By Art Santiago

Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) led an open discussion regarding the current learning modality in the University during ‘TamHall I Beyond the Survey: Blended Learning in Focus,’ which provided an open space for Tamaraws to share their grievances and collective thoughts, held in FEUture Center Rooms 612 and 613 last October 27.

The forum was attended by FEUCSO and Institute Student Council officers, several students, and progressive youth leaders.

Moreover, key administrators from the University were also present, including Vice President for Student Development & Continuing Education (SDCE) Joeven Castro, Senior Director of the Academic Standards Office Dr. Joseph Jintalan, and the Director for the Center of Teaching and Learning Marc Lancer Santos.

Opening the town hall, FEUCSO President Raezon Gonzales highlighted the importance of transparency and consistent student engagement in shaping an adaptive and diverse learning system.

“We know we’re not yet where we want to be, but the journey toward improvement never stops. These conversations remind us that the University grows stronger when students and administrators work hand in hand,” Gonzales remarked.

Additionally, he noted that for the students in the University to thrive, they must have an administration that listens, adapts, and engages with its students.

Along with this, calls for better shared learning spaces, improved campus facilities, and the revision of the blended learning policy were also raised—areas in which, according to the president, should be both equitable and empowering.

Following the remarks by Gonzales, the FEUCSO Data Analytics Department, headed by Auditor Margarette Macatangay, presented the data from its survey regarding the blended learning modality, with over 2,000 respondents gathered last August 16 to 29.

Among the top concerns raised in the survey were limited study and charging spaces inside the University, unstable internet connection, and the lack of accessible materials used in online classes, as well as faculty retraining in the use of technology.

The attending students also expressed concerns regarding access to several campus facilities during the allotted days for online classes, and called for improved communication initiatives between the instructors and students. 

Despite the multiple challenges raised, some also recognized the benefits and flexibility that the modality offers, particularly for working students.

During the open forum, second-year Business Economics student and League of Filipino Students - FEU member Dranrev Jay Paruli raised multiple concerns with the administrators, specifically regarding poor faculty performance, the allocation of tuition fees, and the University’s readiness for the smooth implementation of the new modality.

In response, the SDCE Vice President clarified that there was no tuition fee increase for the current term and explained that operational costs persist even with the current modality due to subscriptions to software, cybersecurity maintenance, and investment in cloud and data storage.

“[Even] when we go online, the University doesn’t stop spending. We continue to invest in systems that ensure quality education,” he stated.

In addition, Castro noted that the framework of the current learning setup helps prepare Tamaraws for a hyperconnected world, in which the demand for digital literacy and the utility of the hybrid setup continuously increase.

The key University administrators then took note of the grievances raised by the students and offered to assist them in reaching out to the proper departments and offices to address their concerns.

Reflecting on the event, Gonzales added that even though the town hall is a one-day event, it is still a commitment to participatory governance within the University.

“Today’s town hall is proof that every Tamaraw’s voice matters. Through open conversations like this, we make learning not just possible—but meaningful,” he said.

By the end of the forum, the FEUCSO President discussed that future town hall initiatives are still in the works, hoping that the organization will be able to hold them in a bigger venue and collect a wider array of concerns, not just limited to blended learning.

(Photo courtesy of FEU Central Student Organization)