STUDENT AFFAIRS AND SERVICES OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN REGION IV-A: BASIS FOR HOLISTIC APPROACH IN STUDENT WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The main objective of this study is to determine the extent of implementation the CMO No. 9, series of 2013 in different higher education institution in the region. Additionally, it analyzes the issues and challenges of higher education institutions in the region in terms of the implementation of Student Welfare, Student Development, and Institutional Programs and Services. The mixed method research design, specifically quantitative-qualitative method, was utilized in the attainment of the objectives. The sources of data of this study are twenty-seven (27) directors/head and OSAS practitioners and three hundred forty-two (342) randomly selected students of the flagship programs of the six autonomous higher education institutions in Region IV-CALABARZON. The data gathering instrument is a self-made survey questionnaire that includes Likert scale questions regarding the different student affairs services and an interview protocol in small group discussion. Statistical tools such as percentage, weighted mean and ANOVA were used in the quantitative data analysis. The study yields some important results that include: 1.) a unanimous perception of all OSA Personnel and Staff in Student Welfare, Student Development and Institutional Program and Services in terms of management and administration of SAS, objectives of OSA, Program/Services Implementation and Evaluation of Student Affairs and Services; 2.) among the concerns and issues raised in this study, personnel or staff in services like guidance and counseling was not sufficient to cater the growing number of students; other services that have issues and concerns include housing, economic enterprise, yearbook/student publication, services for groups with special needs; and 3.) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that there is no significant difference in the perception of respondents on the implementation of CMO No. 9, s. 2013 pertaining to "student welfare", "student development" and "institutional programs and services" regardless of HEI. The study provides an empirical data on the continuous improvement and better implementation of the CMO 9, series of 2013. Additionally, the proposed program can be of great help to all the different education stakeholders for better legislation and implementation of the program and services that are aligned with the mission, vision, and goals of the institution including those services that are responsive to the growing needs of the students and the school community.