05/06/2026
Weโre encouraging every USePian to check out the full survey report โ itโs now open for public access and can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/GradSurveyReport
๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ฒ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐
The official results of the student-led survey on the September 2026 graduation schedule have been released, offering the most comprehensive assessment to date of graduating students' views on the delayed ceremony.
Findings showed that 63% of graduating students were not in favor of the proposed September 2026 graduation ceremony schedule, while only 21% expressed support and 16% remained undecided.
The report further revealed that 55% of respondents did not consider the administration's decision to reschedule the graduation ceremony to September 2026 as fair and reasonable, compared to 27% who found the decision fair and reasonable and 18% who remained undecided.
Conducted by Bachelor of Science in Statistics volunteers in partnership with campus student councils and campus publications, the survey gathered responses from randomly selected graduating students across USeP's Obrero, Tagum, Mintal, and Mabini campuses.
Campus-level estimates showed that the majority of respondents from Mintal Campus (77%), Obrero Campus (69%), and Tagum Campus (54%) opposed the September graduation schedule, while Mabini Campus recorded a contrasting result with 54% in favor, 12% undecided, and 35% opposed.
The initiative was launched following widespread discussions and concerns regarding the university's decision to move the traditional June or July graduation ceremony to September 2026.
Zedrick V***r Balan, Obrero Student Council Internal Vice President and one of the BS Statistics volunteers who initiated the survey, said the findings represent more than statistical figures and should be viewed as the collective voice of the graduating class.
"As one of the graduating students and a BS Statistics volunteer who initiated this survey, I know how much work, time, and sacrifice it took for us to reach this point," Balan said.
He emphasized that graduating students fulfilled their academic responsibilities and deadlines, expressing hope that the university would likewise honor the graduation schedule within the period students had worked toward.
"This survey isn't just a collection of numbers; it's the voice of the graduating class, backed by data and evidence," he added. "We've spoken, we've participated, and we've shown what the students of this university are capable of. Now it's time for the administration to listen and act."
Balan further argued that a university that values critical thinking and evidence-based advocacy should give due consideration to the sentiments expressed by its graduating students.
The report also revealed that an overwhelming majority of graduating students want the university administration to issue an official statement explaining the rationale behind the revised graduation date.
At the same time, the study recognized that some students see advantages in the September schedule, particularly in terms of academic completion and financial preparation.
Organizers said the survey aims to ensure that student perspectives are documented through statistical evidence and considered in discussions surrounding the graduation schedule.
The full survey report is now available for public access and may be viewed through the following link: https://bit.ly/GradSurveyReport
Article by King Willan Tabugoc
Layout by Roxy Blue De Jesus
