University of San Carlos

The University of San Carlos (USC; Filipino: Pamantasan ng San Carlos; Cebuano: Unibersidad sa San Carlos), commonly referred to as San Carlos or Sangkarlos, is a private Catholic research university administered by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in Cebu City, Philippines since 1935. It was founded originally in 1595 as Colegio de San Ildefonso but was forced to closed in 1769 following the expulsion of Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines under a royal decree by King Charles III. The school officially reopened in 1783 as the Real Seminario de San Carlos, following a 1779 royal decree by King Charles III, until it separated from the seminary in 1922. The institution was named in honor of its patron saint, St. Charles Borromeo, and the reigning monarch at that time, King Charles III of Spain. After the separation, it became the Colegio de San Carlos and was eventually granted university status on July 1, 1948.

USC has two campuses, the Downtown Campus (Main) and the Talamban Campus, with a combined land area of 88 hectares or 217 acres (Talamban campus has 78 hectares).^[1] The Commission on Higher Education has recognized eight of its programs as Centers of Excellence and 12 of its programs as Centers of Development as of March, 2016.^[2][3][4]

At present, USC has a population of over 25,000 students. Over 250 are foreign students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs.^[5] It offers academic programs including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees through its seven schools.

San Carlos's notable alumni include a Philippine president, senators and congressmen, presidential cabinet members, military officials, legal personages, journalists, awards laureates, celebrities, and businessmen.

History

Early history

The University of San Carlos traces its origin to the Colegio de San Ildefonso, a grammar school attached to the Jesuit residence in Cebu. It was established by Spanish Jesuit missionaries Antonio Sedeño, Pedro Chirino and Antonio Pereira in August 21, 1595. The Colegio de San Ildefonso was closed in 1769 with the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain and the Spanish dominions.

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In 1767, King Charles III issued a royal decree expelling the Jesuits from all Spanish territories including the Philippines.^[6] This decree forced the closure of Colegio de San Ildefonso in 1769.^[7][8]

Realizing the sudden gap in local education after expelling the Jesuits, the Spanish Crown and church authorities in Cebu worked to repurpose the facilities.^[7] In 1779, King Charles III once again granted a new royal decree that allowed the school to be reopened under the Diocese of Cebu. The institution officially reopened in 1783 under the name Real Seminario de San Carlos.^{[9] [10]} The new name served a dual purpose: it was chosen in honor of the reigning monarch's personal name saint, Saint Charles Borromeo, while simultaneously paying patronymic homage to King Charles III himself.^[11][12] The title Real (Royal) indicated its status under the direct protection and auspices of the Spanish Crown.^[13]

This was prompted by the decree of the Council of Trent that all dioceses must establish seminaries to train clergy, focusing on youth aged twelve and older, particularly those from poor backgrounds inclined toward church service. The curriculum mandated a combination of foundational liberal arts and specialized theological training, including Latin, scripture, and sacrament administration. Bishop Mateo Joaquin Rubio de Arevalo, in a letter dated October 25, 1777, petitioned Charles III of Spain for the legal bequest of the buildings of the old Colegio de San Ildefonso. This was granted by a royal decree dated October 29, 1779, which was subsequently confirmed by the Real Audiencia de Manila on the October 16, 1782. On August 23, 1783, the Spanish government officially turned over the properties that it had confiscated and hitherto owned, marking the birth of the Cebu Seminary, named the Real Seminario de San Carlos after the counter-reformation saint, St. Charles Borromeo.^[14]

In 1783, Bishop Mateo Joaquín de Arévalo of Cebu used the exact same physical facilities of the closed Jesuit school to establish the Real Seminario de San Carlos. Proponents argue that because the physical "house of learning" never physically moved or transformed into a completely different industry (a barracks or hospital), the educational lineage remained unbroken.^[15]

Despite the founding of the seminary, there were no permanent faculty members during the first few years of its operation, as hardly anyone was trained for seminary administration and theological teaching. In 1825, the Seminary's first rector, Fr. José Morales del Rosario, was appointed by the Dominican Bishop Francisco Genoves, and was followed by a series of secular rectors until 1867. Bishop Genovés was succeeded by Bishop Romualdo Jimeno, also a member of the Order of Preachers. During his episcopate, Jimeno secured academic and administrative assistance from his Dominican confreres at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. This collaboration introduced structural changes and updated curricula to the seminary's educational program.^[14]

The royal decree by Isabela II dated October 19, 1852 mandated the establishment of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) in the Philippine Islands “so that they should take charge of the teaching and administration of the Conciliar Seminaries.” Concurrently, because the Vincentians had not yet arrived to take over, Bishop Romualdo Jimeno of Cebu provisionally entrusted it to the Dominican Fathers and renamed it Seminario Conciliar de San Carlos in 1852. With this, Bishop Jimeno invited, the Vincentian Fathers to take over the Seminary in 1863 under the order of Queen Isabela II. In 1867, the Seminary was formally turned over to Fr. José Casarramona, CM., who became rector. On May 15, 1867, in response to the local elite's petition to allow their sons to study, the Seminary allowed laymen to study as externs (colegiales) becoming the Colegio-Seminario de San Carlos, by decree of Bishop Jimeno: "...in order that they may be duly instructed in science and virtue.”^[14]

A royal decree dated May 20, 1865 by Isabela II, called for a system change of Secondary Education (Segunda Enseñanza) which introduced a well-planned program for a five-year course of Humanistic Studies leading to the degree of Bachiller en Artes (Bachelor of Arts). The decree vested to the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, through its Rector, the direction, supervision and responsibility for the good running of such schools; the conduct of final examinations at the end of the five-year course; and the awarding of all diplomas of the Bachelor of Arts degree. The first of such schools in Cebu was only founded in 1887 by Martin Logarta, which closed down two years after. In response, in 1887 Bishop Martin Alcocer of Cebu appealed to the Vincentian administration of the Colegio-Seminario de San Carlos to send more personnel in order to comply with government standards. The University of Santo Tomas recognized the five-year program of the Seminario-Colegio de San Carlos, and in 1894, the first batch of Cebuanos arrived in Manila and passed the examination for the Bachelor of Arts degree.^[14]

Claim of being the oldest in the Philippines

USC's claims as the "oldest educational institution or school in Asia" has been a long time subject of disputes with the University of Santo Tomas which on the other hand claims to be the "oldest university in Asia".^[16][17][18]

In 1783, Bishop Mateo Joaquín de Arévalo of Cebu established the Colegio-Seminario de San Carlos within the vacant facilities of the defunct Jesuit school. Proponents of this historical link contend that because the campus consistently functioned as an educational institution without being repurposed for civic (e.g., hospitals, city hall, library) or military use, the academic lineage remained uninterrupted.^[19]

However, this position is contested by UST. They argued that the school was reopened under a different leadership and administration, and that “following Church tradition, the foundation event and date of University of San Carlos should be the decree of Bishop Romualdo Jimeno on May 15, 1867 (turning over the seminary to the Congregation of the Missions) and the first day of classes in the history of what is now USC is July 1, 1867, the day Fr. José Casarramona welcomed the first lay students to attend classes at the Seminario de San Carlos.”^[20][21]

Though claims have been made to its origin as an autonomous institute at the time of opening of a seminary as a religious school of indoctrination in 1783. Thus, claims about being the oldest, and being a university in its earlier versions or the claims of using shut down institutes as its constituents are concocted and disputed.^[20][21] According to Dr. Victor Torres of the De La Salle University, the University of San Carlos' claim dates back to 1948 only when USC was declared a university.^[22] In 2010, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a bronze marker declaring USC's foundation.^[23]

History of administration

The University of San Carlos is currently administered by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), which assumed management of the institution since 1935.^[24] Four Catholic religious orders have managed or influenced the institution throughout its history, showcasing a structural evolution that culminated in the school securing university status on July 1, 1948.^[25] According to historical analysis by Rahmann (1975), the transition across the Jesuit, Dominican, Vincentian, and SVD eras reflects an institutional adaptability that sustained the school through critical regional transitions.^[25]

Later history

After the transition from Spanish to American rule over the Philippines, the Seminario-Colegio obtained government recognition in 1912, under the rectorship of Fr. Jacinto Villalain. In 1922, Seminario-Colegio de San Carlos was split into a seminary and a college in response to Pope Pius XI's apostolic letter Officiorum omnium,^[29] which decreed that "seminaries should serve no other purpose than that for which they were founded."^[30][20][21] One of the institutions that emerged from this split was named San Carlos College (Colegio de San Carlos). In the 1930s, the San Carlos College moved to a different location, P. del Rosario Street, while the seminary remained at Martires Street (currently M.J. Cuenco Avenue). In 1934, the College of Liberal Arts was reopened in the new building along P. del Rosario after facing a closure in 1927.^[31]

The Fathers of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) took over the College in 1935,^[31] while the Seminary remained under the Vincentian Fathers until 1998. The first SVD rector of the San Carlos College was Fr. Arthur Dingman. In 1937, the Colleges of Law and Commerce were opened, followed by the College of Education in 1938, and by the College of Engineering in 1939. 1940 marked an important year in the history of the institution, as it was in this year when women were first admitted into the collegiate section under the Junior Normal School, opened in the same year. ^[32]

World War II saw the closure of the college in 1941.^[31] Japanese troops used the college's building as a garrison and a storage facility for food and ammunition.^[32] Shortly before liberation, in 1944, the school was bombed by US forces, but it reopened in 1945. In 1946, the Cathedral Convent of Cebu and the Little Flower Academy along P. Gomez Street were rebuilt as a training department for the Education and Junior Normal students. In the same year, the following colleges were reopened: Normal, Education, Commerce, Law, and Engineering.^[31] In 1947, the College of Pharmacy was opened. San Carlos became a university in 1948, right after the completion of the Science Building (now called the J. Watzlawik Wing) along Pelaez Street. The Main Building along P. del Rosario (now called the A. Dingman Wing) was constructed in 1949, and was finished in 1950.^[32]

A few years after Liberation, San Carlos also commenced the construction of the first concrete building in Cebu across Pelaez Street, which was used for the Boys' High School. In the same block along P. del Rosario was the Santo Rosario Parish, then administered by SVD, as well as the Girls' High School. In 1946, San Carlos opened a campus in Dumanjug (now administered by the Oblates of Notre Dame as Little Flower School Inc.). In 1955, the Boys' HS moved to a campus along Mango Avenue (General Maxilom Avenue).^[32] In 1962, the Girls' HS also moved to a different campus along J. Alcantara, which was also used for the training of teachers (Teachers' College).^[33] Currently, the former building for Boys' HS has been converted to a multi-purpose building, while the former Girls' HS is now a Landbank branch.^[31]

Following the persecution of foreign clergy by the Chinese Communist Party in 1949, the University of San Carlos benefited significantly from the arrival of SVD priest-scholars from institutes such as the Catholic University of Peking (now the Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan). This unplanned influx spurred pioneering research in fields such as anthropology, physics, engineering, and philosophy, greatly contributing to the nation's post-war reconstruction.^[31] In 1963, the first Coconut Chemical Plant was opened by the University San Carlos in Talamban, as a joint project of the German and Philippine governments.^[33] In the same year, the Institute of Technology (College of Engineering and Architecture) was opened in the Talamban Campus. The building occupied by this institute is now known as the L. Bunzel Building.^[31]

In the 1960s, USC underwent rapid expansion under the guidance of foreign priest-academicians. This period of growth coincided with a surge of militant nationalism, which led to calls for the Filipinization of all Catholic school administrations in the country. In 1970, Fr. Amante Castillo became the first Filipino president of USC, marking a pivotal change.^[31]

In the subsequent decades, USC continued to expand and was often involved in significant national events, including the martial law era in the 1970s and the People Power Revolution at EDSA in 1986.^[31]

The first official Internet connection in the Philippines was established at the USC Talamban Campus in March 1994 during the 1st International E-mail conference marking the first live internet connection and first email sent. "We're in!" – This announcement was made by Dr. John Brule, an American professor emeritus from Syracuse University, at exactly 10:18 A.M. During the conference, they sent the nation's first email to STACnet and ran a live text-based Telnet connection to MIT. ^[34][35]

Starting in the 1980s, the Talamban expansion was further developed, with the construction of the Arnoldus Science Complex and Retreat House (1982), Church of Sts. Arnold and Joseph (1985), Science and Mathematics Education Building (1997), Maintenance and Calibration Workshop (1998), Arts and Sciences Building (1999) later named as the P. van Engelen Building, Health Sciences Building for the College of Nursing and the College of Pharmacy (2004) later named as the R. Hoeppener Building, College of Architecture and Fine Arts Building (2005), Engineering Conference Center (2008) later named as the M. Richartz Building, and the Josef Baumgartner Learning Resource Center (2012). In the Downtown Campus, the following buildings were constructed after the transfer of the College of Arts and Sciences to the Talamban Campus: Law and Graduate Business Building (2009) later named the E. Hoerdemann Building, Wrocklage Yard (2010), Carolinian Inn (2011), Kolk’s Nook (2011), and Language Academy (2013).^[33]Cardinal-elect Ladislav Nemet served as USC's chaplain in the 1980s.^[36] In 2012, USC inaugurated one of the country's biggest university central library and learning resource center at the Talamban campus. Infrastructure development of USC Talamban campus is being undertaken continuously with the expansion and building of access roads within the campus, underground cabling of utilities and communication lines, and construction of the new university stadium, conference and tourism center. USC Talamban campus is envisioned as an Univer-City by 2030 one of the first among the universities in the country.^[31]

USC suffered significant backlash when on April 26, 2020, broadcaster Bobby Nalzaro wrote on a newspaper column about his worries over a reported announcement by the university that classes in all levels would resume on May 4, barely a week after the enhanced community quarantine in the city (ECQ) was to end under the city's original lockdown schedule of April 28 (which was later postponed to May 15).^[37][38] This announcement by the school sparked a large online backlash from students, which expanded to backlash from other concerned parties after the extension was announced.^[37][39]

In 2025, the USC Basic Education department was formally separated from the rest of the university as San Carlos School of Cebu, Inc. (SCSC), still under the administration of the SVD. SCSC's grand launching ceremony was held on September 5, 2025.^[40]

Campuses

USC consists of two campuses in different areas of Cebu City, with a combined land area of 88 hectares.^[41]

Downtown Campus

USC's Downtown Campus (DC), colloquially referred to as the Main Campus, is located in a city block enclosed by P. del Rosario Street, Pelaez Street, Sanciangko Street, and Junquera Street. This campus primarily holds the School of Business and Economics and the School of Law and Governance. The buildings of the Downtown Campus are among the oldest structures in the university.

Fr. Arthur Dingman Building is perhaps USC's most recognizable facade. It was formerly known as the Administration Building. Designed by Paolo Beltran in the beaux-arts style, the building is USC's oldest standing edifice,^[42] being built from 1947 to 1951. This building replaced an older college building, which was destroyed during the September 12, 1944 pre-liberation bombings of Cebu.^[43] It is listed as an Important Cultural Property.^[42] Connected to the building is an annex which houses the campus chapel and the library. A part of the annex is the oldest part of the building, surviving the 1944 bombings.

Fr. Joseph Watzlawik Building is also known as the Old Science Building. Located along Pelaez Street, it used to house the pharmacy department,^[44] among others. Currently, it houses the Carolinian Inn and the Carolinian Cafe, as well as other lecture halls used by the School of Business and Economics. The building is connected to the Arthur Dingman Building by a structure called the transitorium.^[45]

Abp. Gabriel Reyes Building was completed in 1958. This academic building was built to house the commerce department. The building contains the Fr. Theodore Buttenbruch AV Hall.^[46] The building is named after Gabriel Martelino Reyes, who served as Archbishop of Cebu from 1934 to 1949, and then served as the first Filipino Archbishop of Manila.

Fr. Ernest Hoerdemann Building, formerly known as the Law and Graduate Business Building, is located near the corner of Pelaez Street and Sanciangko Street. Completed in 2009, it is the newest building in the Downtown Campus.^[33] The building houses the College of Law and the Department of Political Science.

Fr. Anselmo Bustos Sports Complex, also referred to as the DC Gym, is a large covered gymnasium. It is used for multiple university-wide occasions, notably the opening and closing ceremonies of the annual University Days.

St. Raphael House contains the St. Raphael Community of the Society of Divine Word Philippine Southern Province.^[47] The building was completed in 1961.^[45]

Talamban Campus

USC's Talamban Campus (TC) is its largest campus by land area, occupying a 78 hectare property in Talamban, Cebu City, along Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue.^[48] The campus landscape is known for its steep terrain, being situated at the foot of Cebu's central mountain range. It is marked by its forest-like greenery, as it populated with various species of trees.^[49] This campus hosts the School of Engineering; School of Arts and Sciences; School of Education; School of Healthcare Professions; and the School of Architecture, Fine Arts, & Design.

Fr. Lawrence Bunzel Building was formerly known as the Technological Center. It is the most recognizable building in the campus, and is the only major building entirely visible from the campus gates. It is the oldest in the campus, inaugurated in 1966. The building is home to the School of Engineering, which was the first school to move to the Talamban Campus.^[50]

Fr. Philip van Engelen Building, formerly known as the Arts and Sciences Building, houses the liberal arts departments of the School of Arts & Sciences.

Fr. Robert Hoeppener Building houses the School of Healthcare Professions.

Fr. Joseph Baumgartner Learning Resource Center (LRC) contains the university's central library. It is dubbed as the biggest library building in the country.^[51] Aside from the various book collections, the building also houses the USC Biological Museum, which has an extensive natural history collection.^[52]

Fr. Michael Richartz Center's primary feature is the Michael Richartz Hall, which is a large conference hall located in the center of the building. The installation ceremonies of the recent university presidents were held in this building.^[53][54]. The building also has a few classrooms and other facilities, mainly used by tourism management students.

SAFAD Building is among the most recently-built buildings in the Talamban Campus. It hosts the School of Architecture, Fine Arts, & Design (SAFAD). The building is noted for its minimalist architecture,^[55] as well as its vibrant murals along the SAFAD Theatre.

Multiple buildings were largely designed by Fr. Winand Klassen, SVD, in the brutalist style:^[56]

Arnoldus Science Complex, also known as the Science Building, is home to the natural science departments of the SAS. It was completed in 1981, and is the second oldest major building of the campus. The building is divided into three wings, namely the Fr. Edgar Oehler Wing (chemistry), Fr. Francis Oster Wing (physics), and the Fr. Enrique Schoenig Wing (biology). The building has an annex called the Science and Mathematics Education (SMED) Building, which has held the School of Education since the 2020s.

Church of St. Arnold Janssen and Joseph Freinademetz, also known as the TC Church, was consecrated by Cardinal Ricardo Vidal on March 24, 2004. It serves as the church of the local campus, and houses the philosophy department.

St. Joseph Freinademetz Formation House, occupying the former facilities of the SVD Retreat House, is the central house and seminary for the brotherhood candidates of the Society of the Divine Word Philippine Southern Province.^[57]

The Talamban Campus has various sporting venues, including a covered basketball court, a stadium, and a soccer field

Administration and organization

The University of San Carlos is governed by a board of trustees, consisting of ten members. The board elects the university president, who as the chief executive officer, appoints the vice presidents, chaplain, deans, registrar, principals, and other officers. The president is assisted by three vice presidents: one for academic affairs, one for administration, and one for finance. These officers constitute the president's cabinet. Each university president serves a three-year term, and is eligible for reappointment.^[58]

The university is divided into seven collegiate schools, each headed by a dean. Each school is divided into multiple academic departments devoted to a specific discipline, each headed by a department chair. USC's seven collegiate schools are:

• School of Arts and Sciences (SAS)
• School of Law and Governance (SLG)
• School of Business and Economics (SBE)
• School of Education (SEd)
• School of Engineering (SOE)
• School of Healthcare Professions (SHCP)
• School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Design (SAFAD)

The College of Law, which is organized under the School of Law & Governance, is headed by its own dean.

Affiliate schools

San Carlos School of Cebu (formerly the University of San Carlos Basic Education Department) was officially established in September 2025 as an independent entity. It primarily serves the senior high and basic education levels and operates under the same broader Carolinian educational framework administered by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).^[59]

Academics

Degree programs

The University of San Carlos offers education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, through its various academic units. As of 2024, the university offers 45 undergraduate degree programs, along with 34 graduate programs, three of which are professional degree programs.^[60][61]

University of San Carlos program offerings per school (2026–2027):

Reputation and rankings

USC has received significant recognition in various university rankings. The QS Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (WUR) for 2024 and 2025 placed USC within the 1,201-1,400 range and at 1,401, respectively. For the 2025 edition, only five universities from the Philippines are included in these rankings. In the QS Asia University Rankings, USC falls within the 551-600 range and ranks 88th in the QS Asia South-Eastern Asia University Rankings. QS also ranked USC as the 5th best university in the Philippines for 2024.^[62][63] USC had also made its debut in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026, placing in the 1401–1500 global bracket and among the eight Philippine universities that entered the sustainability ranking this year.^[64]

USC ranked in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024 and in 2025. It obtained an overall rank of 1501+ with an overall score of 41.3. The University ranked highest (401–600) in three SDGs, namely SDG 6, SDG 8, and SDG 14. Based on scores, the University performed well in SDG 8, SDG 5, and SDG 7 in 2024. In 2025, USC improved to the 1001–1500 bracket with an overall score of 52.2, reporting on nine SDGs and performing strongest in SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) where it ranked 301–400 globally.^[65][66]

Additionally, as of 2024, EduRank placed USC 7th in its list of the 100 best universities in the Philippines.^[67] The Webometrics Ranking of World Universities ranks USC 8th nationwide.^[68] The SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) for research and innovation ranked USC 8th among universities in the Philippines.^[69] The Institute for Research, Innovation, and Scholarship (IRIS) ranked USC 8th in science, 9th in engineering, and 7th in health for research productivity during the 2021-2022 period. The University of San Carlos was ranked 129th on AppliedHE’s “All Asia Private University Ranking 2026”.^[70]

Research and extension

The university has drawn in external grants amounting to about PHP350M (US$7M) from 2018 to 2022. Internal research grants of about PHP45M (US$754k) have also been awarded from the University Research Trust Fund within the same time period, while an additional PHP325M (US$6M) has been earmarked for laboratory facilities development anticipating the current changes in the Philippine educational system.^[71] About 140 faculty members are engaged in research with 315 papers published in internationally referred journals and 46 research collaboration agreements with international and Philippine-based institutions (2018-2022).

Research efforts are supported by a print collection of over 200,000 titles and almost 10,000 non-print volumes housed in the university's library system, along with subscriptions to 17 online journals. USC also publishes three respected scholarly journals, The Philippine Scientist, the Philippine Quarterly of Culture and Society and Devotio: Journal of Business and Economics Studies. Additional support for researchers are available through offices or committees providing ethics review, intellectual property and innovation and technology support, and animal care and use.^[72]

The university has filed nineteen patents with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and two patents granted from 2012 to 2022, and one start-up company, Green Enviro Management Systems (GEMS), Inc., has been established.^[73] USC has the following specialized research centers, research groups, and laboratories operated and maintained by the different academic departments.^[74]

Research centers

• Medical Biophysics Group (MBG)-Center for Tissue Engineering and Biological Soft Materials^[75]
• BioProcess Engineering and Research Center (BioPERC)
• Center for Geoinformatics and Environmental Solutions (CenGES)^[75]
• Center for Innovative Solutions and Quality Systems (CISQS)
• Center for Research of Energy Systems and Technologies (CREST)^[75]
• Conservation of Heritage and Research Institute for Society and its History (CHERISH)^[75]
• DOST-USC Tuklas Lunas (Drug Discovery) Development Center (TLDC)^[75]
• Research and Innovation Technology Hub (RITH)
• Chemistry Analytical and Environmental Section
• Center for Social Research and Education (CSRE)^[75]
• Marine Biology Research Section^[75]
• Cebuano Studies Center (CSC)^[76]
• Office of Population Studies Foundation Inc. (OPSF)^[77]
• Water Resources Center Foundation Inc. (WRCF)^[78]
• USC Museum Studies & Galleries (Spanish Colonial, Archeological, Ethnographic, Natural Science, Arcenas "Bahandi & Handuman", Finnigan Ifugao People of Cordillera, Japanese Fine Ceramics & Ningyo Dolls)^[79]

National recognition and distinction

USC is recognized as a Center of Excellence (COE) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in eight academic programs: anthropology, business administration, chemical engineering, entrepreneurship, mechanical engineering, office administration, physics, and teacher education. Additionally, USC is a Center of Development (COD) in civil engineering, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, computer engineering, industrial engineering, biology, chemistry, hotel and restaurant management, information technology, marine science, philosophy, and tourism. Nationwide, USC ranks fourth in the number of CHED-recognized centers, with eight COEs and twelve CODs As of 2016, and extended in 2019.^[3]

USC is ranked among the top-performing schools for 2008 to 2019 in the bar and board exams for law, accountancy, chemical engineering, chemistry, architecture, pharmacy, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and chemical technicians.^[80] USC has been granted autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in 2001, 2005, 2009, 2016 and extended 2019.^[81]

USC is a charter and founding member of the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU), the USC Schools of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Education, and Business Administration are among the first schools, colleges, and undergraduate programs accredited by PAASCU since 1957. USC School of Engineering is the first PAASCU accredited engineering school in 1974.^[31] USC is reaccredited by PAASCU as Level III for 2015 to 2019 and 2020 to 2024.^[31]

USC School of Engineering

The USC School of Engineering is the lone Philippine university member of the School on the Internet-Asia (SOI-Asia) Archived June 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, a consortium of 15 universities situated in 11 countries across Asia.

It can be noted that the first official Internet connection in the Philippines was established at the USC Talamban Campus in March 1994 during the 1st International E-mail conference. "We're in!" – This announcement was made by Dr. John Brule, an American professor emeritus from Syracuse University, at exactly 10:18 A.M. to signify that the connection to the internet was live in the Philippines and that the email link from the USC was also considered a first. During the conference, they sent the nation's first email to STACnet and ran a live text-based Telnet connection to MIT. Prior to that, the setup and installation occurred and was done around 1:15 A.M. in Makati, using a Cisco 7000 router connected via PLDT and Sprint communications to SprintLink's router in Stockton, California signaling an initial technical internet link. ^[34][82]

Seven (7) programs of the School of Engineering (chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering) were granted full accreditation by the Philippine Technological Council Accreditation and Certification Board for Engineering and Technology (PTC-ACBET) the authorized accrediting body in the Philippines of the Washington Accord as of 2020.^[83][84]

USC Bio-Process Engineering Research Center (BioPERC) of the Chemical Engineering (ChE) Department research and development (R&D) project on the re-use and re-utilization through biochemical processing of bio-organic wastes from processed mangoes and other tropical fruits into high value-added, healthy and anti-oxidant rich flour, fine poly-organic chemicals and activated carbon, is recognized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) as the "First Success Story" of an Intellectual Property (IP) technology innovation and commercialization from the academe in the Philippines. The technology developed was patented with the technical and administrative assistance of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) and the USC Innovation & Technology Support Office (ITCO). The project catalyzed the inception of a new spin-off company Green Enviro Management Systems, Inc. (GEMS) which inaugurated and commenced full operation in 2015 of its processing plant facilities located in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.^[85]

USC School of Law and Governance

The USC School of Law and Governance was recognized by the Legal Education Board of the Supreme Court of the Philippines for excellence in legal education as being the fourth nationwide highest passing percentage and performance in the bar exams from 2012 to 2017. The USC School of Law and Governance moot court team is the first law school in the Visayas and Mindanao regions to win as champion of the nationwide Philippines Philip Jessup Moot Court Debate competition and represent the Philippines in the world's largest and most prestigious moot court debate the International Philip Jessup Moot Court Debate competition 2014 in Washington DC. USC moot court team made it to the finals top 10 and was awarded the best novice (new) team.^[86]

USC School of Law and Governance is the only law school in the Visayas and Mindanao to be granted a license by the Supreme Court to have a Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP), whereby its senior students are allowed to handle actual cases in the court with the assistance and under the guidance of a licensed member of the bar. Likewise, it is the first law school in the Philippines outside Metro Manila to be accredited by the Supreme Court to conduct Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) seminar for lawyers.^[87]

USC School of Business and Economics

The USC School of Business and Economics was selected for the 2007/2008 Eduniversal 1,000 business schools that count on Earth by an International Scientific Committee. USC accountancy clinched the top performance with the highest passing percentage with at least 50 examinees and 5 board topnotchers in the May 2015, 2016 and 2018 CPA board exam.^[80]

The USC School of Business and Economics received a "One Palm" ranking in the Eduniversal 2023 Business School Ranking, signifying its status as a locally preferred institution. Notably, USC is the only business school in the Philippines outside of Metro Manila to be included in this prestigious ranking, highlighting its excellence and reputation in the field of business education.^[88]

International linkages

USC boasts significant international linkages that enrich its academic environment. With over 125 academic and institutional partnerships across 26 countries, USC has established a robust network fostering global collaboration. These partnerships span various regions, including ASEAN, the US, Europe, and East Asia, and involve joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and student exchange programs. This extensive network enhances the university's multicultural community, offering students and faculty opportunities to engage in diverse academic and cultural experiences, thereby supporting USC's commitment to global standards and excellence in education.^[89] Some of the more recent partnered Educational institutions are: TU Wien,^[90] Walailak University,^[91] University of Pecs,^[92] MATE Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences,^[93] Okayama University,^[94] Toho University,^[95] Chiba University, ^[96]and Hiroshima University. ^[97]

British Council United Kingdom and Philippines Transnational Education (TNE) bilateral cooperation with the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) granted in 2017 long-term institutional support and funding to USC School of Engineering dual graduate studies program on Doctor of Engineering with Coventry University in London, and the USC School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design graduate program on Master of Design and Arts with Cardiff Metropolitan University in London.^[98]

Libraries, collections, and museums

The USC Library System houses various academic collection, including 300,000 volumes of books, serials, and multimedia resources, spread across 15 specialized library branches and five audiovisual centers. Its centerpiece is the 16,000-square-meter Josef Baumgartner Learning Resource Center (JB-LRC) at the Talamban Campus, which serves as USC's main central library and is recognized as the largest library in the Philippines by physical size.^[99] The JB-LRC can accommodate 1,800 library users and was officially inaugurated on March 8, 2012. It is named in honor of the late Fr. Josef Baumgartner, SVD (1913–2011), who is recognized as the father of the USC Library.^[100] The system’s physical resources are organized floor-by-floor and campus-by-campus into dedicated academic disciplines. Within the Josef Baumgartner Learning Resource Center (JB-LRC) at the Talamban Campus, the library collections and facilities are distributed across specific floors. The ground floor houses the PIDS Corner and general information resources and reference services. ^[101] The second floor contains the arts and humanities collection, while the upper section of the second floor holds the Cebuano Studies Center, International collection and the American Corner.^[102] The third floor accommodates both the science and technology collection and the USC Biological Museum, with the upper third floor dedicated to the Filipiniana, Caroliniana, and rare books collections.^[103] Finally, the fourth floor is designated for the social sciences collection and multimedia resources with extensive multi-thousand-book clusters covering the humanities, social sciences, and science and technology fields. JB-LRC preserves highly specialized research archives and extensive digital including the Cebuano Studies Center that holds 9,460 physical volumes alongside over 6,000 historical photographs, local maps, microfilms, and rare Visayan art objects, while the Filipiniana, Caroliniana, and Rare Books section guards' vital local historical manuscripts.^[104]

At the Downtown Campus, the University of San Carlos (USC) Museum, inaugurated in 1967 by Imelda Romualdez Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines, and former USC president Fr. Rudolf Rahmann, SVD,^[105] features the Natural Science Gallery, which includes extensive botanical, archaeological, and zoological collections, such as local fossils, shells, and a significant butterfly collection, closely linked with the Department of Biology. It also houses archaeological and religious artifacts, ethnographic items, rare flora and fauna, paintings, and contemporary art.^[106] In addition, DC holds the Law Library with over 13,000 legal volumes,^[107] and the Bernard Bonk Library dedicated to business administration, economics and accounting coursework with specialized collections for the School of Business and Economics.^[108] Also at DC, the Demokratia library houses a specialized, civic-oriented collection focused primarily on political science, governance, democracy, American studies, and community leadership collections alongside with the American Corner DC location. To supplement these physical locations, all branches share an integrated virtual backbone via the USC Library Portal, granting students 24/7 access to specialized international networks and the ProQuest One Academic database, which compiles millions of cross-searchable digital assets, scholarly journals, and global dissertations.^[109]

University publications

Today's Carolinian

The official student publication of USC is Today's Carolinian (TC), which is run by its editorial board and staff composed of graduate and undergraduate students. The slogan of the publication is "Our Commitment. Your Paper." According to its website and Facebook page, the publication began as a re-established student publication of the University of San Carlos during the 80s, almost 10 years after Marcos' Martial Law seized the existence of student publications and other student institutions nationwide. It happened when the students launched their first strike against the administration to reinstate the student council and the student publication of the USC. The students were victorious in reinstating the student government. The latter eventually brought back the student publication in September 1983. After some time in the early 2000s, the publication was shut down again and, with the efforts of the university's supreme student council, re-emerged in 2012.^[110]

In 2020, Today's Carolinian published an editorial on Facebook titled "A GOVERNOR IS NOT ABOVE THE CONSTITUTION," condemning the alleged intimidation of the Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia against critics.^[111] The governor, through her personal Facebook account, invited the editor-in-chief of TC, Berns Mitra, to her office on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, to discuss the matter. For the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), this affirms TC's statement that the governor was trying to intimidate her critics. CEGP urged the provincial government to focus on implementing mitigating measures against COVID-19 instead of focusing on criticisms.

USC Publishing House

The USC Publishing House, formerly the USC Press, has published about 500 volumes of research journals and about 110 books of academic research by the university's faculty, scholars, alumni, and partners since 1975. Its three major research journals published are The Philippine Scientist, a journal of natural sciences; Philippine Quarterly of Culture and Society, a journal of humanities, arts, culture, history and social sciences; and Devotio: Journal of Business and Economics Studies. It also publishes research journals produced by different research centers and units of USC such as the Cebuano Studies Center, Kabilin Heritage Center, Water Resources Center, Office of Population Studies, Business Resource Center, and various academic schools and departments of the university.^[112]

Student life

USC's student life is structured to support a comprehensive collegiate experience across its two campuses. The Office of Student Formation and Activities manages these activities, promoting participation in both academic and extracurricular pursuits within the framework of the university's Catholic values and the "green and gold" Carolinian spirit.^[113]

Housing

On-campus dormitories are available primarily at the Talamban campus with structured security and curfews. Most students opt for nearby off-campus boarding houses, bedspaces, or condominiums in the Banilad/Nasipit or in Downtown campus areas.

Student organizations

There are more than 70 student organizations on both campuses, including:

The Supreme Student Council (SSC) is the student government body handles university-wide advocacy and event coordination.^[114]

Academic organizations such as the Biological Society (BioSoc) Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) and the Association of Civil Engineering Students (ACES) focus on national board exam preparation, seminars, and industry networking. Membership is based on student's academic major.

The USC Performing Arts Group oversees institutional performing arts groups, including the USC Theater Guild, USC Dance Troupe, Chorus, and Symphony Orchestra.^{[115][116][117]}

The undergraduate Carolinian Debating Society (CADEBSOC) trains students in parliamentary formats alongside specialized departmental and senior high school debate developmental teams.^[118]

Campus Ministry Volunteers, under the guidance of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), participate and serve in religious events, retreats, and community development activities.^[119][120]

Media

Founded in 1948, Today's Carolinian serves as the official, autonomous student publication of the university, covering campus journalism, editorial commentary, and literary works.^[121]

USC All Access is a student-led campus media organization, focusing on university events, student orientations, and student life updates.^[122] The group provides comprehensive coverage, including photography and video, for major campus activities and institutional celebrations.^[123]

DYRF (1215 AM), "Radyo Fuerza", a long-standing Catholic AM station, owned and operated by USC's Word Broadcasting Corporation. Its physical broadcasting studios are located on the ground floor of the Dingman Building at the USC Downtown Campus.^[124]

DYDW (98.3 FM), "Power FM", is the FM counterpart.

Traditions

The traditions at USC are deeply rooted in its identity as one of the oldest educational frameworks in the Philippines, driven by the missionary legacy of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). Students and alumni, known as Carolinians, share a unique culture centered on community, faith, and academic pride.

Carolinians

USC students are commonly referred to as "Carolinians," a designation derived from the institution's patron saint, St. Charles Borromeo (San Carlos Borromeo).^[125] The university's green and gold colors are prominently worn by students and staff to represent growth, academic excellence, and the institution's historical and cultural heritage.^[126]

Affinity

USC's "Affinity" is the university's official, week-long onboarding celebration event that welcomes new, transferring, and returning Carolinian students at the start of each first semester. Subtitled "A Carolinian Welcome," this annual event brings the campus community together through a Holy Mass, the symbolic "Carolinian March" for newcomers, rite of Gate passing, and specific academic orientations across different departments. It also features lively social events, pep rallies, talent showcases, and digital pride initiatives to help students smoothly transition into university life and connect with their peers.^[127]

USC Days

Intramural sports at USC are part of the annual "USC Days," in which student-athletes compete representing their academic schools/departments. The event begins with a solemn Mass, then the Mr. & Ms. USC Days pageant that include inter-department/school cheer and dance competitions. Subsequent game activities feature indoor court games, such as basketball, badminton and volleyball, held at the Downtown Campus Gym, and field sports, including football and ultimate frisbee, conducted at the Talamban Campus Stadium.^[128]

SVD Foundation Day

It is celebrated annually on September 8, coinciding with the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. USC and local communities under the Society of the Divine Word (SVD Philippine Central/Southern Province) mark the occasion with special Eucharistic masses and institutional activities. ^[129]

University Research Conference (URC)

It is the annual flagship research event hosted by the University of San Carlos (USC) at the Fr. Michael Richartz Conference Center on the Talamban Campus in Cebu City. Free and open to the public, this conference serves as a vital platform for faculty, students, and global scholars to present oral and poster research while bridging academia with industry leaders that is usually held on April.^{[130] [131]}

Dagan Carolinian

This is a university-wide benefit fun run organized by USC. It features 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K race categories to raise funds for student scholarship programs hosted on the expansive hills of the Talamban Campus. It brings together students, faculty, and returnees for the annual Grand Alumni Homecoming to support institutional community outreach and scholarship initiatives.

Pasalamat Carolino

This annual appreciation gala is explicitly dedicated to honoring university retirees, outgoing administrators, and long-term faculty service awardees for their career commitment to the "Green and Gold" legacy.

Sinulog

During the annual Sinulog Festival, USC students and staff participate in providing volunteer services. The university acts as a logistical support hub nearby the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, where students, staff, and Campus Ministry groups assist as crowd-control marshals, ushers, and logistics personnel for pilgrims and spectators during Novenas, processions, and the Sinulog Grand Parade. The USC Emergency Response Team (USCERT) offers medical first aid along procession routes, while National Service Training Program (NSTP) students participate as "Eco-Warriors" in post-parade street clean-up efforts.^[132] Additionally, the USC Dance Troupe contributes to the cultural aspects of the festival by performing devotional presentations during the Sinulog Parade and other public events.^[133]

Athletics

The University of San Carlos competes in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) and the national Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) leagues under the varsity name USC Warriors. Its teams participate in various sports, including football (soccer), track and field, swimming, basketball, volleyball and esports.^{[134][135][136]}

USC has several athletic facilities, managed by the USC Athletics and Recreation Center. These include a swimming pool, a tennis court, the indoor Fr. Anselmo Bustos Sports Complex at the Downtown Campus, and the USC Talamban Campus Stadium, which contains a full-sized football field and an outdoor track oval.^[137] The indoor Anselmo Bustos Sports Complex routinely serves as a designated host venue for local basketball and volleyball tournaments.^[137]

Notable alumni and staff of USC Warriors varsity teams include Ramon "El Presidente" Fernandez, who played for the Warriors from 1970 to 1972 before earning four PBA MVP titles; and Julian Macoy, who competed basketball locally in the late 1950s before serving as the team's head coach. More recent alumni include ArtJoy Torregosa, who trained with the varsity track-and-field team prior to winning a SEA Games silver medal; and current coaching staff member Grace Antigua, who is a three-time SEA Games gold medalist in volleyball.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni of the university include Sergio Osmeña Sr., fourth president and the first vice president of the Philippines;^[138] Senators Vicente Rama,^[139] Vicente Sotto,^[139] Mariano Jesus Cuenco,^[139] Filemon Sotto,^[139] Sergio Osmeña III,^[139] John Henry Osmeña,^[139] Rene Espina,^[139] Manuel C. Briones;^[139] Napoleon G. Rama, award-winning journalist, Floor Leader of the Constitutional Convention, Premio Zobel and Ninoy Aquino Memorial Award recipient;^[140] Congressmen Miguel Cuenco,^[141] Raul del Mar,^[141] and Pablo P. Garcia,^[141] and Glenn A. Chong;^[141] Governors Dionisio A. Jakosalem,^[142] Emilio Mario Osmeña,^[143] Osmundo G. Rama,^[144] and Hilario P. Davide III;^[145] Hilario G. Davide, Jr.,^[146] chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines; Aniano A. Desierto,^[147] former ombudsman of the Republic of the Philippines; Edgardo Delos Santos,^[148] associate justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines; Lourdes Reynes Quisumbing, PhD,^[149] secretary of Education, Culture and Sports; Ernesto Pernia, PhD,^[150] secretary of Economic Development and Planning and director general of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); Resil Mojares, PhD,^[151] Filipino historian and critic of Philippine literature, a National Artist of the Philippines for Literature; Antonio Abad, Premio Zobel winner in 1928 and 1929, a poet, fiction author, playwright and essayist; Erlinda Kintanar Alburo, PhD,^[152] contemporary Cebuano language scholar and promoter of the language; Ramon Fernandez,^[153] PBA player; Lauro Mumar,^[154] national team head coach of India and the Philippines; John Gokongwei, Jr.;^[155] businessman, self-made billionaire, philanthropist, founder and chairman of JG Summit Holdings; and Eugene Acevedo,^[156] businessman and president of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC).