Indicator 1 Scholarship and Grants
The cost of tuition fees and other needs of the students is overwhelming. In support of the financial requirements of the students, Our Lady of Fatima University has given academic scholarships (58.11%) and bursaries (41.89%) with a total value of 11,937,682 PHP for the past financial year. These scholarships and bursaries significantly reduced the financial burden on students and their families by covering part or even all of their educational expenses. The academic scholarship includes grants for those who passed the scholarship exam and top academic performers who qualified on the dean’s list. Bursaries include allocating scholars to barangay captains and local government officials such as the mayor and members of Congress. Additionally, regular employees of Our Lady of Fatima University and the Fatima University Medical Center get their children tuition expenses discounted. Similar discounts are available for OLFU Chorale Members, Foundation Scholars, Tertiary Education Subsidy, and PNP Scholars. For students to concentrate on their studies without feeling overly burdened by financial obligations, scholarships and bursaries have helped to create a more diverse and inclusive educational environment. This is related to the university’s commitment to provide Filipino students with affordable access to quality education.
Indicator 2 Inclusive Facilities
Mental health support has been one of the most important services of the institution. To ensure that all students would be able to avail themselves of the activities that could support their mental and emotional well-being, webinars on how to cope are provided and are accessed even asynchronously for everyone to see and view from time to time. Focus-group discussions are also done to encourage social interaction where students can freely express their feelings in groups.
An equally important design goal that was specifically considered while constructing OLFU’s buildings and facilities is accessibility. This includes architectural elements and features for handicapped people. There are accessible signs and evacuation plans inside the buildings. Additionally, facilities like ramps, stairs, parking access, and elevators are available to those with disabilities. The university is dedicated to offering a nurturing environment through quality education.
At OLFU, there are opportunities that help students grow. Students are treated equally, and the university makes an effort to make everyone feel safe and included.
Indicator 3 Representation and Diversity
Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) believes that a diverse and inclusive learning environment fosters critical and breakthrough thinking. A diverse culture brings fresh perspectives and a wide range of experiences, which is integral to the learning process. At OLFU, 42.7 % are male students, while 57.3 % are female students. This gender representation is relevant in creating equal educational opportunities for people, an avenue to challenge stereotypes, and helps reduce gender-based disparities which may impede academic success.
Indicator 4 Equality in Learning Access
Despite numerous approaches to reduce poverty and create equitable growth, poverty remains one of the Philippines’ most pressing issues. Low income in the Philippines is defined as a monthly family income of PHP 9,520 to PHP 19,040 for a household of five (Albert et al., 2018). This reality has also been observed in the university. At Our Lady of Fatima University, 26.5% of the students were classified coming from low income families. When it comes to attending school, these students might confront particular challenges, such as a lack of resources to meet their basic needs and educational support, which could have an impact on their educational experience. To help students overcome these challenges and realize their full potential, the university works to provide equitable access to resources.
