The Criteria are the key standards upon which the study of the Program under review will be evaluated.  Under each Criterion are key Indicators.  There may be sub-indicators which we herewith call "Elements" within each Indicator.

There are seven Criteria identified in the APACC accreditation system.  To arrive at the final evaluation, the Assessor has to look for evidence to validate the claims in the Self-Study Report searched for, and/or additional information to cover any other area that are not in earlier reports or documents.

The seven Criteria are the following:

CRITERION 1.  GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The institution's system of governance and management is sufficient to manage existing operations, and to respond to development and change.

Indicators:

• The policy-making body demonstrates support to the institution's programs and operations.
  
  
• There is a clear definition of management functions and responsibilities
  
  
• Academic Committees/Bodies exist to assist in decision-making affecting academic matters. 
  
  
• Administrative Committees/Bodies exist and help make decisions on matters that support the technical education programs.
  
  
• The administrative system, particularly the support staff, are highly qualified and competent.
  
  
• The institution adopts an institutional development plan, and a coordinated academic and administrative planning.
  
  
• The budget of the institution is well-prepared, judiciously allocated, effectively utilized, and clearly accounted and fairly audited.
  
  
• The institution has a viable, sustainable and appropriate income-generating strategy to support its development plan.
  
  
• Resources and supplies are regularly available, managed and controlled.
  
  
• The records system is systematic and useful

CRITERION 2.  TEACHING AND LEARNING

The institution has a clearly defined mission, and has adopted academic/technical programs with set objectives and learning outcomes at appropriate levels; and has effective mechanism of delivery and testing to ensure success in meeting these objectives and enable students to achieve the intended outcomes.

Indicators:

• The program offerings are consistent with the institution's mission, and with national and local development goals.
  
  
• The curriculum is regularly reviewed and revised to accommodate recent trends with the participation of the various stakeholders.
  
  
• There is a clear and updated syllabus for each subject disseminated to students
  
  
• Teaching is enhanced by the availability of printed instructional materials, access to computer facilities, use of audio-visual aids and
  her non-traditional teaching devices.
  
  
• Instruction is continually improved through the adoption of a variety of teaching methods and techniques.
  
  
• The institution has an effective system of student assessment to determine students' progress and attainment of learning outcomes.
  
  
• Processes exist for monitoring and evaluating teaching and learning to assess the effectiveness of the content, teaching approaches, testing and the performance of the faculty.
  
  
• The institution adopts an established system of student recruitment, selection and admission that is widely disseminated and implemented.

CRITERION 3.  FACULTY AND STAFF

The standard of the institution is greatly measured by the qualification of the faculty.  The institution maintains high ranking members in terms of their academic qualifications, experience and professional competence.  It maintains an effective system of recruiting, maintaining and developing an adequate number of highly qualified and appropriate faculty.

Indicators:

• The faculty have the academic preparation and experience relevant to the courses they are assigned to teach.
  
  
• There is an adequate number of the faculty with appropriate qualification to handle the courses offered.
  
  
• Teaching load/assignment normally allows for time to prepare lessons, check papers and other course requirements, advise students, conduct research and extension activities, and perform other related activities.
  
  
• The institution has adopted and implemented an effective Faculty Development Program.
  
  
• There exists an effective procedure of recruiting the best qualified faculty using as criteria their academic preparation, teaching competence, scholarly and technical works, and professionalism
  
  
• The institution maintains an attractive system of compensating and rewarding the faculty.
  
  
• An effective faculty performance evaluation system based on objective criteria is maintained.

CRITERION 4.  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Research is an avenue through which new knowledge is discovered, applied or verified and through which appropriate technologies are generated.  The institution maintains an environment that firmly supports research and development.

Indicators:

• The institution has an official program for research based on its priorities, and national and regional thrusts.
  
  
• The faculty are involved in the preparation, conduct and evaluation of research.
  
  
• The institution maintains a program for the dissemination, publication and utilization of research outputs.
  
  
• There is an adequate funding of research projects and provision of other forms of support.
  
  
• The institution links with other agencies or organizations in the funding or undertaking of joint research projects.
  
  
• A system of monitoring and evaluating research is operational.
  
  
• To motivate the faculty and staff to do research, a system of incentives exists.

CRITERION 5.  EXTENSION, CONSULTANCY AND LINKAGES

The presence of the institution is felt in the community.  Its image is enhanced by extending its expertise through Extension and Consultancy, and sharing, or getting support to, its expertise through Linkages.

Extension

The extension function of the institution involves the application of existing and new knowledge and technology and those generated in the institution to improve the quality of life of the people.  Through the extension program, they are empowered with appropriate knowledge, attitudes and skills.

Indicators:

• The institution has an official program for extension based on community needs and its capability to provide the expertise.
  
  
• The faculty are involved in the planning, conduct and evaluation of extension projects.
  
  
• There is adequate funding for  extension projects, and provision of other forms of support from the institution.
  
  
• The institution links with other agencies or organizations in the funding or conduct of extension activities.
  
  
• A system of monitoring and evaluating extension activities exists.

Consultancy.

Availing themselves of the services of the institution by inviting its faculty as Consultants, whether paid or unpaid, is a recognition of the competence of the institution to provide expert services.

Indicators:

• The institution organizes a pool of experts to provide Consultancy Services along identified specializations.
  
  
• A record of availment of expert services provided by the institution is kept.
  
  
• The institution derives income from consultancies rendered by its constituents.

Linkages.

The institution maintains strong links with industry, peer institutions and funding agencies to strengthen its curricular offerings, and forge mutually beneficial arrangements.

Indicators:

• Industry is involved in program development, curricular planning and revision, industrial internships for faculty and students, etc.
  
  
• The institution enters into consortia/arrangements with other educational institutions for the purpose of pursuing joint programs including research, extension and faculty/student exchanges.

CRITERION 6.  RESOURCES

The institution provides an environment which is conducive to effective teaching and learning and which supports the educational programs offered by the institution.  The adequacy of financial resources, physical plant and facilities, library, classrooms, shops, laboratories, information technology, multi-media center and general education laboratories are paramount.

Financial Resources

Indicators:

• The institution secures adequate financial resources for its maintenance and operation, to achieve the objectives and for future development.
  
  
• There is a mechanism to ensure proper financial management.
  
  
• There is a viable system of income-generation aside from having the recurring the budget.
  
  
• The different claimants to financial resources participate in budget preparation, allocation, management and control
  
  

Physical Plant and Facilities

Indicators:

• The school campus is located in a wholesome environment, safe from traffic and transportation hazards, sufficiently free from noise, dust, smoke and other untenable elements.
  
  
• The size and number of classrooms are sufficient to accommodate the students enrolled in a class.
  
  
• The buildings are functionally designed and constructed of strong and durable materials to withstand earthquakes, typhoons and fire hazards.
  
  
• The classrooms are equipped with the needed facilities.
  
  
• There are adequate provisions for offices, staff rooms and reception areas.
  
  
• The medical and dental clinics are capable of catering to the medical and dental needs of the school population.
  
  
• A Student Center is available where students can enjoy wholesome social interaction.
  
  
• Clean and sanitary food services/cafeteria serve food at reasonable price.
  
  
• A Counseling and Guidance Laboratory is set with a guidance room to protect privacy.
  
  
• There are adequate hostel or dormitories for students which are either provided by the institution or by private owners.
  
  

Library

Indicators:

• The library is supplied with varied and adequate collection to serve the needs of the faculty and students.
  
  
• Adequate books/journal titles are provided
  
  
• Adequate current editions are provided
  
  
• The library provides adequate, comfortable and accessible space and appropriate facilities to serve the academic community.
  
  
• Provisions for non-print, digital and electronic resources are made
  
  
• The library is open at least 54 hours a week.
  
  
• Linkages are maintained with other libraries.
  
  
• Spaces for library staff and technical room are provided
  
  
• The library is staffed with qualified librarians.
  
  

Laboratories/Shops

Indicators:

• Required equipment and supplies are adequately provided.
  
  
• The laboratories/shops comprise of spacious, properly equipped, and well-ventilated/air-conditioned structures.
  
  
• The laboratories/shops are properly maintained; equipment are stored properly, cleansed and regularly checked.
  
  
• Provision to minimize exposure to risks and to prevent accidents are effective.
  
  

Information Technology

Indicators:

• Adequate computers to comply with government standards
  
  
• Equipped with internet connections
  
  
• Functional multi-media center
  
  
• Softwares are available to supply the requirements for instruction and office operation.
  
  
• Information technology equipment are well-maintained and kept
  
  
• There are knowledgeable teachers and technicians to maintain and operate the equipments

CRITERION 7.  SUPPORT TO STUDENTS

Students are the raison d' etre of learning institutions.  Thus, it is the responsibility of the latter to develop not only the intellectual ability of the student but his total personality.  Towards this end, a robust program of student personnel services is designed to help the student, throughout his academic life, attain his maximum potential and become a worthy social being to his community.  Student personnel support services complement the academic program.

Indicators:

• There exists a guidance and academic program advising available to students.
  
  
• There is a well-organized, properly administered and adequately staffed student services unit.
  
  
• An admission and retention program provides for the selection of prospective students and the retention of the most deserving.
  
  
• The school has a well-defined and continuing scholarship program and grants which enable deserving students needing assistance to finish a diploma or a degree.
  
  
• Aside from the regular student services program, there exist a variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities that contribute to student development.
  
  
• Also, a variety of services to promote the health, sports and social needs of the students are in place.
  
  
• The school maintains an effective employment and placement program.
  
  
• Students are active participants in major decision-making affecting their welfare.