University Policy

Overview: UPHSL is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability across all areas of operation. The institution maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on bribery and corruption.

Scope: This policy applies to all employees, faculty, administrators, officers, contractors, students, and third-party representatives acting on behalf of the institution.

Key Points:

• Bribery—defined as offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting anything of value to improperly influence a decision—is strictly prohibited
• Corruption, or the misuse of power for personal gain, will not be tolerated in any form
• Prohibited practices include: offering or accepting bribes, misusing institutional funds, exchanging gifts or favors to influence decisions, or engaging in nepotism or favoritism
• All personnel have a duty to report suspected cases through appropriate institutional channels
• Reports will be handled with confidentiality, and whistleblowers will be protected from retaliation
• Violations may result in disciplinary action, including termination, and may lead to legal consequences

Purpose: UPHSL affirms its commitment to upholding and protecting the principle of academic freedom, ensuring that faculty, students, and staff can engage in intellectual inquiry, scholarship, and teaching without undue interference or restrictions.

Definition: Academic freedom entails the rights of educational institutions, faculty, and students in higher education to determine for themselves on academic grounds who may teach, what may be taught, how it shall be taught, and who may be admitted to study.

Key Rights Include:

• Teaching: Freedom to teach and discuss all relevant matters in the classroom
• Research: Freedom to explore any area of scholarship and to publish findings
• Expression: Freedom to express one's opinions as citizens without institutional censorship or discipline
• Curricula: The autonomy to determine the curricula and academic programs offered

Legal Framework: The 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees academic freedom within the UPHSL community, stating "Academic freedom shall be enjoyed in all institutions of higher learning."

Mission: UPHSL promotes a community that is open, safe, and supportive, welcoming Perpetualites of all gender identities and backgrounds to thrive in an inclusive environment.

Core Principles:

• Fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that respects and values all members of the university community
• Ensuring equal opportunities for all students, faculty, and staff regardless of background
• Promoting understanding and respect for different perspectives and experiences
• Creating safe spaces for open dialogue and learning
• Addressing bias and discrimination through education and policy enforcement

Implementation: The policy is implemented through comprehensive training programs, inclusive hiring practices, student support services, and regular policy reviews to ensure effectiveness.

Purpose: Provides a transparent framework for UPHSL's investment management, ensuring prudent financial management aligned with academic mission and institutional development.

Key Objectives:

• Preserve and grow the university's financial assets to support long-term institutional goals
• Ensure investments align with the university's educational mission and values
• Maintain appropriate risk management and diversification strategies
• Ensure transparency and accountability in investment decisions
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

Governance: The policy is overseen by the Board of Trustees and implemented by qualified investment professionals, with regular reporting and review processes.

Commitment: UPHSL is committed to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labor in all aspects of university operations and supply chains.

Scope: This policy applies to all university activities, including employment practices, procurement, partnerships, and supply chain management.

Key Measures:

• Conducting due diligence on all suppliers and business partners
• Implementing robust recruitment and employment practices
• Providing training and awareness programs for staff and students
• Establishing clear reporting mechanisms for suspected cases
• Regular auditing and monitoring of compliance
• Collaboration with external organizations and authorities

Reporting: Any suspected cases of modern slavery should be reported immediately through the designated channels, with full protection for whistleblowers.

Purpose: Guidelines for accepting and managing donations and funding in accordance with sustainability principles and ethical standards.

Key Principles:

• All donations must align with the university's mission and values
• Transparency in the use of donated funds
• Environmental and social impact considerations
• Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Regular reporting to donors on fund utilization

Objective: Procedures for sustainable procurement practices that consider environmental and social impact in purchasing decisions.

Implementation:

• Preference for environmentally friendly products and services
• Support for local and socially responsible suppliers
• Life-cycle cost analysis in procurement decisions
• Regular supplier audits and assessments
• Training for procurement staff on sustainable practices

Mission: Comprehensive safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being, security, and protection of all students within the university community.

Key Areas:

• Campus security and emergency response procedures
• Student health and wellness programs
• Mental health support and counseling services
• Prevention of harassment and discrimination
• Safety training and awareness programs
• Incident reporting and investigation procedures

Commitment: Zero-tolerance policy against hazing, bullying, and all forms of violence, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all community members.

Prohibited Activities:

• Any form of hazing or initiation rituals
• Physical, verbal, or psychological violence
• Bullying, intimidation, or harassment
• Discrimination based on any protected characteristics
• Retaliation against those who report violations

Consequences: Violations of this policy will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion for students and termination for employees.

Objective: Comprehensive guidelines and requirements for student admission to all university programs, ensuring fair and transparent admission processes.

Key Principles:

• Merit-based admission decisions
• Equal opportunity for all qualified applicants
• Transparent admission criteria and processes
• Comprehensive evaluation of academic and non-academic factors
• Appeal process for admission decisions
• Regular review and updating of admission requirements

Requirements: Specific admission requirements vary by program but generally include academic transcripts, entrance examinations, interviews, and other program-specific criteria.