ISI Thomsons Reuters) /SCOPUS – Master Journal List
c) The publication is indicated as a commitment in the Individual
Performance Commitment Review (IPCR)
4. Specific Criteria for Non-ISI/Non-SCOPUS/National Journal Publication
Other than the aforementioned, the following criteria for journal publication
incentives shall satisfy the following:
a) The published article is aligned with or related to the university
research niche/agenda
b) The article is published in internationally refereed journals or CHED-
accredited journals
c) The publication is indicated as a commitment in the individual
performance commitment review (IPCR)
61
5. To create a healthy balance between teaching and research, the university

may limit the number of publications that may be granted incentives. Under
exceptional circumstances and subject to approval of the President, incentives
for publication shall be limited to five per individual in a given year.
Section 2. Uncommitted Publication

1. As a matter of policy, only publications which are committed in the
Individual Performance Commitment Review (IPCR) shall be granted
incentives. However, publications outside the commitments in the IPCR may
be granted incentives provided the following conditions are satisfied: (a)
there are still funds remaining after incentives for committed publications are
granted, (b) has met the quality criteria set by the university. The granting of
incentives for uncommitted publications is not a matter of right but is subject
to the endorsement of the research director, duly recommended through
channels, and approved by the Chancellor.
2. To facilitate administrative efficiency and to ensure that publication targets
are met, higher incentives are given to those who commit themselves.
Incentives granted to uncommitted publications shall be 50% less than the
amount granted to committed publications.
3. Prioritization of the Giving of Incentives for Uncommitted Publications
a. The published article will be ranked and prioritized according to the
following criteria indicated below:
1) The published article is extracted from the completed or on-
going research projects (Institutionally or Externally Funded
or faculty initiated projects that has been reviewed by the
Research Review Committee) – (40%)
i. Extracted from externally funded project – 1.0
ii. Extracted from institutionally funded projects – 0.75
iii. Extracted from faculty initiated project – 0.5
2) Research Type and Potential Impact – (25%)
i. Potential for commercialization – 1.0
ii. Potential for Technology Dissemination/Utilization –
0.75
iii. Basic research – 0.50
3) Aligned with the Research Agenda of the University or
funding agency – (20%)
i. Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and
Mathematics – 1.0
ii. Other areas or field – 0.75
4) Co-authored or partnered with Industry/HEI
personnel/students – (15%)
i. Industry/Foreign HEI – 1.0
ii. Local HEI
62
a. External – 0.75
b. Internal (within USTP) – 0.5
iii. Students – 0.25
b. Based on this guideline, uncommitted publications with a score of 60%
shall be given incentives.
Section 3. Responsibility of the Research Director in the Giving of Incentives
1. It is the responsibility of the Research Director, upon the approval and

concurrence of the Vice Chancellor for Research, to establish timelines and
cut-off dates for publication in a given year.
2. In case the available funds are not sufficient to meet the cost of incentives for
the number of uncommitted publications, incentives shall be given based on
the ratings obtained and the ranking of the publication established from the
highest rating to the lowest, subject to the limitations on the number of
publications per individual. The research director is responsible for informing
the faculty of his/her individual rating so as not to create expectations with
regards to the granting of incentives.
3. It is also the responsibility of the research director to establish a mechanism to
ensure transparency and accuracy in the prioritization of uncommitted
publications.
63
APPENDIX B: BOR SECRETARY’S CERTIFICATE
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Graduate Program Manual

Article 3. Doctoral Programs 14

Chapter 3. Grading System 35

Section 3. Other Requirements. 44

Section 5. Benefits and Privileges. 59

The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, hereinafter referred

The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) is a

Chapter 4. University Seal and Color

Chapter 5. USTP Strategic Plan: Vision 2030

Chapter 6. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy

Chapter 7. Moral Duty of the University to the Community

Chapter 8. Graduate Attributes

1. Innovative Thinking – A USTP graduate generates new ideas or new ways of

2. Critical Thinking – A USTP graduate objectively examines a situation by gathering

3. Resilience – A USTP graduate thrives, grows, and develops competence in the

4. Empathy – A USTP graduate identifies and understands another‟s situation and

5. Teamwork and Collaboration – A USTP graduate works effectively and respectfully

6. Communication Skills – A USTP graduate presents and articulates views,

Chapter 9. Core Values

1. Unselfish Dedication – Selfless commitment and complete fidelity towards a

2. Social Responsiveness – Ethical/moral responsibility leading to corrective action

3. Transformational Leadership – Leading through inspiration and by example to

4. Prudence – Self-governance leading to circumspection and good judgment in the

TITLE TWO. USTP GRADUATE PROGRAMS

With the continuing changes set by globalization, regional integration,

This Graduate Program Manual offers a system of rationalizing offerings of graduate

Chapter 2. Graduate Program Objectives, Goals, and Outcomes

To better contribute to the attainment of sustainable development, graduate programs

1. Achieve a clear progression beyond basic education and baccalaureate /

2. Produce advanced competencies that can spur and sustain:

Chapter 3. Research and Creative Works/Innovation

Article 1. Research and Creative Work/Innovation Office. Each USTP campus

Article 4. Ethical Standards. USTP maintains ethical standards to be observed by

Article 5. Research and Creative Work/Innovation Funding. USTP allocates a regular

Article 6. Research and Creative Work/Innovation Collaboration, Partnerships or

Chapter 4. Operation of Graduate Programs

Article 1. Structure of Graduate Programs

Article 2. OBE Graduate Program Design

a. The Complete set of program and learning outcomes, including its

g. Proposed system of program Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).

a. The Dean or Head of the academic unit shall be a holder of a doctoral

b. The designated Department Chair/Program Coordinator/Head shall be a

c. For a Professional Master‟s Program, the Dean or the designated graduate

Article 4. Faculty Requirements

Article 5. Number of Qualified Faculty

● For the Thesis Track:

● For the Non-Thesis Track:

Article 7. Research, Creative Work/Innovation Laboratory, and Other Facilities

e. occupational safety and health policies/standards for laboratories

Article 8. USTP–Industry Partnership

Chapter 5. Curricular and Developmental Initiatives

Curricular content of USTP graduate programs shall be strengthened through the

TITLE THREE. GRADUATE PROGRAM LEVELS, OUTCOMES, AND TYPES

Article 1. Master’s Level

By level of outcome or competency, Master‟s programs are aligned with Level 7

Article 2. Doctoral Level

c. Application of more complex setting that demands leadership in research

Furthermore, a doctoral degree is not determined solely by the number of units

Chapter 2. Types of Graduate Programs

Article 1. Master’s Programs in the Sciences and in the Arts

Article 2. Master’s Programs by Tracks

Section 1. Thesis Track (Master of Science/Master of Arts)

1. Master of Science/Master of Arts (MSc/MA) Academic Track. This

2. Master of Science/Master of Arts (MSc/MA) by Research.