THE UST Central Student Council (CSC) on Friday appealed to administrators to end or freeze the term amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
UST CSC Central Board also suggested mass promotion to be accompanied by bridging programs or audit classes after the lockdown, similar to a proposal made by students of the University of the Philippines.
The letter, also signed by 19 college student council presidents, was addressed to Acting Rector Rev. Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Cheryl Peralta, Secretary General Rev. Fr. Jesus Miranda, Jr., O.P. and Office for Student Affairs Director Assoc. Prof. Ma. Soccoro Guan Hing.
The student leaders cited as justification for their request unstable internet connections, health and safety concerns, and financial problems, based on surveys and student feedback.
“There is also a concern on the unavailability of learning materials and resources because students were not able to bring these on their way back to their respective homes,” the letter stated.
UST CSC also called on the administrators to “halt all forms of disciplinary actions” given to students who speak out on social media regarding the online class guidelines released by the University.
“The imposition of appropriate disciplinary action [should] be progressive in character and [undergo] due process,” the letter read.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) on April 14 said it would be up to universities to decide on how they would continue to hold classes during the lockdown, which was extended by President Rodrigo Duterte up to April 30.
“Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) shall continue to exercise their judgment in the deployment of available flexible learning and other alternative modes of delivery in lieu of in-campus learning if they have the resources to do so. The exercise of discretion by the HEIs and their faculty must be reasonable, transparent and outcomes-based validated,” CHEd’s advisory read.
