Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) released an appeal addressed to University President Dr. Michael Alba reflecting the students’ academic concerns amid the further extension of Enhanced Community Quarantine (EQC) in Luzon, April 11.

Incumbent FEUCSO President Clarice Gerona stated in the letter that learning ‘should not be at expense of student’s health and safety ’ in facing and battling the global health crisis.

“We understand that our University is committed to impart the necessary knowledge and skills to its students but we also believe that it should not be at the expense of the students’ health and safety particular amidst a pandemic crisis,” Gerona remarked.

As of posting, the letter of appeal has been sent containing the results of the online survey.  The survey collected the following responses and recommendations from the students:

1. Suspend all academic activities;
2. End the semester now and have free online or on-campus workshops and lectures during the semestral break to cover topics needed for professional practice instead;
3. Cancel all the pending tasks in consideration to the struggles of the students during this crisis;
4. Grades shall only be based on previous outputs submitted before March 14 provided further that no failing marks are given, and submission of pending tasks is voided.

In line with this, FEUCSO proposed to have students receive a passing (P) mark rather than getting letter grades. Tuition and other fees refund was also suggested.

The central student government opened an online survey last April 9 to gather data on how the student body wants to end the semester amid the current situation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.

Meanwhile, other school members of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) with August-May academic calendars have announced their respective learning strategies.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) will resume online classes beginning April 14 to May 30, while Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) decided to shorten their semester until May 8 and will be giving passing (P) marks to their students.

As of writing, the University administration is yet to respond to the students’ appeal and release a statement on its strategy amid the extension of the ECQ.

Imposed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, ECQ is extended from April 14 until April 30 to combat the COVID-19 crisis in the country.

- Arabella Rochynne Asis