THE UNIVERSITY has allowed academic units to expand online modality to up to 50% while administrative units will implement a work-from-home (WFH) arrangement every Monday as part of its institutional continuity plan amid the energy crisis.
In a memorandum from the Office of the Secretary General dated April 14, the enriched virtual mode of instruction (EVM) for lecture activities may be increased up to 50% of total course hours from 30%, while onsite learning will remain for skills-based courses.
Academic units were instructed to submit their learning continuity plans to the Office of the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs by April 17.
Academic units were also asked prepare contingency plans for the rescheduling of assessments affected by shifts to EVM, noting that graduating students should be prioritized to ensure completion of graduation requirements.
According to the memorandum, academic units may increase online learning hours based on the following considerations:
- achievement of intended learning outcomes;
- consultation with stakeholders;
- availability and allocation of facilities, including those required by academic staff handling both onsite and online classes on the same day; and
- students’ commuting conditions and access to technology.
“Academic units shall prepare class schedules for succeeding terms with flexibility to adjust modalities as needed. Schedules must anticipate the possible expansion or reduction of online sessions,” the memorandum read.
Summative assessments and validation of online assessments will still be conducted onsite; while classes of National Service Training Program (NSTP) and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) will proceed as scheduled “unless otherwise prevented by emerging circumstances.”
“As the University navigates this crisis, we reaffirm our commitment to contribute to national development efforts, including the promotion and integration of renewable energy sources and sustainable practices, where feasible, in its operations and academic initiatives, while maintaining quality service delivery,” Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. said in the memorandum.
Work from home
Starting April 20, Mondays will be designated as WFH day for all administrative offices, “provided that the specific job functions may be rendered remotely.”
The services of the Counseling and Career Center will remain available onsite and online, while guidance counselors may adopt the arrangements of their respective academic units.
The Miguel de Benavides Library will remain open six days a week, even on days designated as EVM and WFH.
Academic units will assist its academic staff assigned to multiple units to “harmonize their onsite and online schedules.”
Academic units were advised to ensure that a sufficient number of academic and support staff are present during onsite days of students.
“In cases of exigency or urgent institutional needs, the University may require onsite reporting of officials and support staff, even on designated WFH days, to ensure continuity of critical operations and important events,” the memorandum read.
Academic units were required to maintain active online communication channels, monitor engagement across modalities, and ensure uninterrupted services during EVM and WFH days.
A list of official onsite online communication channels will be publicized, where the respective assigned staff will monitor and respond to concerns “to guide the Thomasian community and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and clarity in University operations.”
