Overview
Mapúa University is committed to reducing inequalities by promoting inclusive access to education, ensuring non-discriminatory admissions and employment practices, supporting persons with disabilities, and fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environment. Through inclusive admissions policies, diversity and inclusion programs, accessibility initiatives, disability accommodations, mentoring and counseling services, and anti-discrimination mechanisms, the University seeks to remove barriers that may prevent individuals from fully participating in academic, professional, and community life.
Inclusive Admissions and Access to Education
Admissions and Enrollment Guidelines
Mapúa University maintains a publicly accessible admissions process through its Admissions and Enrollment Guidelines and online admissions portal, ensuring transparency and equitable access to higher education.
The University provides multiple educational pathways for diverse learner groups, including:
- Senior High School students
- Undergraduate students
- Transfer students
- Foreign students
- Graduate students
- Applicants pursuing second college degrees
Mapúa explicitly promotes a diverse and inclusive community where individuals can reach their full potential regardless of their belief, economic status, geographic location, nationality, gender, disability status, or personal background.
Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy
Mapúa University’s Admission Requirements for Freshmen Applicants (RG-AD-01-04) establish a non-discriminatory admissions framework that guarantees equal admission opportunities for qualified applicants regardless of:
- Age
- Gender
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Race
- Disability
- Religion
- Nationality
- Socioeconomic background
Admissions requirements and procedures are publicly available through the University’s official admissions channels, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accessibility for all prospective students.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Governance
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program
During Academic Year 2024–2025, Mapúa University institutionalized its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program under the leadership of a designated DEI Officer. The program strengthens the University’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive, and supportive campus for all.
The program was officially launched on June 19, 2024, during Pride Month, through the hybrid seminar, “To DEI Is to Care,” featuring Dr. Eva Callueng of UE Manila. It supports SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
The program promotes:
- Inclusivity
- Equal opportunities
- Diversity awareness
- Respect for human rights
- Institutional equity
DEI principles are integrated into institutional policies, educational campaigns, awareness programs, trainings, and initiatives involving students, faculty, and employees.
The program provides institutional leadership and administrative oversight for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-discrimination initiatives across the University.
Inclusive Student Support and Safe Campus Environment
Mapúa University supports an inclusive learning environment through its Gender Equality and DEI policies, which promote equal access, respect, and safety for students of diverse backgrounds and identities. The University maintains a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassment and provides awareness training on cultural competence and inclusion.
Support mechanisms include counseling services, safe reporting channels, reasonable accommodations for students with unique needs, gender-sensitive facilities, all-gender restrooms, and the use of preferred pronouns on the Cardinal Edge learning management system. These measures help ensure that all students can participate fully in campus life and thrive academically and personally.
Measures Against Discrimination
PCM-HR-06-00 Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Effectivity Date: 01 November 2023
Mapúa University promotes equality and inclusion through its Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (PCM-HR-06-00).
The policy is designed to foster a gender-sensitive and inclusive environment while promoting awareness and understanding of the diverse needs, roles, and responsibilities of women, men, and transgender individuals.
The University upholds a strong commitment to cultivating a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment for all members of the community regardless of:
- Gender
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Religion
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Other protected characteristics
The policy promotes:
- Equal opportunities in academic and non-academic services
- Diversity and inclusion in employment and education
- Prevention of discrimination and exclusion
- Elimination of bias and stereotypes
- Protection from gender-based bullying and harassment
- Equal participation in institutional activities
The University continuously reviews institutional policies, disciplinary systems, recruitment practices, and educational programs to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the institution.
Support for Persons with Disabilities
Inclusive Support Services
Mapúa University implements comprehensive services that support students and employees with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.
The University recognizes and supports individuals with:
- Psychosocial disabilities
- Chronic illnesses
- Learning disabilities
- Mental disabilities
- Visual disabilities
- Orthopedic disabilities
- Communication disabilities
- Hearing impairments
- Speech and language impairments
Center for Guidance and Counseling (CGC)
The Center for Guidance and Counseling provides:
- Face-to-face counseling
- Online counseling
- Mental health support
- Psychosocial support services
These services help students and employees with disabilities address academic, personal, emotional, and workplace concerns.
Center for Student Advising (CSA)
The Center for Student Advising provides:
- Academic advising
- Peer advising
- Developmental advising
- Fully online student advising
- Life coaching services
These programs assist students with disabilities in navigating academic requirements and succeeding in their educational journey.
Health Services Department (HSD)
The Health Services Department provides:
- Health monitoring services
- Medical consultations
- Maintenance of medical records
- Wellness support programs
The department assists in monitoring and supporting the health needs of students and employees with disabilities.
Mobility Assistance Services
Mapúa University provides mobility assistance for students and employees with mobility-related disabilities through campus clinics and health service facilities.
Available support includes:
- Wheelchairs
- Crutches
- Basic mobility support equipment
These services improve access to campus facilities, educational services, and workplace resources.
Accessible Facilities for Persons with Disabilities
Campus-Wide Accessible Facilities
Mapúa University is committed to providing accessible facilities and learning environments that support the participation of persons with disabilities.
Accessibility measures available across its campuses include:
- Designated PWD parking spaces
- Accessibility ramps
- Mechanical lifts
- Elevators
- Mobility-friendly facilities
- Accessible service areas
- Accessible academic spaces
These facilities help ensure that students, employees, and visitors with disabilities can access educational opportunities, support services, and workplace facilities on an equitable basis.
The University’s accessibility initiatives aim to remove physical barriers and promote equal participation throughout campus life.
Access Schemes and Digital Accessibility
Ally Accessibility Tool
On 02 September 2024, Mapúa University launched Ally and integrated the platform into the Cardinal EDGE Learning Management System.
The accessibility tool supports learners with special educational needs and improves access to digital educational resources.
Ally assists students who are:
- Colorblind
- Dyslexic
- Visually impaired
- Experiencing language barriers
- Requiring alternative content formats
The platform improves accessibility by providing alternative learning formats and enhancing the usability of educational materials, enabling learners to engage more effectively with course content and receive equivalent learning opportunities.
This initiative supports the University’s commitment to inclusive education and digital accessibility.
Accessibility Day 2025: Promoting Inclusive Higher Education
On 29 August 2025, Digital Education, Learning Technologies and Analytics (DELTA) hosted Accessibility Day 2025 at the Cardinal Cinema, Makati Campus, with the theme “Access for All: Rethinking Inclusion in Higher Education.” The event promoted accessibility and inclusion across the University.
The program brought together experts and representatives from the Department of Education, South Manila Education Consortium, De La Salle–College of St. Benilde, and Anthology. Discussions covered inclusive education, accessible learning technologies, and institutional practices that support students with diverse needs.
The event strengthened awareness of accessibility as a shared institutional responsibility and supported Mapúa’s efforts to reduce barriers to participation in higher education.
Reasonable Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities
RG-HR-51-01 Disability Accommodation
Effectivity Date: 25 January 2025
Mapúa University institutionalizes support for persons with disabilities through its Disability Accommodation Policy (RG-HR-51-01).
The policy ensures equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination in:
- Hiring
- Promotion
- Compensation
- Training
- Employment conditions
- Professional development opportunities
The University provides reasonable accommodations including:
- Accessible facilities
- Flexible work schedules
- Workplace safety enhancements
- Health monitoring services
- Counseling support
- Workplace adjustments based on individual needs
Accommodation requests are coordinated through the Human Resources Department while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with privacy requirements.
Inclusive Employment and Workplace Equality
PM-HR-02-03 Recruitment of Faculty
Effectivity Date: 25 January 2025
Mapúa University promotes inclusive hiring through its Recruitment of Faculty Policy (PM-HR-02-03).
The policy encourages applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups, including:
- Women
- Persons with disabilities
- Ethnic minorities
- Individuals from low-income backgrounds
- Non-traditional applicants
- Individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities
Recruitment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and institutional requirements.
PM-HR-03-05 Recruitment of Non-Teaching Employees
Effectivity Date: 25 January 2025
The University’s Recruitment of Non-Teaching Employees Policy (PM-HR-03-05) promotes equal opportunity and non-discriminatory hiring practices.
Recruitment, screening, selection, and appointment processes are conducted fairly and transparently while providing access to employment opportunities for a diverse range of applicants.
Protection from Discrimination and Harassment
RG-HR-22-01 Guidelines and Procedures Against Workplace Sexual Harassment
Effectivity Date: 25 January 2025
Mapúa University maintains a zero-tolerance approach toward workplace harassment through its Guidelines and Procedures Against Workplace Sexual Harassment (RG-HR-22-01).
The policy establishes mechanisms for:
- Prevention of harassment
- Reporting complaints
- Investigation procedures
- Protection of affected individuals
- Enforcement of disciplinary actions
- Confidentiality and due process
The guidelines apply to all teaching and non-teaching personnel and support the University’s commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
PCM-HR-08-00 Open and Responsible Communication (Whistle Blowing Policy)
Effectivity Date: 15 January 2024
Mapúa University maintains formal reporting channels through its Open and Responsible Communication (Whistle Blowing Policy).
The policy enables reporting of:
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Abuse of authority
- Misconduct
- Ethical violations
- Institutional policy violations
The framework promotes transparency, accountability, and responsible reporting throughout the University.
Human Rights and Equal Treatment
RG-HR-49-01 Child and Forced Labor
Effectivity Date: 25 January 2025
Mapúa University affirms its commitment to protecting human rights through its Child and Forced Labor Policy (RG-HR-49-01).
The policy prohibits:
- Child labor
- Forced labor
- Human trafficking
- Coercion
- Exploitation
- Modern slavery
- Involuntary servitude
The policy applies throughout the institution and reinforces the University’s commitment to dignity, fairness, and protection of vulnerable groups.
RG-HR-02-04 Job Contracting
Effectivity Date: 25 January 2025
Mapúa University ensures that outsourced and contracted personnel receive protections consistent with labor laws and ethical employment standards through its Job Contracting Policy (RG-HR-02-04).
The policy governs contracted services such as:
- Janitorial services
- Security services
- Construction services
- Maintenance services
Contracted personnel are provided with:
- Safe working conditions
- Weekly rest periods
- Meal breaks
- Wage protection
- Occupational health and safety safeguards
- Protection from work-related injury and illness
These provisions reduce inequalities between regular employees and outsourced personnel while promoting equitable working conditions.
Mentoring, Counseling, and Peer Support for Underrepresented Groups
Mapúa University provides mentoring, counseling, advising, and peer-support mechanisms for students and employees belonging to underrepresented and potentially underrepresented groups, including persons with disabilities.
Through the combined services of the:
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program
the University ensures access to academic guidance, mental health support, developmental advising, life coaching, accessibility assistance, mentoring services, and other targeted support programs that encourage inclusion and successful participation in university life.
These initiatives help remove barriers to education and employment while promoting equal opportunities for all members of the University community.