Core Values
Catholic Identity
The University’s Catholic identity is embodied in two statements, Education with a Mission and Witness to the Word. USC aims at the holistic formation of the individual that enlightens the mind, hones skills, and positively transforms character and behavior (from Dialogue with the Word, SVD Education Ministry as Mission of Dialogue, 2010, 103–104). Every Carolinian becomes a catalyst towards the realization of the kingdom of God, promoting truth, love, justice, freedom, peace, and grace. Carolinians in society have a sense of mission recognizable by their contribution as the “light,” “salt,” and “yeast” of the Gospel. Graduates of USC are professionally competent and skilled (Scientia), have noble character and are value-driven (Virtus), and are dedicated to social transformation (Devotio).
Core Values
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Integrity
Carolinians shall reflect in their personal and professional life the ideals of the Catholic university as “an academic community, which, in a rigorous and critical fashion, assists in the protection and advancement of human dignity and of a cultural heritage through research, teaching and extension services to the local, national and international communities” (Apostolic Exhortation Ex Conde Ecclesiae, 1990).
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Excellence
Carolinians shall constantly strive to attain the highest standards in their respective fields.
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Commitment
Carolinians shall bear in mind that the ultimate goal of the University is the transformation of communities, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao, through the provision of quality basic and higher education.
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Social Responsibility
Carolinians shall strive to provide themselves and the students an understanding of and effective tools for addressing the prevailing social realities in the country. As far as possible, they shall volunteer their expertise and contribute to effective social and civic programs in the local community, through initiatives organized by themselves, their respective departments and relevant external organizations.
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Evangelization
Carolinians shall seek to understand the values and mores of local cultures and enrich them through gospel values and the teachings of the Church. In a privileged manner, they shall, in solidarity with the Philippines Southern Province of the Society of Divine Word, support the missionary apostolate in the Visayas and Mindanao.
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Leadership
Carolinians, not only in positions of authority but also in their own personal capacity, shall strive to set the conditions for reflection and learning on their respective educational tasks, both in their departments and in the local community, foster norms of behavior befitting a Witness to the Word and exhibit these norms in their own way of life.
SVD Philippines Southern Province
SVD confreres in the Philippines Southern Province (PHS) are involved in education, formation, and pastoral work. USC is the largest educational institution in the SVD Philippines Southern Province.
SVD Generalate
Societas Verbi Divini (SVD) or the Society of the Divine Word is a missionary congregation founded in 1875 by St. Arnold Janssen. Today, SVD priests and brothers serve in 55 countries, including the Philippines where it is recognized as the largest male religious congregation.