NO MORE mandatory review classes for fresh graduates taking state licensure exams.
A law prohibiting universities and colleges from forcing students with licensure examinations to enroll in specific review centers as a pre-requisite for graduation was signed by President Benigno Aquino III last month.
Republic Act (RA) 10609 or the “Protection of Students’ Right to Enroll in Review Centers Act of 2013” aims to guard students from possible abuses by higher educational institutions (HEIs) and protect their right to choose a review center.
Fees for transportation, board and lodging, and other payments for the licensure reviews are deemed unlawful.
HEIs should also not withhold important documents from students who do not comply with their requirement. Any violation of the act by school officials, deans, faculty members or other employees, will be subject to six months to six years of imprisonment and a fine of P750,000, according to the law.
The Commission on Higher Education may also impose sanctions on erring HEIs under the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1994.
Professional licenses of HEIs may also be revoked.
The Professional Regulation Commission administers licensure examinations for 46 professions.
UST does not require its graduates to enroll in specific review centers.
