The passing through happens once more after the baccalaureate mass when the graduating class exits through the arch, signifying the completion of their student life in the university.

The university's oldest floor plan, created by Juan Peguero, the procurator of the Dominican Province of the Philippines from 1675 to 1677 and from 1680 to 1684, designates the arch door as the Puerta del Colegio.

In 1953, UST rector Jesus Castañon ordered that the arch door, one of the few structures that survived, be transferred to the Sampaloc campus.

The female facing east holds a torch in her left hand, while her right arm rests on a winged wheel.

[5] The main inscription on the south (front) attic reads: The main inscription at the north (back) attic reads: On the left pier facing España Boulevard is a commemorative plaque honoring José Rizal, and on the right pier is a plaque honoring Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon.

The words underneath it read, Gateway to the history of the finest breed of Filipinos, a reference to the UST alumni.

[8][9] There is an urban legend that claims prematurely exiting the arch before graduation would lead to a student’s debarment.