The Bachelor of Science in Economics program of the UPLB Department of Economics (DE) has recently been awarded the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Certificate. This is an indication that the BS Economics program satisfactorily meets the regional standards in higher education developed by the ASEAN University Network (AUN).

AUN was established in 1995 to encourage and promote cooperation among Higher Education Institutions in ASEAN countries towards regional integration and achievement of global standards in higher education.

At present, AUN has more than 190 member universities including the University of the Philippines, Chulalongkorn University, Vietnam National University, and the National University of Singapore. AUN is recognized for its contributions in raising the quality of education among its member universities. Institutional and Program-level Quality Assessments of AUN member universities are hosted by the AUN Secretariat through its AUN-QA team.

Last November 2022, the AUN-QA team conducted a rigorous five-day assessment of the BS Economics program in terms of eight key criteria: Expected Learning Outcomes, Programme Structure and Content, Teaching and Learning Approach, Student Assessment, Academic Staff, Student Support Services, Facilities and Infrastructure, and Output and Outcomes.  The AUN-QA team also requested for remote facility visits and interviews with BS Economics students, faculty, staff, alumni, and employers of the alumni.

Less than three months after the assessment, the BS Economics program got certified by the AUN-QA team.

“The AUN-QA certificate that we received is a product of current and past initiatives of the Department of Economics and its stakeholders. On behalf of the Department, I would like to thank everyone who supported us during the assessment and those who contributed and continue to contribute to the improvement of the BS Economics program,” said Dr. Gideon P. Carnaje, Chair of the Department of Economics.