Adamson denies granting ‘instant’ PhDs to Chinese faculty

MANILA, Philippines — The Adamson University yesterday defended its graduate school program after authorities in China questioned the “instant” doctorate degrees earned by faculty members of a college in Hunan province.

Adamson said it is reviewing its options in seeking “any and all remedies” following what it described as malicious claims “perpetrated by certain sectors” regarding the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees obtained by Shaoyang College faculty members from the university.

“The PhD offerings of Adamson University strictly adhere to the policies, guidelines and standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), specifically, the minimum six terms of residency,” read the statement.

“PhD degrees conferred to Adamson graduates had passed through stringent verification procedures and are awarded in accordance with their successful compliance to institutional and CHED requirements,” it added.

The South China Morning Post reported the firing of the head of Shaoyang College after it rehired faculty who obtained PhDs from Adamson in just 28 months, supposedly shorter than the normal length taken by a doctorate student.

But in its statement, Adamson said the alleged questionable practices and improprieties committed by the president of Shaoyang College do not reflect inadequacies in the credibility and legitimacy of its education programs.

“Internal dynamics in Shaoyang College administration and its constituency had, unfortunately, dragged the name of Adamson University in their domestic conflicts,” said Adamson.

“To put the record straight, Adamson University has no official linkage with Shaoyang College and their faculty members came to enroll in the graduate school on their own armed with appropriate admission credentials,” it added.

In a separate statement, CHED chairman J. Prospero de Vera III said they have constituted a team to evaluate the report, saying it will not condone any violation of existing laws and regulation.

“Although Adamson is free from regular monitoring of CHED as an autonomous institution, CHED may conduct investigation activities in case of reports of a general erosion of quality and/or gross violation of laws, rules and regulations that adversely affect the good standing of the Philippine higher education institution,” said De Vera.