Philippine Graduate Students' Perspectives On CMO No. 15 Series 2019 As Basis For A Conceptual Model

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the perspectives of graduate students on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 15, Series of 2019, which mandates the publication of research in peer-reviewed journals as a graduation requirement. The study aimed to understand the implications of this policy on students' academic experiences and to develop a conceptual model for addressing the challenges and opportunities it presents. Employing purposive sampling, twelve newly enrolled graduate students from different colleges and universities in La Union, Philippines, were interviewed using a developed interview guide, and thematic analysis was conducted on the transcribed data, revealing three main themes: "Into the Wilderness," "Blessings in Disguise," and "Breaking the Chain." "Into the Wilderness" captured the students' feelings of being lost and overwhelmed due to a lack of academic preparation for research publication. "Blessings in Disguise" reflected a positive reframe of the publication requirement, viewing it as an opportunity for personal and academic growth. "Breaking the Chain" highlighted the financial burdens associated with publishing, suggesting a need for institutional support to alleviate these barriers. The study's findings align with recent literature, underscoring the need for enhanced academic support and financial assistance for graduate students. The IDA Conceptual Model was proposed, integrating the themes with the dynamics of academic mandates and student experiences. This model serves as a basis for policy adjustments and the development of support mechanisms to facilitate the successful implementation of CMO No. 15, Series 2019, contributing positively to the quality of graduate education in the Philippines. The study's limitations include a small sample size and potential researcher bias. Future research directions and dissemination plans are also discussed.