Since 1928, Far Eastern University (FEU) has proven itself as one of the leading universities in the country with its multiple accomplishments and remarkable alumni that still uphold the legacy of being a “Tamaraw,” a collective term for the FEU student and alumni bodies.
With the onset of FEU’s 95th anniversary, the green and gold university celebrates its recent milestones and accomplishments achieved through years of fortitude, excellence, and uprightness.
One of the ‘Global Top 100’ universities
FEU and its satellite campus FEU Institute of Technology (FEU Tech) were among the top 100 higher education institutions (HEIs) included in the major category of 2022 World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) Rankings. The two FEU schools placed 74th and 98th respectively in the international university rankings system that evaluates university programs and for their social impact.
The placement of FEU and other HEIs have been praised by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Prospero E. De Vera, stating that he is “happy that the previously unrecognized achievements of Philippine HEIs are now measured and ranked by international groups. This is a welcome addition to the traditional metrics–research publications, employability, faculty credentials, and faculty or students’ mobility–measured by other ranking bodies in the past.”
A Proven Center of Excellence for Education
Recognized by CHED as one of the centers of excellence in the discipline of Education, FEU continuously innovates to improve its degree programs and push the Philippine education sector forward.
As one of the pioneers of adaptive online learning in the Philippines, the university has collaborated with the CHED to resolve the ongoing challenges of small-scale higher education institutions as they transition to remote learning during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Under the HiEd Bayanihan Training program, a joint project of FEU and CHED, educators are trained in eight areas, including assessment capability for online teaching and technology use, design, and implementation of an online program on flexible learning options, and integration of the course content into a learning management system.
Adapting to the new normal
The role of education was further emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, FEU had the foresight to start its digitalization initiatives early in 2016, investing extensively not only in IT infrastructure and systems as well as education technology, but also in complementary faculty training that would optimize the utilization and effectiveness of the new resources.
In addition, the university recognized the students’ “user experience” of the schooling process as a key factor of it becoming a transformative learning journey – an insight that led to the development of structured digital mentoring programs intended to help students navigate their academic lifecycle, develop their inner resources to handle challenges, and shape their career and life goals.
“Education is an experience good. By documenting student experience throughout their college years, we are able to have a more accurate sense of the students’ interests, motivations, fears, and priorities. The data and analysis help in the formation of policies and the creation of new programs,”FEU President Dr. Michael M. Alba said.
The FEU Public Policy Center supported this through the College Experience Survey (CES), a longitudinal and multidimensional study that follows students from freshman to senior year. Now in its seventh year and with 15 participating colleges, the CES is designed to track the impact of college education on the way students think and behave.
Despite the global pandemic taking over and putting life to a halt, the university took this opportunity to continuously grow and adapt to the changing times by proactively participating in the country’s nation-building efforts of producing graduates that contribute to the advancement of society, both locally and globally.
Advancing Health Sciences and Nursing
As a way to help the country address current and future challenges in the health and medical sectors, FEU established the Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing (IHSN) to bring together faculty members and students from different departments to better collaborate and explore the prevailing health concerns and issues in the Philippines.
Its goal was to focus on the different health-allied programs of the university, as mentioned by IHSN Dean John Anthony Yason, and to “address health issues that yield synergistic benefits that contribute to the country’s development.”
Throughout its history, the university has shown exemplary academic performance in both the Medical Technology (formerly under the Institute of Arts and Sciences) and Nursing degree programs (formerly under the Institute of Nursing).
Expanding Joint Ventures
FEU’s commitment to academic excellence and education extends to students beyond our own classrooms. The green and gold university partnered with Good Samaritan Colleges in Cabanatuan City to offer two top-tier business degree programs to students in Nueva Ecija. Under this agreement, students can choose to take up either a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA), or Business Administration (BSBA).
FEU also introduced itself on the international stage through a joint venture with Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) and Darussalam Assets that seeks to produce qualified locals to fulfill the national demand for healthcare professionals and strengthen the existing healthcare ecosystem in Brunei. The resulting JPMC College of Health Sciences (JCHS) is the first private health science college in this country.
Commitment to uphold fortitude, excellence and uprightness
As Far Eastern University celebrates its 95th anniversary, its commitment to provide world-class education to Filipinos continues to live on.
“FEU’s milestones and rich history have always been an inspiration for the university to strive for further academic excellence. Our efforts to deliver quality education, provide a safe space for everyone, and prioritize the holistic well-being of the FEU Community remain top-of-mind for us,” Dr. Alba said.
“Anchored on our commitment to provide high-quality education to Filipinos and help uplift the education system in the country, we will continue to guide the younger generations to uphold the values of Fortitude, Excellence and Uprightness,” FEU Chairman Mr. Aurelio R. Montinola III added with conviction.