General Inquiries

1. Does PLM operate autonomously from the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd)? Yes. As a national legislative creation, PLM is a chartered institution with an autonomous status, and operates under the authority of its own Charter, Republic Act No. 4196, which conferred upon the Board of Regents exclusive powers of governance over the University, in addition to its general powers of administration and the exercise of its corporate powers under the Corporation Code of the Philippines as explicitly authorized by the Philippine Congress. Specifically, PLM is empowered "to prescribe rules for its own government, and to enact for the government of the University such general ordinances and regulations as are consistent with the purposes of the university."
Authority to fix the curriculum is exclusively conferred by R.A. 4196 upon the University Council. PLM, however, follows the minimum curricular requirements prescribed by CHEd for its program offerings as a means of the State to maintain academic excellence across the nation. PLM, however, through its University Council, is not proscribed from infusing program enhancements in order to maintain the primacy of its excellence as among the most respected universities in the country.

2. Is PLM required to secure a Special Order from CHEd for the conferment of degrees upon its graduates like other universities in the Philippines? PLM is exempted. As a chartered higher education institution created by the Philippine Congress, PLM has its own Charter. Republic Act No. 4196 prescribed the creation of a Board of Regents which has specific powers other than the exercise of corporate authority, including the exclusive authority to confer degrees, by virtue of a Board resolution, upon the recommendation of the University Council. Under the University Charter, the University Council exclusively exercises the specific authority to recommend candidates for graduation. 3. The CHEd has publicly commended PLM as a model university in the Philippines, while the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) conscientiously cites PLM as among the best performing schools in producing top professionals through state board exams where PLM normally garners top slots. Does PLM directly undertake accreditation by CHEd? Given its chartered nature and autonomous status, PLM, as a leading institution of higher learning in the Philippines, does not directly undertake accreditation by, through or under the influence of the CHEd. Moreover, PLM believes in bolder moves of accrediting other institutions given its ascribed and earned status (and its foundational birthright) as a model university in the Philippines. As an offshoot of such a philosophy, PLM serves as the national headquarters of the ALCU-Commission on

Accreditation (ALCU-CoA). Together with the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), ALCU-CoA is a leading charter incorporator of the National Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in the Philippines (NNQAA). The CHEd was the convenor of the said fusion into the NNQAA of the ALCU-CoA (representing local colleges and universities or LCUs) and the AACCUP (representing state colleges and universities or SCUs), through then CHEd Chairman Bro. Rolando R. Dizon's efforts. The PRC, CHEd, the Commission on Civil Service, and the Commission on Audit (either Constitutionial commissions or commissions under the Office of the President of the Philippines with cabinet status) were leading witnesses during the formal ceremonies of this milestone event held in Olongapo City on November 2003. As it is, the NNQAA and ALCU-CoA, advocates of voluntary accreditation, operate independently from, yet recognized by, the CHEd.

4. Given PLM's full independence from CHEd, does that mean that PLM's name does not regularly appear in CHEd's fact sheets of top performing schools available to the public? Yes. It is normal that PLM does not appear in CHEd's myriad of lists, including lists of centers of excellence and accreditation, as PLM is out of the scope of such published items since PLM is independent from the CHEd, and the CHEd does not exercise authority over PLM. Hence, this does not at all denigrate PLM's high-ranked status as among the top and most respected universities in the Philippines. To compensate for this, the CHEd has publicly commended PLM as a model university in the Philippines, citing further that "PLM's excellence is beyond reproach and a class by itself." This enviable recognition is echoed in innumerable times by other well-meaning institutions, including the Philippine Congress and the Presidential Palace (Malacaan), whenever PLM's name is mentioned in institutional discussions.
Despite not being part of the CHEd's lists, PLM figures out prominently as among the top schools in the country when joint cumulative data are presented by the CHEd and the PRC. In this ranking study, PLM comes as an underdog since only a portion of the criteria can PLM be given points considering that only the PRC's records are taken into consideration for PLM's part. Despite this, PLM emerged 6th in 1994-1998 set of data. For the 10-year period (1992-2001), PLM placed 9th. In the study covering 1999-2003, PLM placed 5th, making it one of only two public universities in the top 5 list. For 2009 alone, PLM is at the 9th notch nationwide, with 6 other public universities and 3 private institutions in the list. It is pertinent to note that PLM consistently ranks among the top universities in state board examinations by the PRC.

5. Why is PLM's name acknowledged as a trusted and preferred university alongside UP, Ateneo de Manila & La Salle? PLM's powerful name and brand equity as a leading scholars' university, whose

excellence the CHED has acknowledged as "beyond reproach and a class by itself," has regularly been a specific top preference since the last decade in the personnel hiring of cutting-edge companies. Aside from having excellence as its birthright, PLM has consistently demonstrated its rightful claim to its unbridled academic reputation as a crucial interplay among important factors, including, among others, its selective admissions for top secondary graduates, top-caliber professoriate and competent administrative staff, relevant curricula, student support services and fine ethical bearing.

6. What is the official medium of instruction in PLM? PLM uses English as the official medium of instruction for all subjects, including core subjects like Mathematics, Science, Ethics and Social Studies, except for Communication Arts in Filipino. Art. XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provided for English as the official language of the Philippines for communication and instruction, in addition to Filipino as the national language. 7. Does PLM accept foreign and international exchange students? PLM used to have strong programs designed for foreign and international exchange students in the 1990s in line with PLM's internationalization thrust as a leading university in the Philippines. However, in the new millenium, PLM re-focused its efforts to strengthen its domestic roots -- the various programs for city scholars and domestic off-campus programs. To date, no program is on sight to cater to foreign students. 8. Are there boarding/accommodation services in PLM? Since PLM caters to the youth residing in the city proper of Manila, there is no need to offer boarding services as PLM is located right at the very core, or at the heart and at the doorsteps, of the city's community.
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Verification of and Request for Credentials

1. How does PLM validate the authenticity of the credentials of its alumni? The Office of the University Registrar (OUR) is the exclusive unit that performs validation of student records submitted by alumni to prospective employers locally and abroad. Regular items requested for verification include: Name of the conferee, conferred degree, date of conferment, authenticity of diploma and signatures, grades and other contents of the Transcript of Record, entry requirement for the program, standard duration for the program, and the official medium of instruction.

Entities requesting for verification may direct their inquries to: The University Registrar Direct Line: (+63 2) 527-9070 Fax No.: (+63 2) 528-4574 Trunkline No.: (+63 2) 527-7941 to 48 loc. 48 Email: registrar@plm.edu.ph Note: Pls click on this email only if you are representing a company that is requesting for credentials verification.

2. PLM-issued diplomae are in Filipino (Philippine national language). Is there an equivalent English translation? PLM, as a matter of policy, issues its official diploma in the national language to preserve the national heritage and in keeping with its pioneering tradition of using the national language for its name. This diploma in Filipino has an adjunct copy of its English translation, certified by the University Registrar, to facilitate the understanding of foreign nationals and entities. 3. How does an alumnus living in a foreign land apply for processing of credentials? As a matter of policy involving the security and confidentiality of student records, documents must be secured by the applicant/alumnus himself. Applicants who live in geographically distant places, whether local or foreign, may download and fill-up the OUR Request Formand send it thru a duly authorized representative who will file the request, pay the fee through the Cashier's Office, and claim the requested credential on behalf of the applicant. An affidavit of loss may be required in some cases. For guidance, pls. refer to the OUR Checklist of Requirements. For inquiry, you may contact registrar@plm.edu.ph Note: Pls click on this email only if you are a former PLM scholar (i.e., alumnus) who is requesting for the processing of credentials.
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PLMAT and Similar Concerns (for SY 2011-2012)

For SY 2012-2013: Annually, the PLMAT primer for the upcoming school year is usually uploaded to the official PLM website on September or October. The application for the PLM Admission Test (PLMAT) for regular applicants (Manila residents) is tentatively scheduled to start on 14 Nov 2011 since, traditionally, it commences on the 2nd Monday of November. The exams are tentatively scheduled on 04 & 11 Dec 2011 and 15 & 22 Jan 2012. The specific test schedule is as stamped on the Test Permit to be issued by PLM upon application. Non-Manila valedictorians and salutatorians, should they be allowed to apply, are usually

scheduled to apply shortly before their graduation. They are tentatively scheduled to take the PLMAT on the first week of April (2012) based on the date stamped on the Test Permit, which date is usually announced by mid-February so they can prepare the necessary documents. The minimum General Weighted Average (GWA) for SY 2012-2013 is 85% (which was 80% in previous years). A PLMAT fee has been approved to be imposed unto PLMAT examinees by November 2011 in the amount of PhP500.

1. PLM traditionally caters to the top 10-20% graduates of DCS-Manila. Does PLM also accept PLMAT applicants from other high schools? PLM was conceived with the social commitment to provide high quality education to the financially-disadvantaged but intelligent youth of Manila. Hence, when it started its operations in 1967, PLM has exclusively accepted applicants from the graduates and graduands of the public high schools of the Division of City Schools-Manila (DCSManila) who are qualified residents of Manila. Over the years, PLM also opened its doors to applicants from all high schools in and out of Manila recognized by the Department of Education; Provided, however, that they are qualified residents of Manila. 2. How can the applicants be considered as qualified residents of Manila? The applicant's valid Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) voter's ID, or a parent's latest voter's ID/registration (with voting record) or income tax return/real property tax receipt, bearing the "City of Manila" (as the place of issue and as the bearer's address) will primarily satisfy Manila residency. When submitting a parent's credential, a birth certificate is required to establish the applicant's relation with the parent. Secondary proofs of residency or identification may be required in support (but not in lieu) of the primary proof/s, such as a barangay certification of Manila residency and the parent's company ID. 3. Is there any automatic admission privilege available? Yes. Manila residents who are honor graduates of DCS-Manila public high schools (valedictorians, salutatorians, and 1st to 3rd honorable mentions) shall automatically qualify for admission upon presentation of a verifiable credential executed by a duly authorized high school official. Such credential shall be validated with the list to be provided to PLM by the Superintendent of the DCS-Manila who also sits as anex-officio member of the PLM Board of Regents. 4. Can non-Manila residents still have a privilege of being admitted to PLM? Yes. While admittance to PLM is exclusive to Manila residents, non-residents may still qualify to file a PLMAT application, provided they have graduated either as valedictorian or salutatorian come March, which fact shall be established by a verifiable credential executed by a duly authorized high school official. Passing the PLMAT to be administered come April 2012 will then qualify them for admission. The

specific schedule is usually announced by mid-February, such as the previous announcements for 2011: Public announcement last 17 February 2011: Exams were slated on 11 April Public announcement last 01 April 2011: Exams were rescheduled to 12 April

5. My GWA is 85 (or better), but I have subject grades lower than 85. Can I qualify? Yes. The minimum requirement for GWA in the second grading period is 85%. It is perfectly alright to have grades in your subjects that are lower than 85%. The GWA, after all, is the sole determinant for the grade requirement. 6. Can high school graduates through non-traditional systems also qualify for application to take PLMAT? Yes. Manila residents who have completed their secondary education through nonformal and alternative learning systems, as evidenced by the PEPT or NFE/ALS certification in lieu of a regular secondary report card (Form 138), may qualify for application. 7. I have previously taken the PLMAT. Can I take it again to qualify for admission this coming school year? No. An applicant who has already taken the PLMAT in the past, whether or not he passed the same, can no longer qualify for application to re-take the PLMAT in the current and succeeding school years. 8. May graduates of a bachelor's degree take the PLMAT for a second course? Graduates of a baccaluareate degree, whether from PLM or other schools, can no longer be admitted for a second course. Instead, they are advised to apply for admission in any of the graduate schools or professional schools offering the vertical degree that is closest to the baccalaureate degree, provided they satisfy the admission requirements fixed therefor. Those who have taken a vocational course, as per the Admissions section chief, may apply for PLMAT; Provided, however, they have not yet enrolled in a regular bachelor's degree and may retrieve the F-138 from the school where they have taken the vocational course. 9. How much is the entrance exam (PLMAT) fee? Before May 2011, there were plans to re-impose the PLMAT application fee by November 2011 in the amount of PhP500 to support the operations and defray the escalating expenses of PLMAT. By mid-May 2011, said proposal has since been approved for implementation.

10. When will be the PLMAT schedules? Applications for PLMAT that were processed before the respective cutoff dates will be scheduled on the ff. dates: For SY 2012-2013: 04 and 11 December 2011; 15 and 22 January 2012 Valedictorians and Salutatorians who are non-Manilans will be scheduled on April 2012, subject to further notice usually issued by Feb. Examinees are strongly advised against being late on the assigned testing time. Bring your test permit. Come in school uniform with ID. 11. How are successful examinees determined? What are the criteria in passing the PLMAT? The PLMAT is basically a standardized test/measurement instrument. Hence, the examinees' scores are weighted against a standardized PLMAT score. If their scores satisfy the suggested cut-off score, they will qualify for admission. The range of cut-off scores approximates the examinees' expected performance in the University, particularly in the 5 major subtests (English, Science, Mathematics, Filipino and Abstract Reasoning). Examinees who successfully achieve a score that is equal to or better than the standardized cut-off score are expected to exude the capacity to hurdle the rigors of an excellent yet exacting university scholarship at PLM. 12. When is the tentative date of release of PLMAT results? Subject to a relevant announcement, the PLMAT results will be posted in PLM grounds by the Dean of Admissions (University Registrar) on 17 February 2012. Releasing the results thru the website may be subsequently authorized by the University President. 13. Is the PLMAT Primer or "General Information on Freshman Admission" freely available? Is it downloadable? Yes. The PLMAT primer is FREE. You may also download an advance copy of the upcoming printed copies thru this website. 2009 2010 2011 :: Pls. print on a recycled 8.5 x 13 paper.

Post-PLMAT Concerns
1. I passed the PLMAT. What are the next steps? a. Proceed to the HelpDesk and secure a request form for Form 137 that you will file before your high school. b. Proceed to the University Health Services (Clinic) to get a medical referral slip. Ask to be scheduled for a physical examination. c. After your physical examination, ask the UHS for your copy of the "step-by-step" enrollment procedure slip. d. On the designated schedule, submit your school credentials (F-138, Cert. of good moral character, CTC of birth certificate). e. Submit the filled-up Student Personal and Academic Records (SPAR) form for pre-

enrollment. f. Enroll on the date assigned to you. This is usually on mid-May.

2. I passed the PLMAT and was assigned my course preference. Can I rather enroll in another course? No. The course/s you have indicated in your filed application were to be consequently assigned to you, based on your performance in the PLMAT. Hence, while you may have the "first choice" but your score did not satisfy the qualifications therefor (esp. in quota courses), you shall be assigned to your other course preference/s that corresponds to your performance. There is no remedy to a mere afterthought because the slots are assigned only to whom it is due or rightfully deserving -- "those who have indicated their preference therefor in the first place, and have subsequently qualified by way of their performance in the PLMAT." The course assignment is system generated or programmed with no human intervention at all, based on the parameters or following the factors as hereinbefore disclosed. 3. I passed the PLMAT. However, in my physical exam, I was found to be in need of medical attention. What happens? The University Physician, based on her professional analysis, will recommend appropriate action/s to help you in ensuring that your health is in top shape as you undertake your studies in PLM. Such recommendations may fall under any of these: undergo short medication/rehabilitation to cure the defect, or defer to enroll for a year until the failing health is cured. If the latter recommendation is made, a successful PLMAT examinee will need to apply for deferment of enrollment as stated in item No. 4. 4. Despite passing PLMAT, I cannot enroll because of unforeseen circumstances. What should I do? A qualified freshman examinee who cannot enroll during the semester originally applied for due to failing health, financial or meritorious reasons, may apply for deferment of enrollment to the next academic year with the consent of the parent or guardian by writing to the Registrar. Such applicant must not have taken any academic college subject prior to enrollment. The deferment of enrollment shall be approved by the President (BOR Resolution No. 672, 29 October 1979). 5. Is the enrollment of NSTP (ROTC or CWTS) scheduled in another day? Yes, usually, the freshmen need to come in another schedule to enlist for the NSTP subject. The CWTS only has limited slots and all others who cannot clinch a slot in CWTS need to enlist in the ROTC, which is usually in another day too. Schedules are announced (Ex. for SY 2011-2012: CWTS on 14 May and ROTC on 04 June). 6. What is the NSTP and why is it mandatory? The National Service Training Program is a curriculum requirement for all college

students under Republic Act 9163. It aims to promote and integrate values education, transformational leadership, spirit of patriotism and nationalism and sustainable social mobilization for youth development, community building and national security. PLM offers the focal components of ROTC and CWTS.

7. My son/daughter, despite graduating at a private high school in Manila, was admitted as a full (non-paying) scholar. I also came from the same high school then, but I was a paying (highly-subsidized) scholar. Why the difference? Previously, only Manilans who are top graduates of Manila's public high schools were considered as full (non-paying) scholars. Manilans who graduated at private high schools, whether in Manila or otherwise, were then admitted as paying (highlysubsidized) scholars. In recent years, the coverage of the full (nonpaying) scholarship has expanded to cover all Manilans, regardless of the nature of the high school whether private or public. The scholarship terms change or evolve over time, as is the case of the admission requirements. 8. I have not yet secured my uniform. What should I wear on the first days of classes? Understandably, not all freshmen may immediately secure their uniform, and are hence allowed to be clad in permissible civilian clothes until a deadline is imposed, which is usually end of July or early August. Only upperclassmen are required to be in uniform since the first day of classes. The dress code specifies the clothes and adornments that are prohibited in the University.
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Registration and Similar Concerns

1. Upon admission to my undergraduate course, will my education at PLM be on the basis of scholarship? Yes. Education at PLM is basically on the basis of scholarship since PLM is a scholars' university. Full scholarship is conferred to all Manila residents, regardless of whether they graduated from a public or private high school. A highly-subsidized scholarship is given to privileged non-Manila residents like valedictorians and salutatorians from outside of Manila. The latter pay a very minimal fee for the privilege of getting high quality tertiary education that used to be exclusive to Manila's intellectually-gifted youth who are products of DCS-Manila. 2. Does PLM accept transferees from other schools? For the undergraduate level, PLM does not accept transferees. Scholars are admitted

only as freshmen after passing the required PLMAT; Provided, however, that the applicant has not previously taken the same and has not yet enrolled in any higher education institution. For the graduate level, subjects may be accredited based on the evaluation by the school authorities. For specific details and requirements, applicants are advised to confer with the respective graduate schools they intend to apply for. See contacts here.

3. May I shift to another course during the course of my study? If I'm a full scholar, do I carry this status after shifting? A scholar may shift from one major field of concentration to another or from one college to another during the Second Semester (PAO No. 27, s. 2006), provided the requisites are met. For a list of such requirements, pls. click here. A full scholar in Good Standing who shifts or transfers to another college or degree program shall keep his/her non-paying status.
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Scholastic Standing and Retention Policy

1. Do I need to maintain a GWA to continue my studies in PLM? Yes. In order to stay in PLM and retain a "Good Standing" scholastic status each semester, scholars need to maintain a general weighted average. The requirement is 2.25 for freshmen, and 2.50 for the upperclassmen (sophomores, juniors and seniors). 2. I failed to maintain my "Good Standing" scholastic status. What is the "Probationary" status? It is the status of those who failed to meet the requirements for Good Standing, but nonetheless may still be permitted to enroll on a probationary environment and regain the Good Standing status in the succeeding semester. Those who do not fall under this status are considered dismissed from the degree program. Those who are considered under Probation are the ff.: A freshman scholar who failed the criteria for Good Standing, but has a GWA of 2.50 or better. An upperclass scholar who failed the criteria for Good Standing, but has a GWA of 2.75 or better. 3. I had a failing grade, but my GWA is better than 2.25 or 2.50. Will I still get a Good Standing status? Yes. If you received a GWA of 2.25 (for freshmen) or 2.50 (for upperclassmen) despite your failing grade, it only means that you have outstanding grades in some, if not most, of the subjects you have taken in the semester then-ended. An extreme/hypothetical case, for example, is when you may have failed in one subject

but you have received a flat 1.00 in all your other subjects. This will give you a high GWA and, consequently, a Good Standing scholastic status.

4. I am about to land on my senior year but in the semester then-ended, I failed to get a GWA that is better than 2.75 which considers me as "dismissed" from my course. May I still pursue my studies under the same course? Upon your appeal and evaluation by your college, your case may be recommended for reconsideration and may be approved by the EVP upon the endorsement of the VPAA, provided that the maximum residency rule (MRR) is observed. If approved, your dismissal is set aside temporarily and you remain a scholar of PLM under the minimalpaying category. This will give you a new lease to a better future by finishing your studies in PLM by giving you a chance to regain your Good Standing (GS) status through a GWA of 2.50 or better in the coming semester. Your scholastic status, then, is Academic Standing Adjusted (ASA). Failure to regain a GS status in the coming semester only means that your dismissal is final and executory. 5. I started off as a full (non-paying) scholar, but lost it when I did not maintain a GS status. Can I still regain it? Yes. If you slid down to Probationary status, you can regain the non-paying status immediately after becoming a "GS" again. However, if you came from an Academic Standing Adjusted (ASA) status, you need to have at least two (2) consecutive semesters with a GS status.
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Request for a FREE Internet Account

1. As a scholar, I understand that I am entitled to a free Internet account using my official PLM email address. How can I avail of the log-in credentials? By using your official PLM email address <yourname@plm.edu.ph>, send a request with a Subject: Request for free Internet account. In the body, kindly copy and paste the recommended content contained in the announcement with your answers. Your login credentials will be created in a separate system, the details of which shall be replied to your email. Your email address, in uppercase, will also serve as your log-in account as your gateway to the innovative services. 2. My official PLM email also serves as my log-in to my free Internet account. Will the passwords be the same? No. While you will use your official PLM email account for your free Internet account,

the passwords need to be different. This is a key security feature for your own protection and privacy in any event that one of the said accounts is compromised. This will leave the other account protected from unauthorized breaches.

3. I forgot my password to my official PLM email. How can I retrieve it? To reset your password, pls. proceed to the IT Center at GCA-104. Then you can set another password in lieu of the default password. 4. I am enjoying the use of my free Internet account. Is sharing of account to others permissible? It is an established tenet in the IT field that accounts and passwords are deeply personal and should not be disclosed nor divulged to anyone. Your password is the key to your legally binding electronic signature and you are responsible for any user activity processed under your password. Further, someone using your account would result to inconveniences like access denial during log-in, or worse, account theft. Instead, encourage your classmate to apply for and avail of his own free Internet account to which he is entitled. 5. I sent a request using an email other than my official PLM email account. Why didn't I receive my log-in credentials? In order to ensure that only legitimate PLM community members would be given a free Internet access account, only the requests originating from official PLM emails are entertained. Those using other email services, like Yahoo and Google, are automatically ignored. 6. I am sometimes denied access to my account. What are the causes and possible solutions? One common cause is simultaneous log-in or when someone whom you shared your account with has logged into the system earlier than you did. We advise everyone against sharing their accounts. Another cause is your failure to log-out from the system in your past session. To avoid this problem, we advise you to open your "InfoBox" upon log-in as a regimen, and click the "Logout" when you wish to terminate your Internet session. If you failed to log-out previously, "repair" your connection so it can refresh and acquire a new address. Do this by right-clicking on the wireless icon in the Status Bar near the Time, then select "Repair" and you are done. For other kinds of issues, pls. proceed to the IT Center for prompt remediation.