By Randy Espares Jr. 

After Far Eastern University (FEU) declined the Undas Break proposal of the FEU Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) and Institute Student Councils (ISCs), the student-led groups continue to urge the admin to provide ‘adequate time’ for Tamaraws’ well-being in a statement released last October 28. 

“While we understand the administration’s concern for frequent cancellations and the value of in-person engagement, it is equally important to prioritize students’ well-being,” the post read. 

Included in the statement is a link to the results of the latest TamsCheck survey, assessing the conditions of Tamaraws during Undas. 

Out of 2,412 FEU student respondents, 64.5 percent expressed significant difficulty in their transportation, and 65 percent urged an earlier Undas break to ease travel congestion and avoid delays.

Last October 24, FEUCSO, together with ISCs, sent a recommendation letter proposing an Undas Break from October 29 to November 3 in order to give Tamaraws a break and to celebrate All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day with their families. 

“Given the series of unprecedented events this year, with the earthquakes and health-related outbreaks. This time of reflection and rest has become more important, allowing both students and personnel to recuperate emotionally and mentally while staying grounded in the true essence of Undas,” the proposal read. 

The proposal also recommended shifting October 29 and November 3 to online modality instead, ensuring academic continuity. 

However, on October 27, FEU denied the students' suggestion, explaining that the asynchronous online class scheduled for October 30 already provides students with enough flexible scheduling for potential rest.

The Administration’s deciding body also cited the ‘increased anxiety among many teachers caused by frequent class cancellations,’ and ‘preparing students for real-world work environments where breaks are brief,’ as reasons for the proposal’s rejection. 

Meanwhile, Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS) Dean Dr. Myra Landangan expressed support in the recommendation letter sent by IAS SC requesting an Undas break extension, as confirmed by IAS SC President Kyte Daiter Percia in a Facebook post. 

Other ISCs, such as the Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts SC, passed a recommendation letter to their deans requesting for a suspension of classes on October 30. 

Moreover, the Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance SC Vice President Jade Ilagan confirmed that the council will be submitting another petition letter to shift all IABF classes to asynchronous classes on November 3. 

Other campuses, such as FEU Alabang, also drew flak for retracting its October 27 wellness break, while the FEU Institute of Technology faced backlash for not announcing any break despite its student council’s call for asynchronous classes from October 29 to November 5.

(Photo courtesy of FEU Central Student Organization)