THE CENTRAL Student Council (CSC) urged the University to halt the implementation of the newly revised student handbook, citing the “lack of student consultation” prior to its release.
The council sought a formal dialogue with the University and the student body within the week to discuss the revisions in the handbook.
“We are concerned that the revised Handbook was released without prior consultation with the student body and without sufficient opportunity for the Central Student Council to review, discuss, and provide input on provisions that directly affect the students we represent,” the Aug. 10 letter addressed to UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. and Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. stated.
The letter was coursed through Asst. Prof. Jaezamie Ong, director of the Office for Student Affairs and the CSC adviser.
While the council recognizes the authority of the University to craft policies and regulations, the CSC said student representation was essential to a “healthy academic community.”
“Policies are more effective, legitimate, and responsive when those directly affected have a genuine opportunity to participate in their development,” the letter read.
It also requested a “sufficient period and appropriate avenues to review, discuss, and provide feedback” to the 2026 Student Handbook, calling on the University to “establish a clear process for student feedback.”
The CSC’s letter came after the Varsitarian broke the story detailing the release of the new handbook.
READ: Revised student handbook out
In reaction, CSC President Annie Agon and Secretary Clarence Mindo told the Varsitarian that incumbent officers “were not consulted” before the handbook’s release.
READ: Agon: Incumbent CSC officers not consulted prior to release of 2026 Student Handbook
Student consultation on major policies affecting students is a prerogative of the Academic Senate, one of the University’s governing bodies, under the 2014 UST General Statutes approved by the Vatican, according to research by the Varsitarian.
A representative of the recognized student body may be invited to attend and participate in Academic Senate discussions whenever the body—composed of the Rector, vice rectors, secretary general, and deans of faculties and colleges—deems it necessary.
The same statutes require the concurrence of a majority of the Academic Senate in the promulgation or amendment of the “Manual of Policies and Procedures for Students,” which governs student policies.
‘Not a challenge to institutional authority’
The CSC said it was ready to discuss handbook revisions to protect student welfare and uphold University values, and was committed to engaging with administrators in a dialogue built on “respect and good faith.”
“We believe consultation is not a challenge to institutional authority, but an opportunity to strengthen University governance and reinforce the partnership between the administration and the students it serves,” it stated.
Last revised in 2018, the new handbook contains revisions in key areas such as online conduct, disciplinary processes and appeals, and compliance with new laws on sexual harassment and safe spaces.
It also details academic and administrative processes, students’ rights and responsibilities, and rules on conduct and discipline.
