𝗨𝗦𝗠 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 Now on its third consecutive year in the rankings, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) improved its standing in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ratings, advancing from the 1501+ bracket in 2025 to the 1001–1500 bracket this year. The university secured its place among 1,603 higher education institutions worldwide evaluated for overall sustainability impact. This improvement stems from the university’s sustained commitment to initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), its continued support for communities and stakeholders, and its efforts to ensure that teaching, research, extension, and governance contribute meaningfully to sustainable development. In addition to its overall ranking, the university secured placements in 12 SDGs under the 2026 THE Impact Ratings, as detailed below: SDG 1 No Poverty (601–800) Out of 931 institutions globally SDG 2 Zero Hunger (401–600) Out of 731 institutions globally SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing (801–1000) Out of 1254 institutions globally SDG 4 Quality Education (601–800) Out of 1335 institutions globally SDG 5 Gender Equality (301–400) Out of 1095 institutions globally SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth (601–800) Out of 1003 institutions globally SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (601–800) Out of 826 institutions globally SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities (801+) Out of 932 institutions globally SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities (601–800) Out of 865 institutions globally SDG 15 Life on Land (301–400) Out of 658 institutions globally SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (601–800) Out of 914 institutions globally SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals (1001–1500) Out of 1610 institutions globally The Times Higher Education Impact Ratings are the only global performance metrics that evaluate universities based on their contributions to the United Nations SDGs. Prof. Bryan Lloyd P. Bretaña, the Director of the Office of International Affairs (OIA), spearheads the international rankings initiative of USM. He also is the President of the Council of International Relations Officers (CIRO) Region XII. Joining USM from Region XII are Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC), Holy Child Central Colleges, (HCCC) Inc., Holy Trinity College of General Santos City, Mindanao State University – General Santos (MSU-GSC), North Valley College Foundation, Inc. (NVCFI), Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU), Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST), Green Valley College Foundation, Inc., Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, (RMMC) Inc., and RMMC– Marbel, Inc. Notably, USM was the only institution from the region included in the rankings in 2024. Through sustained efforts, strong institutional support, and the guidance of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region XII, the number of ranked institutions from the region has grown to twelve this year. The four core pillars of evaluation that THE Impact Ratings uses were research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching.

June 25, 2026

Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at June 25, 2026

USM Improves Global Standing in Times Higher Education Impact Ratings

Now on its third consecutive year in the rankings, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) improved its standing in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact […]

June 24, 2026

Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at June 24, 2026

When Almost Becomes Enough: The Valedictorian’s Story of Gratitude and Growth

Justine Nova Tayabas, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Class of 2026 Valedictorian, delivered a heartfelt valedictory address during the university’s 80th Commencement Exercises on June […]

June 24, 2026

Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at June 24, 2026

USM Undergoes PRC Regulatory Inspection for BS Accountancy Program

‎The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) conducted an inspection and monitoring for the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program on June 24, 2026, at the Lope E. […]

June 22, 2026

Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at June 22, 2026

USM Participates in PEHEIC 2nd Quarter Meeting

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering regional partnerships and advancing sustainability education through its participation in the 2nd Quarter Meeting of […]

June 22, 2026

Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at June 22, 2026

USM IPTTBDO Strengthens IP and Innovation Expertise Through IPOPHL Training

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM), through its Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer, and Business Development Office (IPTTBDO), strengthened its capacity in intellectual property management and innovation […]

June 21, 2026

Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at June 21, 2026

Dr. Basan’s Research on Food Systems Wins National Recognition

Dr. Romiel John P. Basan, head of the Satellite Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC) at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and a faculty […]