After initial plans of a fully online college graduation, the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) administration expressed its willingness to conduct a hybrid set-up for this academic year’s college recognition ceremony in a brief dialogue spearheaded by both the CSSP Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and CSSP Student Council (SC) held today, June 16.
To recap, the CSSP SC has laid out three proposals for the possible conduct of the college graduation rites: (1) joint graduation ceremony for Batches 2020, 2021, and 2022; (2) two separate ceremonies for Batch 2022 and Batch 2020 and 2021; and (3) a fully online graduation but a physical send-off for Batch 2022 with either two of prior options be held at a later date.
CSSP graduating majors have since expressed their willingness to attend a face-to-face college graduation rites. Last June 2 by UP Diliman University Student Council (USC) chairperson Jonas Abadilla shared in an on ground, university-wide consultation that the college had initial plans of a fully online graduation but was called out by seniors who opted for a hybrid set-up.
From the level of the College Executive Board (CEB) to the studentry, unclear communication was manifest given that no proper announcement was posted regarding the decision that is yet to be finalized. The CEB stated that they are also open to other proposals and suggestions.
READ: https://bit.ly/3tEHulj
Last June 9, the CSSP SC released a sensing form on the upcoming college recognition rites, addressing concerns on vaccination status, willingness to attend, safety protocols, and monetary sources among others.
As of recent updates from the council, a total of 343 students from Batches 2020 (33.2%), 2021 (18.4%), and 2022 (48.4%) responded, with 86.9% responding with full certainty of their willingness to attend an F2F ceremony. Of this, 96.5% stated that they are willing to undergo a rapid test prior to the graduation rites, whereas 92.1% are willing to submit their results.
Majority of the respondents, amounting to 76.1%, have already been administered with one booster shot, while 16.3% have been administered twice. Minority (7.3%) of the respondents have been fully vaccinated, with no booster shots.
Logistical concerns
In consideration of the current COVID situation, CSSP Dean Bernadette Abrera stated it is of primary importance that health protocols be ensured. She emphasizes that health conditions must first be assessed. Given the set of proposals for venues, whether the ceremony be held within or outside UP, Dean Abrera certified the ceremony must be held within UP as it is an event within the college.
“Can we already exclude outside UP? Masyado siyang magastos, masyadong malayo. It’s out of the question. Let’s talk within UP,” Abrera stated.
She adds that the venue must also be outdoor within the campus and would be subject to approval from the Crisis Management Committee of the university.
Graduating students are required to be fully vaccinated and must have health insurance. Likewise, they are allowed two guests, at most, who must also present their vaccination cards.
In line with this, Dean Abrera cited the Palma Hall as a possible venue given that it is open-air with the AS Steps serving as the stage. Additionally, the graduation ceremony is seen to be conducted on a Saturday before the university-wide graduation rites. Dean Abrera stated it will most likely be on the morning of July 30.
She asserted that, in cases of a physical graduation ceremony, the faculty and other students would not be mandated to attend. However the aforementioned details are not yet final.
In addressing matters regarding contributions, Dean Abrera stated that the minimum amount would still be at P500, by which generated funds will be allocated for buying flowers and paying the staff, custodial workers, and security guards. Regarding other monetary concerns, graduating students also raised conducting a possible fundraising activity or an income-generating project (IGP).
In the council’s sensing form, 19.2% of the 343 respondents expressed that they are willing to help out in preparations, inclusive of providing P500-P5000 worth of contributions and in-kind donations.
Manpower was also addressed, asserting that more people are needed for preparations. In relation to this, the CSSP SC raised that they would devise initiatives to source volunteers.
‘The question of equity’
Among the concerns emphasized by Dean Abrera involved students who reside in provinces, and stated that the CEB’s rationale for the online conduct of graduation is to make it accessible to those living outside Metro Manila as well.
“Papaano ang mga mag-aaral, dahil ang nais natin ay magkaroon ng pantay pantay na pagkakataon na magkaroon ng parehas na karanasan. Kung willingness ang pag-uusapan, willing naman. Subalit, wala silang material needs. Yung matter ng equity, papaano yon?” Dean Abrera pointed out.
Graduating students from various departments expressed that they are willing to attend a face-to-face graduation ceremony, despite residing in their provinces, asserting that they are deserving of such. They add that the administration should have been more proactive in engaging with the graduating students, given that no follow-up surveys or dialogues were conducted following the last Seniors’ Assembly.
READ: https://bit.ly/3tGvik9
Dean Abrera added that the CSSP SC must take the matter into their hands, seeing that they represent the studentry. However, prior to today’s dialogue, the council’s sensing form garnered similar sentiments on the possibility of extending equal opportunities for both non-NCR and NCR residents, particularly on the prioritization of available seats come the graduation ceremony.
Likewise, the council certified that the proposals regarding the conduct of the graduation ceremony were refined from the suggestions laid out by the graduating batch.
“Nag-iisip sila ng way how to celebrate the ceremony F2F. Makikita po roon yung willingness nila to organize, which is why we’re supporting them and continuing to lobby for this,” CSSP SC vice chairperson Veronica Consolacion stated.
They further reiterated the need for a wider dissemination of survey forms to garner larger responses in better addressing their concerns for the conduct of the graduation ceremony. Constant communication between the council and the batches was also ensured, highlighting possible other means to better help the graduating students.
Plans moving forward
Despite given efforts and the recently-conducted sensing of graduating students, Dean Abrera reiterated that the CSSP SC must proactively engage with the students to ensure better student representation regarding the recognition ceremony. She asked that important concerns and succeeding issues be explained and disseminated to the graduating batches by the council.
“Patuloy na makipag-ugnayan kayo sa mga estudyante. Mahirap ang tatlong batches dahil it will involve travel. Mas mainam talaga na iisang seremoniya lang para sa pagtatapos,” Dean Abrera stated, also affirming their willingness to coordinate for the CSSP SC’s first proposal for a joint graduation ceremony of Batch 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Dean Abrera stated that the laid out plans and matters discussed are yet to be finalized, especially in consideration of the regulations to be implemented by UP and local government units (LGU). She added that decisions and plans will most likely be finalized by mid-July.
The CEB is set to meet on June 20, Monday, whereby matters surrounding the F2F college graduation rites will be discussed.
Furthermore, a consequent Seniors’ Assembly will be conducted on June 22 to address concerns of all batches (2020-2022), and to better exhaust communication between the administration and the studentry. Dean Abrera affirmed the administration’s commitment to take part in the said assembly. The set time for the assembly is yet to be determined.
Featured image courtesy of Executive Chronicles
