by Ranjie Nocete | February 21, 2022
A total number of 134 subjects have been identified by various colleges for limited face-to-face (F2F) classes, according to Dr. Earl Jude Cleope, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).
“As early as December, we were already preparing for the limited F2F. Because of the release of the joint circular of DOH and CHED for the limited F2F, all the units were requested to consult with their faculty as to what will now be the subjects in their respective programs that really need F2F,” said Cleope.
He added that all general education and physical education classes, as well as the National Service Training Program, will still be taken through the online distance learning setup.
Cleope said that at least a month’s preparation is needed before the announcement of F2F classes for selected subjects will be made. “As soon as the alert level will be downgraded by the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force], we will be working, and asking your help, the student government in making all these announcements,” he said.
He shared that the deans and faculty identified laboratory-type subjects which require a final defense, need actual skills training, or require an internship.
“The skills training cannot be compromised. If possible, it really needs a face-to-face form,” he added.
Meanwhile, the VPAA emphasized that the faculty and students “really” have to be vaccinated before F2F classes will start.
Cleope said, “We are an institution of rules. Whether you like it or not, there are always people who don’t believe in rules, but the majority of people in faculty and staff and all administrators believe in the doctrine of science and vaccines.”
He added, “It’s either they will submit to the rule of RT-PCR or they can wait until the pandemic will be over. As we respect them, they will respect us.”
As of writing, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Group and Silliman University Student Government have not responded to the Weekly Sillimanian on the matter.
