IN A BID to boost its international image, the University is asking all offices to use the Quacquerelli-Symonds or “QS Stars” badge and Philippine Quality Award (PQA) logo in all official documents.
Quality Management Office (QMO) Director Joehanna Ngo said the use of the logos as marketing and promotional tools was an entitlement because they were earned by the University.
“[The QS Stars] are symbols [that mean] we are of quality in the international arena … For the [PQA], this is the highest quality award body in the Philippines likened to the Malcolm Baldridge [National Quality Award] of America,” Ngo told the Varsitarian.
QMO executive assistant Nestor Ong said such badges showcase the strengths of UST in different areas like employability, facilities, engagement, teaching, internationalization and research.
In a memorandum last July 27, Secretary General Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P. asked the different offices of the University to use the QS Stars logo and badges.
According to QS Stars Brand Guidelines, the QS Stars logo is the recognition of an institution’s “excellence across many areas.” It “improves international recognition” and allows an institution to reach out to more students. It also increases web presence and media awareness and can serve as an “auditing tool to help improve performance.”
Finally, it “highlights institutions not traditionally well placed in the rankings.”
UST is the lone Philippine university to receive a four-star rating from QS, the London consultancy that releases annual university rankings. According to QS, a four-star rating categorizes the university as “highly international, demonstrating excellence in both research and teaching, and provides an excellent environment for students and faculty.”
UST recorded a perfect five-star rating in four out of eight criteria, namely: employability, facilities, engagement, and access; four stars in the teaching category; three stars in internationalization; and one star in specialist criteria and research.
UST was conferred the Level II PQA Recognition for Proficiency in Quality Management in 2005. The PQA is the highest level of national recognition for exemplary organizational performance of private and public organizations in the country, based on the principles of “total quality management.” Jerome P. Villanueva
