Hear ye, hear ye! Lend near your ears and curious minds. The long table of college deans, administrative and academic affairs officers, and the University President himself have come to listen to the students’ concerns and predicaments.
Undergraduate, tertiary students from all years and colleges have gathered last October 27, 2022 at the University Convention Center to raise their queries and concerns directly to the university leaders. With the name of the event itself, Consultation on Current Issues and Concerns of the University, everyone was invited to come up to the center mic and discuss concerns and problems and answers plus solutions were explained by the corresponding faculty member, administrative officer and even the Supreme Student Council.
With Dr. Ronel V. Sudaria as the main facilitator of the event, he not only made a smooth exchange of discussions between student and faculty & staff but he also managed to make it a very fun and enjoyable experience. Having students to showcase and come up for a mini talent show, even presenting prizes, and cracking a few jokes. Overall making the atmosphere light and friendly.
Certain issues were addressed such as the university’s waste management & control and mitigation, flood control, motorela fare price, event coordinations and memoranda, and the likes. All of which were acknowledged and handled by each faculty member corresponding to the issue.
Of course, it all boiled down to the students’ biggest and probably the most awaited question: “What about the academic break?”. The venue erupted into screams asking for a reconsideration of the idea to suspend classes instead of having asynchronous ones, having President Jesus Derije to finally take the mic and address it himself.
It was through his words that the venue that first echoed refusals, reeled in excited and relieved cheers as he announced the confirmation of an academic break.
Clarifications were made, transparency was shown, professionalism was there, free expression was exercised, and the students and faculty & staff were able to meet in the middle. The event was certainly essential in strengthening the university’s bond with each other and to develop trust.
Words by: Lara Estrada
Photojournalists: Shan Gumapac and Lla Reighn Aribal
