CHED inspects BukSU for proposed BS Psychology program

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) conducted a two-day ocular inspection at Bukidnon State University (BukSU) on November 4–5, 2026, evaluating the institution’s readiness to offer a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree starting Academic Year 2027–2028.

The onsite visit served to verify the university’s facilities, faculty capability, and curriculum against CHED’s prescribed policies, standards, and guidelines, following an initial review of BukSU’s documentary submissions. The evaluation is a prerequisite for the issuance of a Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC).

The evaluation team was composed of Dr. Jason O. Manaois, RPm, LPT, CSIOP, a professor from Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), and Dr. Lilia A. Cotejar, Education Supervisor from CHED Regional Office X.

During a courtesy call with university officials, BukSU President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol highlighted the strategic role of the program in addressing community mental health demands.

“Universities have an important role in promoting mental health and responding to the needs of our communities,” Mirasol said. “Through this program, we hope to prepare future professionals who can help make psychological services more accessible to those who need them.”

Key BukSU leadership joined the assessment proceedings, including Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Lezel M. Tutanes, OIC-Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Ms. Chandrani Yves E. Estrada, Supervisor of University Laboratories; and Dr. Xyle Fe A. Verbal, Director of BukSU CARES and Interim Psychology Chair. General Education and Psychology faculty members Ms. Joanne Vivien B. Necosia, Ms. Artemis Shaun Xena A. Labrador, and Ms. Maria Michaela Q. Jamora were also present.

The successful inspection marks a key milestone in BukSU’s application process as it awaits formal regulatory approval to expand its degree offerings under the College of Arts and Sciences. (Joanne Vivien B. Necosia/ Director, Presidential Management Staff)