Seventy two new students of the Graduate School were welcomed by BSU president, Rogelio D. Colting in a ceremony held at the Gladiola Center last September 1, 2007.

     In his speech, the president spoke of the BSU vision of becoming a premiere state university in Southeast Asia . He urged the new GS students to do their best in their studies in order to contribute to the fulfillment of this vision. They were encouraged to be independent minded and to develop their individual ability to do research so that they will be more competent. They were also asked to internalize the BSU core values which are Professionalism, Accountability, Resourcefulness, Teamwork, Integrity, Client Orientedness, Leadership, Efficiency, Spirituality and Sustainability known through the acronym, PARTICLES.

     Members of the GS executive committee also oriented the new students. GS dean, Joel V. Lubrica highlighted the GS vision in relation to what the president discussed and associate dean Dr. Romeo A. Gomez talked about policies and procedures relating to new students and transferees.

     VPAA Tessie M. Merestela assured the students of being ‘in good hands' by citing the academic credentials of the GS dean and associate dean. She mused that perhaps, there will be new ideas to be introduced by the dou. She also asked the students to feel free in bringing their queries and problems to the appropriate offices of the university, while Ms. Editha Grande of the Office of Student Services and Development also talked about the services offered in OSSD.

     To liven up the program, a Hawaiian dance number was performed by IPES director Estrellita Corpuz with two IPES faculty members and a pop music dance by five undergraduate students from CAS. Ms. Kara P. Salazar was the Master of Ceremonies and Prof. Dimas Wandit moderated the open forum. The convocation was attended by GS faculty members, CTE dean Mary Jane Laruan and old returning students.