By Dhel Sue Cabiara
Growing concerns on tuition fees, school activities, and campus safety were aired during the first semester’s Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) State of the Student Body Address (SSBA) last Nov. 19.
The topics were discussed during “TAPOK” or “Talks Aimed at Progress, Openness, and Knowledge,” one of SUSG’s bannered platforms focused on voicing student inquiries to key university offices.
One of the main concerns raised was directed to the Business and Finance Office (BFO) such as tuition fee payments, surcharges, and student records.
SUSG Judiciary representative Hon. Ivan B. Elum urged a reevaluation of current tuition payment schemes as they are “very limited and subject to conditional circumstances.”
BFO representative Marcia Luz Salcedo responded that the payment schemes are necessary for their salaries and operations.
As for the surcharges, Salcedo suggested communicating with the SUSG but did not guarantee a “concrete commitment.”
Surcharges are fees added to a student account when the tuition payment is overdue.
Delayed documents
Issue on the delayed issuance of transcript of records (TOR) surfaced anew after Rep. June from the Divinity School stated that his TOR, which was submitted in 2022 was not in the registrar.
SUSG President Grylle Adrian Malala said that concerns on student documents will be forwarded to the Office of Registration and Records Management.
“The legislative branch along with the executive branch of the SUSG will be also releasing a survey to gather responses regarding the TOR issue,” Malala added.
Student events and initiatives
Inquiries on student activity funds allocation and delays were also brought up by members of the League of Governors.
College of Performing and Visual Arts Gov. Amanda Therese Bumagat said there was no proper consultation regarding the city-wide college fair last Oct. 8, while others mentioned they were only given one week to prepare for the activity.
Office of Information and Publications Interim Head Dr. Ralton Bancairen assured that students’ feedback will be relayed to the organizers.
“Maybe that sentiment can probably provide information and perhaps help the organizers prepare the event,” he said.
Campus safety
Moreover, concerns on campus safety were relayed following recent calamities that struck the province.
Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences Rep. Sophia Franz Calumpang questioned the integrity of the Ethel Chapman Building.
Engr. Debonaire Mamhot of the Facilities Management and Administrative Services (FMAS) confirmed that campus buildings, including the Ethel Chapman, have undergone structural inspections after the October 30 earthquake.
Mamhot also said that he will be conducting an assessment at the Institute of Environment and Marine Sciences (IEMS) after Gov. Ted Bradshaw pointed out the lack of medical kits, poor lighting, and slow access to medical assistance in their department.
“I’ll talk to your Dean together with our safety team and maybe I could have Dr. Oliveros with me to assess on your situation there,” he added.
Meanwhile, SUSG Health Emergency Response Team Vice-chairperson Timothy Teves also asked for ways forward on campus evacuation plans.
Mahmot responded that the FMAS safety officer is finalizing the areas and a map will be placed in all campus buildings and on their Facebook page.
Other concerns raised included library policies, intramural facility access, environmental policy, and food safety concerns.
The SSBA is a semestral report that aims to inform students on the progress, achievements, and future directions of the SUSG.
