What the QS Four Stars actually mean for UST

In all offices around the campus, there is a framed copy of the QS Four Stars certificate that was awarded to UST during the May 5-7, 2015 5TH QS Middle East and North Africa Professional Leaders in Education (QS-MAPLE) Conference and Exhibition in Doha, Qatar. In that event, ASEAN Engr. Nestor R. Ong, Assistant Director of the Quality Management Office, and Asst. Prof. Fides Ma. Lourdes F. Carlos, Director of the Office of Alumni Relations, received the certificate on behalf of the Thomasian community.

But what does the distinction entail?

First, it is a recognition of UST’s excellence in the various fields that were evaluated. For the last 404 years, UST has been relentless in its pursuit to demonstrate excellence in teaching, research and community service. This is a momentous distinction in the prestigious QS Stars international university ranking.

Second, it told the world what UST was doing. The certificate placed UST side-by-side with the other four-star universities worldwide, and the publicity it generated caused a recent influx of visitors who wish to explore possible linkages with UST.

Third, it serves as an inspiration to do better. The recognition of UST’s efforts is an inspiring stamp of approval, but it is also a challenge to maintain and even surpass present standards.

UST is the only QS Four Stars university in the Philippines, and joins a handful of other universities abroad.