Exploring Digital and Documentation Issues in State University–LGU Collaborative Programs for Sustainable Quality Education
Keywords:
Accreditation; Digital Literacy; Higher Education; Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure; Local Government Units; Quality Assurance; State UniversitiesAbstract
State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines collaborate with Local Government Units (LGUs) so more students can access higher education, even if not on the main campus. They implement off-campus programs. These collaborations use formal agreements called Memoranda of Agreement. SUCs handle academic matters, while LGUs provide administrative support. However, a major issue arises during accreditation. It is difficult to meet the standards, especially now that digital documentation and a quality assurance system are required. This qualitative–descriptive study examines the challenges faced by the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) in preparing for the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines' accreditation of its off-campus programs. Data were gathered through focus group discussions, interviews, and review of preliminary survey visit accreditation results. A total of 32 participants were purposively selected, including faculty members, administrative staff, and LGU personnel from the Papaya and San Antonio off-campus programs. Key challenges include insufficient digital resources, disorganized record-keeping, and the absence of a centralized documentation system. The study recommends enhancing digital literacy through training, improving coordination between SUCs and LGUs, and investing in information and communication technology infrastructure. The aim is to align institutional processes with quality assurance standards and support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 – quality education.
https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.6.23
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