AMA Computer University (Filipino: Pamantasang Pangkompyuter ng AMA), using the trade name AMA University (Filipino: Pamantasan ng AMA), is the first ICT university in the Philippines and in Asia. The university serves as the flagship brand of the AMA Education System (AMAES).
AMA University is located in Maximina Street, Villa Arca Subdivision, Project 8, Quezon City, Philippines. It specializes in electronic, information, and communication technologies. It follows a trimestral calendar where a typical four year collegiate education program under a semestral calendar is completed in 3 years.
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History
AMA Institute of Computer Studies
AMA University and its sister school AMA Computer College (AMACC) were founded by Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, who named them after the initials of his father's name, Amable Mendoza Aguiluz, Sr. Dr. Aguiluz saw the demand for fully trained computer professionals in the country. However, no institution in the country offered computer education to professionals.
Aguiluz founded the AMA Institute of Computer Studies with the first computer school located along Shaw Boulevard on 20 October 1980. At that time, AMA Institute of Computer Studies offered only short-term courses in Electronic Data Processing Fundamentals, Basic Programming, and Technology Career. Three student enrolled at the AMA Institute of Computer Studies during the first semester.
AMA Computer College, branches and sister schools
AMA Computer College came into existence in June 1981. It extended its services through a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. With only a handful of students in its first year of operation, the AMACC student population rose dramatically from 600 in 1983 to 2,000 in 1985 in its first official campus in Makati City. Shortly after, it established its main campus in Quezon City. Two provincial campuses were then founded in Cebu and Davao City.
With the passage of the Philippine Republic Act No. 7722 or the Higher Education Act of 1994, privately controlled educational institutions' academic fees were deregulated. AMA increased tuition fees then solved the problem of low student population by embarking on a marketing, advertising and information campaign.
The emergence of AMACC led to the birth of AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC) in 1986 and AMA Telecommunication & Electronic Learning Center in 1996. The former offers short-course programs for professionals and two-year technical/vocational courses for those who wish to acquire employment skills. The latter is one of the first schools in the Philippines to concentrate on telecommunication, electronics, and related technologies.
It was the first school in the country to fully integrate the Internet into its curriculum. Since 1987, all major AMA colleges have been interconnected through a local area network (LAN), which converted them into one nationwide school system.
In 1991, Aguiluz gained accreditation for AMA Computer College in the American League of Colleges and Universities (ALOCU), thus, making AMA the first Filipino and non-American school to do so. AMACC became an official member of the John F. Kennedy Educational Institute in Japan. AMACC is accredited by the National Computing Centre United Kingdom.
Elevation to university
AMACU's Quality Management System has been ISO 9001-certified since March 1999 by Société Générale de Surveillance International Certification Services Canada, Inc.
AMA Computer College of Quezon City became AMA Computer University following the conferment of university status by the Philippine government's Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on 20 August 2002.
In 2003, AMA Computer University inked a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University's iCarnegie to use its curriculum and courses through e-learning. Previously, ICarnegie had approached STI for the agreement, but opted to stick with AMACU instead. As stated by iCarnegie President and CEO Allan Fisher, "the academic relationship between STI and iCarnegie went well, the business side of the agreement did not go as planned".
12 years after its elevation as university, AMA tapped Hewlett-Packard Philippines for the development and implementation of software testing academic subjects of its Information Technology degree course.
Other AMA Computer College campuses
The Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) did not accredit other AMA campuses to use the title "University" and only permitted to use the title of "College" or "Institute" as these campuses have not met the requirements needed by the Philippine academic regulatory body.
In 2003, AMA Education system brokered a partnership with the government of Bahrain to establish the AMA International University in Manama.
AMA University Online Education
AMA University, the Asia's first and largest network of Schools and Universities has finally launched the very first and only full online platform offering full degree programs in the Philippines. As a dominant provider of holistic, relevant, and quality IT-based education, AMA University Online Education aims to educate every Filipino and anyone in the world who needs access to education in any region, in different timezone hence producing professionals and leaders that will be responsive to the developments of technology and the international community.
With two of the flagship which AMA University is known for and has pioneered also in the Philippines, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, these CHEd and Level 3 PACUCOA Accredited Programs are now accessible without the hassle of flying to the Philippines or going to school. The advancement of technology opened AMA an opportunity to provide access and finish a degree through smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop making it very convenient for every student to learn and master lectures at their own pace, through their own ways.
Every trimester in AMA University Online lasts for 14 weeks (eq. to approx. 3 months) but with no definite start date. Which means once enrolled, the student may start right away and finish the degree within a 14-week duration. The student will no longer be late as they could access the lessons and even take assessments on their most convenient time, at their most convenient place.
With the overwhelming response of the Philippines market especially by the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), AMA University Online Education has partnered with the world's leading content and training providers such as Lynda.com (a Linkedin Company), McGraw Hill Education, Microsoft Virtual Academy, among others.
Athletic programs
In 2001, AMA joined the newly created National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU). The AMACU Titans had a rocky start but in 2006, they beat their corporate rivals, the STI Olympians and became the 2006 NAASCU Champions. It participates in the Collegiate Champions League, composed of top ranked varsity teams in the Philippines.
Dataline
Dataline, the official student publication of the university, has an office on the 2nd floor of the college building, releasing an issue each term. It is one of the two official student organizations of the university, the other being the Student Council (SC).
I Love You Virus
In 1999, AMA Computer College Makati student Onel de Guzman submitted a thesis proposal for the creation of a computer program that will hack into computer systems and extract vital information, particularly Internet Service accounts. The proposal was unanimously rejected by the College of Computer Studies' academic board. De Guzman was scheduled to complete his studies in 2000 and an academic subject called "Thesis A" was one of his final requirements before graduation.
After commencement day on 3 May 2000, an e-mail trojan called "ILOVEYOU" spread internationally and caused delays in several online transactions. The ILOVEYOU virus unleashed a flood of e-mail that hit at least 45 million users in at least 20 countries according to one estimate. The virus started with "ILOVEYOU" in the subject line, but several variations appeared soon afterward, including one masquerading as an e-mail joke and another as a receipt for a Mother's Day gift. The virus both replicates itself and steals the user names and passwords of unsuspecting victims. The e-mail replies from angry virus recipients to the creator passed through the United States e-mail address "isp-adm@mail.com", which then forwarded them to the two Access.Net (Philippine Internet Service Provider) e-mail accounts used by the virus creator - "spyder@super.net.ph" and "mailme@super.net.ph".
According to Guinness World Records, the ILOVEYOU virus was the fastest-spreading computer worm until the release of Mydoom in 2004. The virus was traced to an apartment room in downtown Manila where De Guzman was residing. De Guzman was invited by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for questioning, and in an interview, admitted spreading the virus "by accident". In response, AMA expelled de Guzman from AMA Makati and considered him a "drop out" for life. The NBI charged De Guzman for violation of Republic Act 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act oF 1998. However, due to lack of sufficiency, the justice ministry dropped the charges as there was no clear legislation regulating the Internet. As a result of the incident, President Joseph Ejercito Estrada signed into law Republic Act 8792, known as the Philippine Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 on 14 June 2000.
Political affiliations
Amable Aguiluz V was Joseph Estrada's political endorser in the 1998 Presidential elections. Aguiluz resigned from the Commission in November 1999 due to a controversial purchase of equipment by the commission from a subsidiary of the AMA Group of Companies.
Aguiluz's father Amable Aguiluz Sr. was Diosdado Macapagal' s friend and Aguiluz Sr. served as Chairman and Auditor-general of the Commission on Audit in the 1960s. Arroyo was invited to AMA's sponsored political rallies. In 1995, Arroyo attended a political rally in AMA when she ran for re-election as senator. Arroyo attended all graduation rites for AMA from 2002 to 2005. Arroyo cited AMA for not participating in cause oriented and student activist groups. Arroyo appointed Aguiluz as Presidential Adviser for the Middle East.
AMA's survey regarding Hello Garci scandal
The 2005 Hello Garci scandal, also known as the 2004 Presidential election rigging controversy, is one of the controversies against the President Gloria Arroyo. AMA commissioned four related SWS national public opinion surveys dated 22 and 27 October 2005. These questions are:
1) The Congress and Senate are just wasting money and time in their investigations regarding jueteng and the Garci tapes, 2) The opposition does not have a clear plan for the country. Its only objective is to bring down the current administration, 3) Often, news on television, on radio and in newspapers are purely negative and are no longer helping the country, 4) In spite of the accusations being hurled against Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, she still continues to implement good reforms.
Many militant groups and opposition politicians questioned the survey questions. The results of the survey are:
- On the first test statement, about half (54%) of Filipinos agree, while a fifth (22%) disagree, and another fifth (20%) are undecided. The net agreement is +32, indicating moderate agreement;
- On the second test statement, 37% of Filipinos agree, while 28% disagree, and 31% are undecided. The net agreement is +9, indicating a split opinion;
- On the third test statement, 41% of Filipinos agree, while 29% disagree, and 28% are undecided. The net agreement is +12, indicating a slight agreement.
- On the last test statement, 37% of Filipinos agree, 34% disagree, and 26% are undecided. The net agreement (% agree minus % disagree) is +3, indicating a split opinion.
School principal case resolution
On 23 January 2007, the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the NLRC regarding the dismissal of a high school principal.
A high school principal was promoted on 13 May 1996 but an incident four days later led to her dismissal. A cashier at the company, carried a brown envelope containing PhP 47,299.34 to the comfort room of the school. While inside, she placed the envelope on top of the (toilet bowl) tank. After she left the room, she realized the envelope was left behind, hence she returned to the comfort room, but the envelope was already gone. The incident was reported to the area director, who told that the only person she recalled entering the comfort room after her was the school principal. Investigation of the school principal was ordered. Thereafter, she was brought to the barangay office and the incident was entered in its blotter. On 20 May 1996, she was suspended.
School officials served the principal several notices to appear during the hearings and to submit her written explanation, but the hearings were always cancelled. On 19 June 1996, AMA dismissed the principal on the ground of loss of trust and confidence. On 21 June 1996, school officials sent her another notice directing her to appear on 27 June 1996 hearing and to submit a written explanation. The hearing was, again, cancelled. On 1 July 1996, AMA finally terminated her employment.
On 14 August 1996, Garay filed a complaint for her dismissal and on 14 September 1998, NLRC Labor Arbiter Eduardo Carpio rendered judgment. He ruled that there was no material and direct evidence to show that the employee took the collections. NLRC ordered AMA to immediately reinstate her to her former or substantially equal position and pay her backwages computed in the amount of P300,000.00 (1 July 1996 to 31 December 1998 = 30 months. P10,000.00 x 30 months = P300,000.00), moral damages of PhP 100,000.00 and exemplary damages of PhP 50,000.00.
Student case resolution
On 10 November 2004 the Regional Trial Court dismissed the case against 48 students and granted the students' motion to discontinue the proceedings after getting assurance from the school administration that they can continue with their studies. The students were ordered dismissed by school management 4 October 2004 for holding a protest rally in front of the school.
The students were dismissed from the school by the area director, school director and the school's disciplinary board after they held a protest rally in front of the school campus without the necessary permit. They said that the dismissal of the students was based on a resolution dated 9 October issued by Student Disciplinary Tribunal, which states that holding of rallies or any related activities without the necessary permit from an authorized school officer is a major offense that merits dismissal as provided for in the student handbook.
The students filed a 13-page civil suit with damages against the school for dismissing them. They also claimed their dismissal was null and void and violates their freedom of expression as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. They said they held the rally to show support for the preventive suspension of several regular teachers, the implementation of the webcast teaching system and other unresolved issues regarding miscellaneous fees.
The students were accompanied by police authorities in going back to school.
Daniel Padilla PBA D-League issue
Daniel Padilla, a local actor, signed as AMA University's fifth advertisement endorser. AMA then joined as an expansion basketball team to the 2014-2015 season of the PBA Developmental League and Padilla was selected by AMA as its final round draft pick. Many spectators in the draft event at the PBA head office in Libis, Quezon City were surprised with the selection as Padilla was not part of the 153 players who submitted their application for the draft. AMA invoked its right as a school-based team to sign a player who hasn't applied for the draft.
Padilla's professional handler, ABS-CBN's Star Magic denied reports Padilla was allowed to join the league and it was done without their prior knowledge. AMA claimed that Padilla was enrolled by the university as a freshman for the course Information Technology. Padilla responded to news reporters and stated that it was much of his surprise that he was drafted without his prior knowledge and declined to join the basketball league.
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Academic units
Undergraduate programs
- College of Computer Studies
- College of Engineering
- College of Business Administration and Accountancy
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Education
Basic education programs
AMA Computer University also has pre-school, elementary, and high school programs under the brand St. Augustine International School (now AMA Basic Education).
AMA Computer University Town
The AMA Education Group is planning a campus named University Town. Expected to be completed in celebration of its 35th year, the AMA Computer University Town is a 50-hectare property in Ara Vista Village in General Trias, Cavite It draws its inspiration from old universities in the western world that spurred rapid development in the Host Township.
The University Town will serve as another type of multi-use development, a primary institutional complex in a park-like setting. A network of open space and walkable distances from once destination to the other is laid out to encourage users to walk instead of using vehicles.
Sister schools
The AMA Education system has sister schools. Unlike the Quezon City campus, whose land is wholly owned, some of the campuses are on rented real estate. The campuses are overseen and monitored by government departments, such Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education and the Philippine Maritime and Naval Agency (MARINA), for Norwegian Maritime Institute. Student population mainly determine the longevity of the campuses. Only the main campus of AMA, in Project 8, is accredited with a University status; all else are under study for proper accreditation.
Pursuant to TESDA compliance, the school offers ladderized education as well, a program that allows vocational students to pursue college easily, having their previous vocational course merits credited into their college curriculum.
- AMA Computer College (doing business as AMA Colleges) are educational institutions across the Philippines that offer the same programs as AMACU. The campuses in Caloocan, East Rizal, Makati, Las Piñas, Malolos, Biñan, Pasig, Bacolod, Fairview, Capiz, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao are among these.
- AMA International University is a partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and AMA Education System serving AMA's ICT programs in the Arab Region.
- AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC College) are educational institutions across the Philippines that has a similar structure as AMA Computer College but only offer short Information Technology-related programs. These programs range from Certificate (3-month), Diploma (1 year) to Associate (2-years). It uses a semestral (5-month) academic calendar.
- St. Augustine School of Nursing are educational institutions across the Philippines that has a similar structure as AMA Computer Learning Center but only offer short Medical-related programs like caregiver course.
- ABE International Business College are educational institutions across the Philippines that has a similar structure as AMA Computer Learning Center but only offers short business-related programs like e-Commerce Management.
- AMA International Institute of Technology are educational institutions that have a similar structure as AMA Computer Learning Center but only offers short technology-related programs like radio technician course. Formerly AMA Telecommunication & Electronic Learning Center, it is located in EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City.
- Norwegian Maritime Academy are educational institutions across the Philippines that offer the same programs as AMACU. It focuses only in Maritime-related courses like Marine Engineering.
- AMA School Of Medicine are educational institutions across the Philippines that offers the same programs as AMACU but is under study for accreditation or recognition by the Commission on Higher Education. It focuses in Medical-related courses like Nursing. The Doctor of Medicine or MD course is offered in the Makati Campus of AMA. This is an intensive 4-year course which has been operational since 2008.
- AMA Basic Education (Formerly St. Augustine International School) are educational institutions across the Philippines that offer pre-school, elementary, and high school programs but is housed outside AMACU. The institution also claims utilization of the GEMS program for their Math curriculum.
- Delta Air International Aviation Academy is an educational institution that offer studies in aviation. Its campus is located in the Old MIA Road in Parañaque and flight training area is located in Plaridel, Bulacan.
Notable alumni
- Mujiv Hataman - Governor of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 2011-present (Computer Engineering Batch 1994)
- Chito Jaime - PBA Player - San Miguel Beermen
- Getulio Napeñas - former head of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (Master of Science in Public Administration)
- Priscilla Navidad - Big Brother housemate/Bb. Pilipinas Candidate/Ms. NAASCU 2009/model
- Karen Loren Agustin - Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2002
- Rainier Castillo - as freshman before joining Starstruck
- Teddy Corpuz - Rocksteddy's vocalist
- Bombit Frogoso - MMA Fighter
- Onel de Guzman - computer programmer and hacker
- Jolina Magdangal - actress
- Stacy de Jesus - Social Media Head, Rappler
- Richie D. Cuadra - City councilor (1st District - Valenzuela City)
- Candy Medina - City councilor
- Rodolfo C. Salvador Jr. - its first board top notcher (2015 Electronics and Communications Engineering Examination)
- Ramil M. Santos - AXE Apollo Space Academy 2013 Filipino Astronaut Candidate
- Daryll Tanseco - Artista Academy aspirant/student
- Jinkee Pacquiao - wife of boxing champion, Manny Pacquiao
- May Pantino - Volleyball Player Shakey's V League
- Abigail Mae Selma - American Society for Quality - Senior Member, Certified Quality Auditor, Certified ISO 13485 Lead Auditor by RABQSA
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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