Reaffirming its commitment for in-person classes next semester, the UP Diliman Office of the Chancellor (OC) released Memorandum No. FRN-23-002 on January 14, detailing the university’s back-to-campus plan and preparations for the second semester.
Since March 2020, the university has shifted to remote work and has been conducting largely distance learning to curb the spread of COVID-19. For the first semester of academic year 2022-2023, the university has gradually reopened its doors—conducting in-person examinations, allowing teachers to conduct classes onsite, and reopening library and student spaces.
In a memorandum by the Commission of Higher Education (CHED), higher education institutions (HEI) are required to conduct at least 50 percent of class hours in-person. CHED added that unless there is an approval from CHED, HEIs cannot offer their degree programs in full distance learning.
The OC memorandum directed that the first semester academic policies will still be retained. Among these are academic delinquency rules, degree program retention rules, maximum residency rules, as well as guidelines for prerequisites, numerical grading system, deadline for dropping and leave of absence, and attendance.
“Recognizing the improved pandemic conditions … UP Diliman declared on 29 September 2022, its readiness to return to campus,” read the memorandum “Our position is also in step with the CHED Memorandum No. 16 Series of 2022, which enjoins HEIs to transition back to onsite learning.”
Academic field activity (AFA) guidelines were also included as face-to-face programs, events, and activities are gradually revived. The memorandum directed that AFAs must be planned with consideration to the health and safety of participants.
The first priority for AFAs would be official UP activities, either academic or non-academic activities, while second priority would be UP-endorsed or college-endorsed activities. Last priority would be non-UP and non-academic activities.
The memorandum directed that the second semester will return to the 16-week format with a reading break, while the midyear term will return to the five-week format with no reading break. During the pandemic, the university followed a 14-week regular semester with a week-long reading break in between.
For the second semester, undergraduate courses are also directed to follow Blended Learning Models (BLM) 2 or 3, while graduate courses may opt to follow models 1, 2, or 3.
BLM 1 will follow a fully online course, combining asynchronous and synchronous online learning. BLM 2 meanwhile, combines blocks of independent online study and intensive face-to-face classes. Lastly, BLM 3 alternates face-to-face classes and asynchronous online learning.
In BLM 2 and 3, face-to-face components should at least be 50 percent of the course and fully face-to-face classes may be conducted.
To facilitate smoother shifts across different learning modes, colleges are encouraged to identify learning spaces where students can conduct synchronous and/or asynchronous activities. Academic units are also directed to indicate under the CRS remarks section of a course if the subject has face-to-face components and if the requirements will include medical clearance for students.
“We are now looking beyond the pandemic. We look forward to rejuvenating campus life that is integral to UP education,” read part of the memorandum. ●
