The University of the Philippines (UP) hopes for a blended learning environment for its students in the second semester of Academic Year (AY) 2021-2022. This, as it formally opened the school year on September 16 with an online welcome assembly.
The norm for the first semester and trimester is still remote teaching and learning. Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria Cynthia Rose Bautista clarified that does not mean purely online. Instead, it is a mix of online and other remote means of delivering education, such as course packs in flash drives or printed form.
The uncertainties of the pandemic—health protocols, changing restrictions, and vaccination rollout—could tip the scales of UP education in one of two ways going into the second semester or trimester. Either the University remains in remote mode or goes into blended mode, where limited face-to-face classes complement digital, not necessarily online, teaching and learning.
The Student Affairs System (SAS) continues to deliver student support services. In his presentation, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Office of Student Affairs Director Richard Gonzalo enumerated the three primary considerations in the remote delivery of services: the home as the immediate learning environment, the digital divide, and mental health concerns.
These realities guide the implementation of SAS’ four umbrella initiatives: Student Financial Assistance, Student Learning Assistance, Mental Health Promotion, and Student Activities and Organizations.
In his message to new and returning UP students, President Danilo Concepcion reiterated the University’s continued commitment to do all possible to help its students. He also enjoined everyone to unite as one community in navigating UP’s journey into the next normal—not a return to pre-pandemic UP life, but not just an extension of current UP life.
Student Regent Renee Louise Co closed the program by urging her fellow Iskolar ng Bayan to fight for medical solutions, the safe reopening of classes, employment and livelihood, and human rights and national sovereignty. She also asked them to register and vote in the upcoming national elections.
View the recorded UP Systemwide opening of AY 2021-2022 here.
Read the academic policies for the first semester/trimester of AY 2021-2022 here.
To avail of Student Learning Assistance, visit https://slasonline.up.edu.ph/. You may click on the “SFA Helpdesk” link on the SLAS website for contact information of specific constituent universities or campuses.