Speaking before graduate students at the General Orientation on August 23 at the University Auditorium, Dr. Acedo said graduate studies go beyond earning a diploma. “You are not just earning a degree, you are rewiring your brain for leadership,” she told the crowd, stressing that professionals with graduate training tend to earn higher, rise faster, and weather industry disruptions better.

Drawing from global labor forecasts, Dr. Acedo warned that by 2027, almost half of current work skills will be disrupted by rapid changes in technology and economy. But she added that graduate students are better positioned to stay resilient.

The CatSU President also gave practical tips to help scholars manage work, family, and studies. She urged them to design “rhythms” instead of chasing perfect balance, share classroom insights at work and home to boost learning, guard energy rather than time, build a “study tribe,” and aim for progress over perfection.

“Graduate School is less about finishing the race and more about becoming the kind of person who can run farther and lead better,” Dr. Acedo said, lauding both students and faculty for their commitment.

Graduate School Dean Dr. Rene V. Torres, meanwhile, walked students through academic policies and guidelines to anchor them on expectations for the semester.

This year, the Graduate School also posted its highest opening enrollment in recent years, jumping from 424 in the first semester of SY 2024–2025 to 541 this semester—an increase of 117 students or 27.59 percent.