WITH less than four months left in their term, Central Student Council (CSC) officers remain optimistic that UST will soon have a Students’ Code.
CSC President Rubi Anne Dauan said passing the student charter that has remained pending with the administration for eight years is still possible.
“If the administration and the faculty are willing to accept it and the studentry approves of it, it is doable,” Dauan said in an e-mail to the Varsitarian.
In a previous report of the Varsitarian, the CSC explained the long and tedious process of ratification of the Students’ Code, which was delayed anew with the turnover of the University’s rectorship from Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P. to Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. earlier this year.
Waiting for the Rector
Dauan said they are now waiting for Dagohoy’s approval before submitting the code to the student body for a plebiscite.
“As of the moment, Father Dagohoy has not yet replied to our requested schedule for a meeting,” she said.
According to Dauan, the Office for Student Affairs and the UST Faculty Union have approved the code, following the Academic Senate and the Council of Regents.
Many academic officials previously interviewed by the Varsitarian, however, kept mum on the Students’ Code as they have yet to review its latest version.
Wide scope
Dauan said the wide scope of some provisions is also causing delay. She cited Article 2, Section 7 of the latest version which states that “students have the right against unreasonable deadlines and requirements.”
“[The provision] should be quantified clearly through an IRR (implementing rules and regulations),” Dauan said.
CSC Vice President Raymond Angelo Gonzales cited Article 2, Section1, stating that “a married pregnant student shall not be denied enrollment and/or scholarship,” saying it contradicts the University’s Catholic character and the UST Student Handbook.
Raising awareness
Dauan said the charter is not generating buzz because it is not as “interesting” as other CSC projects, such as contests.
“We consider that the studentry is preoccupied with so many things,” Dauan said.
However, there are plans to launch events to inform students about the code.
“When students are informed, it is easier to involve them in the process of approval,” Dauan said. Andre Arnold T. Santiago
