Story contributed by: Dr. Edilaida Alcantara
After an intensive and a “one-for-the-books” journey of preparations and vetting that began in February 2019, the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) succeeded in earning its First Time Accreditation from the world-renowned IACBE (or the International Accreditation Council of Business Educators). The monumental achievement was announced on 14 April 2023 at IACBE’s 2023 Annual Conference and Assembly Meeting in Orlando, Florida where it was distinctly shared that OLFU CBA’s accreditation had been duly approved by IACBE’s Board of Commissioners.
Dr. Ignacio Cordova Jr., OLFU CBA Dean and prime initiator of the accreditation process was expressive in his social media post: “This approval is a testament to the hard work invested by our core team in the college, faculty, staff, and students in providing an outstanding education experience for all our CBA students. As a program that has undergone rigorous evaluation, receiving this accreditation marks the highest distinction and sets our college apart. It is a true honor to have our efforts recognized globally by a well-recognized international council for accreditation.”
How It All Started
Guided by its mission to advance academic quality in business programs, IACBE evaluates organizations through evidence-based accreditation that encourages institutions to build unique educational models to reflect their mission and vision.
Armed with that premise, OLFU CBA’s journey began in February 2019 when it made a bid for international membership affiliation with IACBE which requires that OLFU CBA majors in marketing management, banking, and operations & supply chain— be aligned to internationalized and high quality standards of education.
Pushing Ahead for Candidacy Amidst COVID-19
Then, in January 2020, two months before the COVID-19 lockdown, IACBE conducted an initial site visit of OLFU to evaluate its petition to be of Candidate Status which turned out quite well because by July 2021, OLFU CBA received the exhilarating news that OLFU CBA was granted Candidacy Status by IACBE.
And in July 2022, while still in the thick of the pandemic, the CBA core team initiated the fine and detailed preparation of its IACBE self-study manual.
The Accreditation Visit
The “heavy-lifting” in 2022 was a precursor to IACBE’s Actual First Time Accreditation Onsite Visit of OLFU on January 25 to 28, 2023. Led by the three-man IACBE Team— Dr. Achish Maharaja, Dr. Gita Maharaja, and Dr. Laurie Yates— the program entailed going through compliances, interviews, and campus tours with a fine-toothed comb.
And so the story goes— motivated by inspiration, endless energies, and a unison of goals, OLFU CBA was granted its First Time Accreditation by IACBE in April of this year!
True to the OLFU CBA mission of being a globally accredited institution of international standards and industry-preferred partner for innovative business education, and the OLFU CBA vision of being guided by excellence in business domains— OLFU CBA provides competitive learning for future business leaders. Rise to the top!
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About IACBE
IACBE is a specialized accrediting agency of business programs in colleges and universities worldwide. In today’s rapidly evolving business world, it is essential to have a solid foundation of business knowledge and skills to succeed. This is where the role of IACBE institutions comes into play.
These institutions are dedicated to providing students with quality business education that prepares them for the demands of the global marketplace. They focus on developing a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring that students are equipped to handle real-world business challenges.
Benefits of an IACBE Accreditation
IACBE accreditation provides many benefits to institutional stakeholders.
For institutions, accreditation demonstrates their commitment to quality business education and enhances their reputation. Accreditation also provides institutions with access to networking opportunities, resources, and best practices.
For faculty, accreditation provides a framework for continuous improvement and ensures that they are providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the business world. Accreditation also provides faculty with opportunities for professional development and collaboration with other educators.
For students, accreditation ensures that they are receiving a quality business education that meets high standards of excellence. Accreditation also provides students with the assurance that their degree will be recognized and valued by employers and other institutions.
Overall, the IACBE is an important organization in the world of business education, promoting excellence and providing assurance of quality to institutions, faculty, and students alike.
