THE UST Central Student Council (CSC) on Thursday called on administrators to suspend online classes until April 14 amid a Luzon-wide quarantine to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease.
In a letter addressed to Acting Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., Secretary General Fr. Jesus Miranda, Jr., O.P. and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta, the CSC Central Board cited complaints over the lack of resources for online classes, based on a series of surveys conducted by college student councils.
Ateneo de Manila and the University of the Philippines have suspended online classes following similar complaints.
“[W]e believe that suspending online classes including, but not limited to, examinations, submission of requirements, attendance, etc. is also necessary in the context that not all students have the resources for these,” CSC President Robert Gonzales told the Varsitarian.
“We also seek to ensure that the psychological and emotional health of our community be focused on, most especially during these times of crisis,” he added.
If the request is turned down, Gonzales suggested the use of online modules and resources like handouts, video tutorials and pre-recorded lectures during the month-long suspension.
“Thereafter, hold classes with acceptable or reasonable loads,” he said.
Presidents of college student councils also signed the letter.
President Rodrigo Duterte on March 12 extended the suspension of classes in Metro Manila to April 14, after code red sub-level 2 was raised to contain Covid-19.
Earlier this week, the University announced the suspension of online classes from March 17 to 21 after the President ordered an enhanced community quarantine covering the mainland of Luzon. with reports from Ahmed Khan H. Cayongcat
