THE UNIVERSITY announced on Sunday a week-long suspension of synchronous and asynchronous classes out of consideration for students and faculty members affected by recent typhoons.
“We, your deans, directors and principals, have realized after our prayerful reflection that the policy we need to follow at this time is not a policy but a virtue-compassion,” the University said in a statement posted on social media.
“Therefore, in consideration of the requests from students and academic staff, we are suspending the synchronous and asynchronous classes from Nov. 16 to 21, 2020,” it continued.
Students were urged to support relief efforts for typhoon victims through the UST-Simbahayan Community Development Office and other organizations amid the week-long break.
In a letter dated Nov. 15, the UST Central Student Council (CSC) called for the suspension of classes and postponement of submissions from Nov. 16 to 21.
“The UST CSC Central Board and Executive Board would like to raise the sentiments of our fellow students and request for the suspension of synchronous and asynchronous classes, and postponement of deliverables/submissions of gradable assessments from November 16 to 21, 2020,” the CSC wrote in a letter addressed to UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., Secretary General Fr. Jesus Miranda, Jr., O.P. and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta.
CSC President Robert Gonzales said local student councils had received reports from students of loss of electricity and weak internet connections following Typhoon “Ulysses,” which caused massive flooding in several provinces.
“The grave concerns of the Thomasian community such as recurring power interruptions, unstable internet connection, loss of communication lines, damaged households, and the like […] hinder them from participating in our virtual learning set-up,” Gonzales told the Varsitarian.
Gonzales said the suspension would give students, faculty members and staff some time “to recuperate and prioritize the needs and safety of their family due to the destruction brought about by the typhoons Rolly and Ulysses.”
The Faculty of Arts and Letters Student Council on Nov.14 appealed to administrators to suspend online classes.
It launched an online protest calling for an academic break. “Some students were also forced to evacuate from their homes, especially those in low-lying areas of Luzon […] let it be our duty to exemplify compassion as one of the University’s core values and not let anyone be left behind,” the council said.
‘Hindi kami customer service’
Two faculty members expressed frustration on social media over the supposed lack of consideration toward educators following the onslaught of typhoon “Ulysses.”
“Request lang po sa administrasyon ng aming mahal na unibersidad na University of Santo Tomas, bigyan nyo kami ng oras na makarecover mula sa pinsala na idinulot ng bagyong Rolly at Ulysses,” Prof. Jove Jim Aguas said in a Facebook post.
Aguas, a philosophy professor, said it was difficult to prioritize obligations as teachers, as many faculty members were also affected by the typhoon.
“What the University can do is provide financial assistance to those severely affected or at least relief donations to those affected. The message is clear. If assistance is not possible, at least compassion,” Aguas told the Varsitarian.
Asst. Prof. Antonino Tobias, meanwhile, called out students who were “more concerned about the submittals than the reality of devastation faced by students and teachers alike.”
“Nasalanta rin ang mga faculty members ninyo…uunahin pa ba nila ‘yan (submission of work) bago ang kaligtasan? Kayo ba, compassionate ba kayo sa teachers ninyo? ‘Di kami customer service, propesor kami,” Tobias said in his Facebook post.
On Nov. 13, weather forecasters confirmed that typhoon “Ulysses” had left the Philippine Area of Responsibility and was heading toward Vietnam. “Ulysses” left 67 people dead in its aftermath, according to latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
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