Written by Albert Matayom

On December 20, 2021, the Department of Arts and Communication conducted a virtual departmental dialogue between DAC students and faculty regarding the demands for face-to-face classes. The CASSC served as the mediators of the meeting, led by councilor and acting CASSC chair Mr. Claude Simon Naco. Notable members of the DAC faculty were also present including DAC Chair Prof. Alice Adeva.

At the start of the meeting, the CASSC discussed the various actions done by the council in order to promote the implementation of face-to-face classes for the excluded degree programs. These actions included collecting the concerns of the students through grievance forms and formulating a formal report and proposal. In line with the collection of student concerns, a university-wide survey was also conducted in order to assess the preparedness of students towards attending face-to-face classes.

Afterwards, several students were allowed to relay their concerns regarding their struggles and their demands for a face-to-face setting. This was followed by an open forum where the DAC students freely communicated their concerns to the faculty. Subsequently, the DAC faculty responded and heeded the concerns of the student and further encouraged communicating their concerns and struggles. The meeting concluded after all concerns and questions were addressed.

Early into the new year, three CAS programs have considered implementing limited face to face classes in the following semester. This is in accordance with the Commission on Higher Education’s announcement allowing all degree programs in Alert Level 2 areas to conduct limited face-to-face classes. However, with the looming threat of the Omicron variant, nothing can be assured just yet.

For January 3–15, the quarantine classification for the National Capital Region was raised to Alert Level 3 due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. As of January 6, 2021, the department of health reported 17,220 cases with active cases, reaching a total of 56,561 cases.

Overall, as plans for changes in the mode of learning begin, it is still important to note that the health crisis is still yet to be resolved. Stay healthy and informed. Further updates regarding the plans to transition to face to face classes can be seen here at https://tinyurl.com/UPMF2FPlans.