Philippine E-Journals

Lived Experiences of the University of the East Alumni Toward Defining University Core Values

Rossanna V. Mendoza

 

Abstract:

This qualitative study aimed to articulate and define the core values of the University of the East (UE) through the alumni. It sought to find out which institutional core values of UE, namely Excellence, Integrity, Professionalism, Teamwork, Transparency, Social Responsibility, Commitment, and Accountability (UE Student Manual), were acquired by the new and young alumni during their stay as students in the University, how these acquired values are lived as professionals, and how these values are transcended by some distinguished alumni in their particular walks of life. This research also targeted the UE alumni in and out of the country, who attended or finished a degree from the University, and who belong to one of the three categories, namely 1) new alumni, 2) professional alumni, and 3) distinguished alumni. The research used phenomenological method using purposive sampling and indepth interviews. Three processes that served as guide for the analysis of data were Husserl's epoche, Regalado's (2009) process to attain the essence of value, and Colaizzi's (1978) seven step process to arrive at the essence of truth. Results revealed that the values of excellence, commitment, social responsibility, professionalism, and accountability were strongly inculcated among the respondent alumni through various ways and means. Excellence, being the dominant value imbibed by the alumni, clearly articulates the main goal of the institution for its students which is the pursuit of excellence. Definitions of each core value and recommendations to further strengthen these values among the stakeholders of the University were presented.