CONTINUITY OF LEARNING DURING THE ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE PERIOD



De La Salle Araneta University, as a Lasallian learning institution, is committed to “experiential teaching and learning” in all of its academic decisions and undertakings. This commitment is predicated on an educational philosophy that learning, which takes many forms, must always be relevant and responsive to the ever-changing demands of our times.

In March of this year, many countries from all over the world, including ours, were faced with a health crisis of an unprecedented scale. To this day, the COVID-19 pandemic affects all aspects of our lives, and will no doubt ultimately require us to live under “new normal” conditions. Educational institutions, which primarily rely on hands-on, interactive, and face-to-face channels and mechanisms, are seen to have borne the brunt of this health emergency. In addition, President Duterte’s declaration of an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) pronouncement for Luzon, though a critical step in containing the spread of the virus, has also presented a seemingly insurmountable challenge to all of our country’s learning institutions.

With this, the university was compelled to find an alternative way to ensure that learning feasibly and effectively continues for its students, while also taking its students’ and faculty members’ current circumstances and situations into consideration. To this end, it provided online learning activities and opportunities for its students and developed comprehensive monitoring mechanisms to assess student progress and engagement for its faculty—with the expectation and understanding that not everyone will be able to continue to work ideally and cope equally to the challenges brought on by the current health emergency. And though its implementation of self-paced online learning is not without challenges, the university wishes to thank all students, especially the University Student Council, faculty, and other stakeholders who provided honest and invaluable inputs in the formulation and further improvement of our current guidelines on this initiative.

In the spirit of compassion and in keeping faith with the ideals of the Lasallian mission, the university will not to fail students this term—regardless of their level of engagement in the online learning activities it has provided. These extraordinary times require all of us to take extraordinary steps to get back on with our lives, and the university strongly urges everyone to put their own and their loved ones’ health and well-being first, above all else. Learning needs to continue, but it can wait.

This crisis will undoubtedly be a learning experience for all of us, in hindsight. But as we continue to soldier on and adjust to our new shared reality, let us not forget that that our response to any adversity powerfully defines us and further shapes the person who we will become. We Lasallians have always responded humbly, responsibly, and thoughtfully—and have unfailingly done so, united and inspired by the mission. This pandemic is no different. We will rise again. We will prevail. We will fight and win against this pandemic, together.

To provide students with a quick and ready reference on all information related to completion for Term 3, SY 2019-2020, the university answers their Frequently Asked Questions below.

Outlined here are the following topics:

On Online Learning
On Final Examinations
On Grades
On Prerequisites
On-the-Job Training/Thesis
On Tuition and Fees
On Graduation

Important Dates
Contacts List for Academic Concerns

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


ON ONLINE LEARNING


1. What is Online Learning?

Online learning or eLearning or distance learning is learning utilizing electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. This form of learning relies on the Internet for teacher/student interaction and the distribution of class materials.

 

2. Are online learning modalities easier or more difficult than traditional lecture courses?

Online courses are neither easier nor more difficult than traditional classroom classes. The same amount of work is expected with either format. The presentation of the information is different and therefore, in addition to the course content, your learning style and study skills will play a major role in determining the ease or difficulty of the course.

 

3. What personal skills do I need to succeed in an online learning environment?

Self-discipline and motivation to succeed help a lot. Students who delay working on assigned online lessons have trouble succeeding in online learning. Strong time management and organizational skills are fundamental. Writing is the primary mode of communication. A good writing skill is important.

You are expected to be able to read, interpret material, and complete coursework with minimal supervision and direction.

You must be comfortable with asking questions or expressing difficulties. If not, instructors will assume you are progressing without difficulty.

 

4. Will I fail this term?

This term, no one receives a failing grade. If a student does not feel ready to continue with the subject, he/she can choose not to take it and must inform the professor of his/her decision to get an NFE grade instead. If a student can comply with all requirements by June 20, he/she will get a numeric grade. Those who cannot comply with all requirements will get an NFE grade.

A student with NFE grade has a full year to complete the course, including taking the final exam.

 

5. If I failed to participate in any online learning, will I fail automatically the subject?

You will get an NFE grade and have one year to complete the course.

 

6. What if I failed to complete all course requirement this term?

Students who are unable to complete all course requirements by the end of the trimester will receive an NFE grade for Term 3, SY 2019-2020.

They are also given one year to complete all requirements in order to pass the subject.

 

7. What if I need help with the course content?

You may directly request assistance from or request for consultation time with your teacher.

 

8. What can I do if I have concerns with my teacher during the make-up online learning?

Your Program Chair and Dean are there to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

 
 

ON FINAL EXAMINATIONS


9. How will the final exams be administered online?

Final exams may be administered through the quiz facility of online platforms or by online submission of a written output.

Exams may either be summative or formative depending on how the teachers would like to assess you depending on your situation and accessibility. Both will have a rubric for grading which your teacher would be more than willing to explain to you.

 
 

ON GRADES


10. How will the grades for Term 3 be computed?

Your respective teachers will explain to you how you will be graded. Don’t hesitate to ask them about the rubric for grading.

 

11. How will I complete my NFE grade?

You have one year to apply for change of grade when you have completed all the requirements for the course. Please follow the procedure on the matter.

Students shall also be allowed to sit in classes of the same course in the subsequent three trimesters, including lab classes, if there are available seats in the class. This is to enable them to cover materials affected by the class suspensions, even if the class is handled by a different professor.

The faculty member and the department will regularly monitor the progress of the student to ensure that the grade completion is achieved.

 

12. Will the NFE grade this term disqualify me for honors and scholarship renewal?

All grades this term shall be excluded from Grade Point Average (GPA) for honors, scholarship and retention.

 

13. Do I have to pay additional fees for accomplishing my NFE grade even if I need additional sessions and sitting-in classes?

There will be no additional fees for completion of an NFE grade through additional sessions and sitting-in classes.

 

14. What if I failed to apply for change of grade after the one-year grace period?

You will be given a grade of dropped (W) and will require to re-enroll the subject again.

 
 

ON PREREQUISITES


15. Do I need to meet the grade requirement for a prerequisite course during Term 3, SY 2019-2020?

Students with NFE grade shall be allowed to enroll succeeding courses, even if the course with NFE is a pre-requisite.

 
 

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING/THESIS


16. What if I failed to finish the experiment for my thesis, what will I do?

Your respective Program Chairs and Deans will be more than willing to assist and guide you on the matter.

 

17. What will happen to those needing lab work for their thesis if access to campus is still restricted or if the lockdown is still not lifted?

Graduating students, students doing thesis, and students doing laboratory work shall be given priority access to campus when this is possible.

 

18. What if I failed to finish my OJT/Practicum hours?

Academic departments are recalibrating requirements and will provide alternative activities so that OJT can be completed by June 20.

 
 

ON TUITION AND FEES


19. Are students still obliged to pay their tuition fees in full—particularly for lab fees - despite students being unable to attend such classes? Is there a possibility for a refund option?

This is currently being discussed but definitely students will receive a refund option on some fees.

 
 

ON GRADUATION


20. When will the graduation exercises be?

It is postponed to a later date. A separate announcement will be released on the matter in due time.

 
 

IMPORTANT DATES


Online Learning Sessions
March 16 - April 14, 2020

Break from Online Learning Sessions
April 15 - May 15, 2020

Resumption of Classes
May 18, 2020

Make up classes
May 18 - June 13, 2020

Last day of Thesis Defenses
June 13, 2020

Final Exams
June 15 - 20, 2020

Last day of Submission of Final Grades
June 27, 2020

Deliberation of Graduating Students
July 3, 2020

Commencement Exercises
TBA

Enrolment Period for Term 1 SY2020-2021
June 29 - July 4, 2020

Start of classes (TED)
July 6, 2020

Start of classes (GSAR)
July 11, 2020

 
 

CONTACT LIST FOR ACADEMIC CONCERNS


Dr. Bernardo Sepeda
Vice Chancellor for Academic and Research
bernardo.sepeda@dlsau.edu.ph

Dr. Socorro Aguja
Graduate Studies and Applied Research
socorro.aguja@dlsau.edu.ph

Dr. Rosario Chu
College of Arts, Sciences and Technology
rosario.chu@dlsau.edu.ph

Dr. Carolina Ditan
College of Business, Management and Accountancy
carolina.ditan@dlsau.edu.ph

Dr. Antonio Glinoga
College of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Sciences
antonio.glinoga@dlsau.edu.ph