UP Cebu approves proposal of new academic calendar

by Keiza Empleo

The proposal to shift the academic calendar of all UP units and constituents from June-March to August-May, was approved by the College Council at a Special College Meeting attended by the Dean of UP Cebu and other officials last September 4.

Dean Atty. Liza D. Corro says she supports the proposal made by the Board of Regents – highest decision-making body of the UP System - to shift the start of classes of all UP units starting next school year.

However, before a proper dissemination and consultation between the administration and the students, she still has to get the opinion of the faculty. As it was already approved and discussed in the college meeting, UP Cebu may support this proposal.

In line with the proposal, Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) countries are expected to fully implement the action plan of the vision of the ASEAN Economic Corporation or ASEAN Integration 2015. 

One of its challenges is to lay the groundwork for increased mobility for both students and staff within the region. UP is intent to adhere to the ASEAN Universities Network (AUN), so student exchanges will enrich their learning and experiences as AUN allows them to interact with multi-cultures.

The proposal to shift the start of semesters is consistent with the provision of UP’s Charter to be a regional and global university. This charter, the RA 9500 passed in 2008 entitled “An Act to Strengthen the University of the Philippines as the National University” tasked UP to respond to globalized education, in cooperation with international and scientific unions and networks of universities.

“If we don’t implement the proposal, we may lose out in the competition. On the other hand, if we do, we could utilize free mobility,” said Atty. Corro.

She added that college universities are favourable of the proposal but are more concerned with the implementation. “We’ll just have to see, but there will surely be a consultation.”

SC Chairperson Jun Marr Denila, said that students have to be consulted about this matter beforehand, despite its positive implications, so they can address their fellow students’ concerns. “Regarding queries and demands on yearly activities like Cookout and intramurals, in due time the students can bring them up to the student council,” he added.