Enhancing Accessibility: Ateneo's Commitment to an Inclusive Campus for All

With the implementation of the Sustainability Policies and Specific Guidelines (v. 2024), the Ateneo campus has become increasingly accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs). The University upholds policies outlined in the Student Handbook, ensuring every student has access to facilities supporting learning inside and outside the classroom.

In line with this, Ateneo has installed ramps in various buildings, including the busy Science Education Complex. The Rizal Library in the First Pacific Building has been designed to be fully accessible to wheelchair users, as is the long path leading to Leong Hall in the School of Social Sciences. Ramps are also available in other buildings, such as the student study hall Mateo Ricci. Additionally, nearly all buildings on campus now feature covered walkways as part of the university's phase 1 and 2 construction plans.

Furthermore, the Campus Facilities and Management Office has created designated PWD parking spaces in areas like the University Dormitory and Bellarmine Hall. Accessible parking is also available at the Gonzaga and SEC buildings. Elevators are installed in each building to assist students with mobility challenges, and many of them are equipped with Braille buttons for ease of use.

Lastly, chair lifts have been added to staircases on the ground floor, providing support for elderly faculty and students with mobility issues.

Non-Discrimination Policies

Ateneo de Manila University has implemented policies and initiatives to promote gender inclusivity and equal opportunities within its community. These policies include a Code of Decorum addressing sexual harassment, a Gender Policy promoting a gender-inclusive and gender-safe community, and the Loyola Schools Gender Hub providing support services for gender-based violence. Ateneo also has specific policies for accommodating applicants with special needs during admission testing and evaluates applicants based on their potential, irrespective of gender or other factors.

Health And Well-Being

The Policy Statement on University Health and Well-Being (2021) of Ateneo de Manila University promotes inclusivity by ensuring health promotion without discrimination based on any factors, 

Gender

Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Schools released a Policy Statement in December 2018 to establish The Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Schools Policy Statement on Building a Gender Inclusive, Gender Responsive, and Gender Safe Community. The policy was based on three pillars: inclusivity, gender-responsiveness, and safety. It aimed to create a community that respects the dignity of every individual, regardless of their sex, gender, or sexuality. To achieve this goal, the policy promoted transformative practices and supporting services that addressed sexual and gender-based violence.

In August 2019, the Loyola Schools Gender Hub was established as the university's diversity and equality office within the Loyola Schools. The Gender Hub offered a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to address issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE). Its strategic priorities included developing gender-responsive procedures and standards, organizing sensitivity training programs, and offering support services for cases of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and sexual and gender-based violence.

On September 26, 2020, the University introduced the Code of Decorum | Policies & Regulations | Ateneo de Manila University. This policy focuses on defining sexual harassment, addressing various forms of sexual misconduct, and regulating inappropriate behavior. The policy applies to University students and personnel, replacing the prior Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy.

Special Needs

Moreover, our Policy for Addressing Students with Special Needs is driven by principles of non-discrimination, inclusivity, and the right to quality education. We recognize our responsibility to provide reasonable accommodation to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and admissions must comply with international and national frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of PWDs, the Magna Carta for PWDs (RA 7277), and the Mental Health Law (RA 11036). 

Faculty And Students

The Loyola Schools Faculty Manual 2019  actively advocates for the culture of human rights, respect, and diversity appreciation among faculty members. Student handbooks, such as Undergraduate Manual 2023 and Graduate Student Handbook 2019, also recognize all forms of discrimination as an offense, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive environment.

Admissions

Graduate Education (LS): Admissions: "OADGP Admission Testing Guidelines for Accommodation of Applicants with Special Needs," demonstrating its dedication to inclusivity, legal compliance, and ensuring an environment that respects the rights and dignity of all members of its community.  Additionally, Tuition (20%) Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities" and its commitment to admitting qualified individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds. 

Undergraduate Education: Admissions: Ateneo is committed to admitting qualified individuals, regardless of nationality, creed, gender, residence, or financial capability, and values openness and inclusivity.  Ateneo emphasizes the evaluation of applicants based on their preparation, fitness, and potential to contribute to the academic community and serve others, echoing the importance of ensuring that all university community members receive equal treatment, respect, and dignity, regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics.