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| Image by RQUI Photography |
The Office of the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs (OVRAA) recently announced to the Varsitarian that the University of Santo Tomas won’t shift to a 50-50 hybrid setup in their mode of instruction until the next Academic Year 2023-2024, which is on August 2023.
It can be remembered that the Memorandum Order No. 16 of 2022 of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) notes that by the Second Semester of the Academic Year 2022-2023, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can no longer deliver their degree programs through fully distanced learning. HEIs choosing to conduct hybrid classes should allot at least 50% of the total time of learning hours to in-person classes. HEIs planning to hold full distance learning must secure approval from CHED.
In an exchange with the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta with the Varsitarian, the second term starting on January 16 will be a “transitory period” for classes—academic units are to plan the best combination of onsite and online classes for the respective courses in order to maximize the enriched virtual mode (EVM) that UST is currently implementing. She also adds that plans to transition will be communicated with CHED.
This semester offers limited F2F classes under the enriched virtual mode to select junior and senior sections of the communication program. We reached out to some CASAn students from different year levels regarding their reactions to the university's plans for the upcoming semester.
Hannah Patricia Clara of 1COM-3 shared her disappointment, “It was really disappointing knowing that the university makes way for university-wide events; however, when it comes to learning and setting up needed facilities for face-to-face classes.”
Grin Margaux Cabangon of 2COM-2 told us her sentiments regarding the news, “As a CASA student, I think face-to-face classes should be implemented. Since our courses involve the media, broadcasting, filming, etc. We should be able to experience them hand-in-hand to acquire better skills.”
Russel Dimarucot of 3COM-4 also expressed similar feelings, “Very disappointed with the decision that the university is still opting for a band-aid solution rather than addressing the issue itself. Given that the university was able to conduct university-wide events it has been bothering students with how the University could not proceed with a 50-50 hybrid setup.” He also adds, “Considering that the university has been having its classes for almost 3 years now, I think we should at least return to a 50-50 Hybrid set up, especially for Juniors and Seniors that are taking up classes that require utilizing facilities that would greatly enhance their learning experiences.”
A formal announcement on the plans for the communications program is yet to be released.
