Regular GA #9: November 25, 2020
Agenda
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Attendance
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GA TIDBITS c/o House Audi
Andi: World News: Coronavirus: The agonising Thanksgiving dilemma facing millions of Americans
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55022637
Rejam: Local News: I can’t probe House members getting kickbacks; I have no jurisdiction - Duterte
Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1364030/some-congressmen-receiving-kickbacks-but-i-have-no-business-investigating-them
EJ: UP team leads online vote in global contest
Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1364569/up-team-wins-online-vote-in-global-contest
Gia: Random: The MMFF 2020 is pushing through
Source: https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/list-metro-manila-film-festival-lineup-2020
Lantern Parade Updates c/o Econ Rep to the USC
Mario: So unang-una gusto ko magpasalamat sa M&P, sa core nila, and sa core ko. I cannot stress it enough that we won’t have done what we we have done kung wala sila. Right now, we’ve already come up with an idea. We want to highlight the inequity brought about by the pandemic. So for example, may splitscreen kumbaga showcasing the different situations of our constituents. The problem we’ve faced recently is that ang biglaan ng deadline, November 27. We emailed them kanina if we can ask for extensions pero hindi sila nag-reply. May nakita akong memo from VCCA, there will be no more virtual parade and that the new deadline is now December 4. We will try to work within that.
Haqq: Hindi pa alam ‘to ni Mario. I was thinking if mayroon na lang sasabihin na isang line ‘yong buong UPSE. Ang magsasabi niyan ay buong econ. ‘Yong first line ay from council. Next line senior batch. Either si Steph or si EJ. Hanggang sa Freshie Batch reps. Parang lini-lysync lang nila ‘yong line. What do you think Mario?
Mario: I think pwede naman pero let’s talk within ourselves. Pero I think it’s good that it shows solidarity.
Haqq: Is this feasible sa tingin niyo? Can you gather 10 people or more? [Batch Reps say yes]
Mario: Yeah. December 4 na rin naman ‘yong deadline. I sent the Memo to you Haqq sa chat natin.
Haqq: So kaya ba siya by November 29, Sunday, batch reps? ‘Yong for the council kaya Andi, when can we do it?
Andi: We can do it after this GA para tapos na.
Haqq: Thank you guys! Message ko na lang batchreps later para ma-coordinate ‘yong filming.
Electives 101 Updates c/o FBR and SoBR
Belle: Reiterating what we updated last week, we’re not going to push through with the synchronous event. We’;re changing everything into asynchronous pubs. Gia and Cami has already contacted the speakers. Rejam and I have already sent the pub requests. Part 1 will be posted hopefully this Sunday and Part 2 will be posted December 4.
Standmaking c/o Chairperson
Mario: I’d like to start this with the Bagyo Kamustahan natin. Kahit papaano nakaabot ng atleast 50% + 1. Sa iba kasi alam kong mahirap kasi marami kayo sa batch. “A” means safe, not affected. “B” means safe, no power and wifi. “C” means safe, but flooded house. “D”, severely affected.
A - 205 - 83.33%.
B - 29 - 11. 79%.
C - 12 - 4.88%.
D - 0 - 0%.
Those are the summary statistics. What we want to highlight that at least 16% answered A and that’s a big amount na when you think about it. Kahit may 1 week suspension, we should also take that into consideration.
We want to summarize the recent ECONsult.
Do you have your own private space?
59.3% - Yes
Can you describe your space?
What I did was that I generated a word cloud. Some of the quotes include: people come and go within the home so i sometimes get disturbed. Others said na they are blessed to have a spot in the house. Others would say naman na their homes aren’t really equipped for remote learning. There really is a wide variation int he settings of our students.
What are the hindrances to remote learning?
We see na ‘yong nangingibabaw ay ‘yong sa mental health, internet connection issues, etc. Some of the quotes we picked up here would be: it’s the pandemic, typhoon, no electricity. Others would say that it’s hard to delineate work and rest at home kasi everything just happens at home. Others have said that they have had covid scares. Because of the power outages, dumadami ‘yong backlogs.
The current system of remote learning is working for you
We asked them to rate their agreement to this statement. The mean is 2.5, median is 2.5, mode 2, standard deviation, 0.94. This is from a scale of 1 - 5 with 1 being strongly disagree and 5 being strongly agree. Others would say that it’s difficult to learn or their house is not conducive to learning. LAstly, instructors do not explain the material well, yet students are expected to master the lessons to answer assessments.
Given the recent natural calamities and how the semester has progressed, my current conditions still permit me to continue with the semester.
We asked kung kaya pa ba nila. Like I said same scale. Mean - 2.9, median - 3, mode - 3, and standard deviation - 1, we see that they’re half and half when asked kung kaya pa ba. I just generated another word cloud to quantify their previous answers. A few quotes naman and ito ‘yong parang naging general trend that I saw: even though others have said that they are capable naman, they can’t concentrate knowing that their classmates are suffering or being left behind. This takes a toll on them. Others as I said were affected talaga while others are scared lang.
Coping mechanisms?
Other would say that they’re barely keeping up while others said that they are able to continue because of the support of the UPSEAA kasi diba they had a laptop donation drive. Others would say that they're doing okay but the workload gets heavy.
What are your thoughts on #EndtheSem and #MassPromotionNow?
I highlighted a few. Some would say that they’re not game with ending the semester kasi patapos na. Others said that there are people who are not privileged enough to continue the sem and said that no student should be left behind. Someone said that no student should be left behind but mass promotion just discourages them from learning. UP should channel funds in order to help them. Others said that they think that the calls are valid and the focus should not be in academics right now. There are those who have said that they didn't agree with it but they think that this is the best option right now.
What solution works best for you?
50.4% voted for Mass Promotion now. The other 50% revolve around an academic ease. 18 percent is for an academic freeze, 17percent is for a change int he grading system. P or F instead of numerical. The rest revolve around different combinations of those mentioned above. Hindi kailangang just one call. This could be coupled with other things.
Anything to add?
Others would argue that ending the semester is not a blanket policy and force the government to provide long term solutions. I think that a long-term solution is for the system of online classes to change.
Let’s take all these things into consideration when we manifest other things.
Andi: I would like to propose that we add pros and cons. ‘Wag kayo mahiya mag-manifest and we expect everyone to manifest. Siguro we can start with pros. Does anyone want to manifest anything?
Cami: I just wanted to say something before. Not necessarily a pro and a con. Na-shock ako na 41% lang ng batch nakasagot ng text brig thing namin. Who knows if the majority of our constituents have a different opinion. Also, I think it's important to shred all pretenses of privilege when answering this and assessing how our constituents want this sem to go. What solution works best for you diba 50% wanted mass promotion and then 50% didn’t. A lot of them wanted mass promotion but they discussed other similar things.
Mario: It’s not primarily about the numbers. A good number who said not mass promotion. Marami kasing nag-quantify na end the sem pero dapat maraming options for other people. Dapat quantified mass promotion but there should be more options than the one we have right now.
Shin: For me naman, I noticed na parang other 50% who did vote mass promotion parang a bulk of them are forit not because they felt the same hasn't been doing that well for them but more so for their classmates or batchmates. It’s not really true that econ students don't care about social issues. So for pros, I think that ending the semester would actually help out a lot of students who are going through a rough time kasi aside from the pandemic, we had different calamities rin. More so for the technical courses, ending the sem and mass promotion might lead to long term issues. It might not reflect properly.
Haqq: Nung umpisa kasi, in a heartbeat gusto ko talaga na End the Sem agad. Pero medyo hesitant ako kasi ang raming cons na naiisip ko so kinausap ko ‘yong mga kakilala ko sa Econ. Ang napa-realize nila sa akin when weighing the opinions of the privileged and underprivileged we should ask the people kung ano kalagayan talaga nila and compare kung ano magigign effect ng sem sa kanila. If we choose end the sem, we should ask kung ano magiging effect nun sa privileged and underprivileged. For the privileged, hindi naman sila masyadong naapektuhan ng pandemic and ng mga bagyo kaya if ititigil ‘yong sem they can just resort to their hobbies or advance study the modules. For the underprivileged naman, hindi pa technically matatapos ‘yong paghihirap nila kasi hindi acads yong heavy na prioritiy nila. Ang priority nila masu-survive. Kaya I am all for ending the sem and mass promoting students.
Cami: I agree with what he said. I read one of the constituents’ answers and a lot of students have a lot more priorities than they have now. Kung kunwari acad ease those bandaid solutions it will just stick to the back to their minds and mas lalala lang ‘yong anxiety nila. If we do mass promotion, and like what Haqq said about the privileged and the underprivileged. We’re all worse off when we started the sem talaga. Just continuing now it further distances the privileged and the underprivileged. Just imagine how worse off the people na nasalanta talaga ng mga bagyo are now.
EJ: So first, if we notice ‘yong naga-acad strike mandalas ay hindi tiga-UP. And it became a student strike for me. Madalas mag-rally ay ‘yong mga hindi very affected by covid and affected by the typhoons. Especially sa UP na nanghihiram ng phone and nanghihiram na ng laptop. It’s really an unfair advantage that if you have basic wifi or devices edge na agad ‘yon. For the sake of those college students that have all these other priorities right now, I’m voting for mass promotion.
Emman: When we talk about end the sem, we’re referring to the notion na pass lahat and suspend lahat ng requirements, right? If buoin natin ‘yong statement natin, how will we proceed with the crafting of our stand. Solely from the suggestions of our constituents or may iba ba kayong naiisip or particular system na g na g na kayo? Same page ba tayo na end the sem.
Andi: That’s when we go into the nuances. Is everyone okay with that? or do we have a different system that we want to push through with?
Mario: Okay naman!
Emman: To clarify, notion niyo ng end the sem is pass lahat ng subjects and then drop clarify niyo para we’re clear kung ano ‘yong pinag-uusapan natin.
Mitch: So una sinabi ko na hindi masasagot. Na-realize na idealistic kung naging sagot ko ‘to na maga-adjust sa kung ano ‘yong naaayon sa students. Kung mali it’s either itama or i-stop. If it fails, we scrap it and we try to change it. Mass promotion and end the sem. May isa rin namang kagandahan the students can actually learn on his or her own pace. fundamental courses mapuputol. Bilang dalawang bagyo na rin ‘yong dumaan, ito na ‘yong tamang time para putulin na ‘yong semester. Nasa lower bracket siyang scale sa surveys natin. Kung parang dait, hindi pa ngayon buhay na and ,. hindi tayo apathetic. Most of the students are privileged kaya nakita natin na 0 yong severely affected. Hindi ibig sabihin na okay lang ituloy ‘yong sem kasi may maiiwan at maiiwan rin. Paano natin papanindigan sa no students left behind.
Mario: Privilege na humingi ng numerical grades. I think that’s wrong. ‘Yong iba kasi humihingi ng iba because of job employment. I think in our calls we should have an option parin to ask for numerical grades. Naalala ko na ‘yong paghingi ng numerical grades last semester I don’t think there;’s anything wrong for asking for latin honors. Maybe just having that options in the future. Maybe that can also be in our call. Maybe we can ask in the direction of asking for mass promotion and a mechanism to allow students to opt for numerical grades na maka-count sa GWA nila. That’s an option lang like I said.
Haqq: Question lang, how are we gonna call for this like ‘yong consultations? Separate statement?
Andi: We’re going to incorporate it na.
Shin: I just wanted to say lang in support of kung ano sinabi ni Mario. Marami rin kasing sinabi sa UP na kailangan i-maintain. numerical grades. scholarship. As much as UP
Third: First, I’d like to say that I am for mass promotion and ending the semester. I think this is a policy that will actually help a lot of our constituents given the different circumstances they have found themselves in. Direct response na lang to Shin’s con, kasi I do acknowledge na we have to address this issue kaya thanks Shin for bringing it up. I think that this harm is mitigated na in the sense that it’s not as pressing already, since from the start talaga learning has been compromised. So when people say na mahihirapan mga tao sa mga sumusunod na higher courses, I think regardless of whether or not this sem ends or continues, mahihirapan na talaga mga tao. Applying the same analysis as Haqq, mas magiging unfair parin talaga sa mga underprivileged kasi may time and resources naman ‘yong mga privileged to study the modules on their own while the marginalized do not have this luxury. Before I proceed, go lang Mario!
Mario: Direct response ko lang. I think ’yong sinasabi lang ni Shin sinasabi niya na parang when we call for Mass Promotion we just stop the semester. I think ‘yong point niya is that that could take into the natanggalan ng prereqs. Like for example, those taking 101 and 102 will be taking 103 and 104 next sem and mahihirapan sila kasi hindi nila natapos ‘yong prereq. That’s why it’s important na may mga bridging programs or available modules for these students like what we said kanina.
Third: Thanks for that Mario! Yes, I agree and that’s my next part. I think that these bridging programs will help establish equal footing between students and matutulungan talga nito ‘yong mga students na naapektuhan ng mga bagyo or disadvantaged na talaga since the start of the sem.
Shin: That’s what I wanted to clarify kasi I was under the assumption that mass promotion lang. It might be problematic lang in the case na wala silang i-consider na bridging problem and such.
Jaro: I agree with Mass Promotion. I think that the most inclusive thing to do is to end the sem. I feel like we’ve already exhausted all our resources. I think that all we’ve done is. To be fair for all stakeholders. I think that the most inclusive thing to do is to end the sem. I think we should highlight the psychological effect. As for the overall welfare of the students, psychological impacts should be primarily considered. I think we can all agree na lahat tayo pagod na. Pinakamaganda na magend na ‘yong sem. I’d like to add lang na if we give passing grade for all, we allow the effort to not be disregarded. Lahat tayo, we’ve been pouring our efforts here. Walang effort ‘yong madi-dismiss. I am not for academic ease. ‘Yong viewpoint niya ay nagre-rely sa compassion ng professors. I think in the past we’ve seen a lot of , While I am being aware na ‘yong iba ay left behind na. Other people are forced to stop and it bothers me na just because we allow certain privileges. The system really favors the privilege and we really have to understand that we are the University of the people. As much as we represent our constituents, we also represent the whole UP Community. Many of us including myself enjoy privileges which allow us to proceed. Numerical grading system, I’ll have to agree with EJ and Mario which means that students should be given the choice. But our priority here is the effort of the students nga ay mabigyan ng halaga. Sa long run issues, allow me to reiterate I think that it will be addressed through the bridging programs. People will study once they are able to do so. Climate crisis and health crisis.
Mario: Pero what if it manifests in a way that in the grading system, I think that’s something to take into consideration. If we do forward bridging programs, I think we should forward na ma-integrate ‘yong bridging into the curriculum of higher courses perhaps. Before they go through with the course, they ask certain topics so they have the proper background for the course. Baka we can also forward na coming into the semester na may portion dapat sa syllabus that will tackle the prerequisites.
Andi: We’ve already hit the 1 hr mark so I think we’re ready to make a consensus na.
Mitch: Motion to extend 30 minutes.
Mario: I second the motion.
Andi: Reminder na lang rin to refrain from just reiterating things that have already been said or just affirming points made by others since we want to be time-efficient.
Jaro: To clarify lang, Mario, I think that primarily based on the narratives from others na may certain cases talaga where professors aren’t that compassionate when it comes to student concerns.
Cami: On what they said about Academic Ease it, I just think that it’s not that feasible kasi it relies on the compassion of the professors. Like what Jaro said, there are professors rin talaga that are insensitive to student concerns kaya if magiging academic ease ‘yong call natin, it depends on whether the professors are amenable to changing the requirements of their courses.
Third: Direct response lang to Cami to give some context. In a past meeting ng OVCAA, they said na kaya soft directives lang ini-issue nila like “ejoined” lang or “strongly urge” and not outright require is because they wanted to respect the Academic Freedom of the professors. We get this naman pero it might just really not be enough talaga given what Cami and Jaro said na there are profs talaga who aren’t as compassionate as they should be during these times.
Belle: I wrote some notes. So if we are open to mass promotion, we’ll really be representing our constituents because more than 50% are for mass promotion We could use this time for something that’s more productive like protesting and helping in the aid for the calamity. We would also be acknowledging that in this particular setup. Our grades are greatly determined by privilege. Passing everyone would take away that privilege and give everyone equal footing. Although I do understand that there are those people who need numerical grade so I support the option of having numerical grades. We’re not going to consider the plight of students lang but also the plight of the UP Community as a whole.
Rejam: Initially, I was against Mass Promotion and Ending the Sem. But I think, ‘yong question ko lang is: how are we going to hold the admin accountable? Before the start of the school year, we’re not holding the government accountable so everyone pushed for Ligtas Balik Eskwela. Another issue is, sa Mass promotion, how about those na totally no effort at all? I have classmates who live in Cagayan Valley and they were really affected by the typhoons talaga. But, I also have classmates that weren’t as affected and that they were there in the start of the semester and then suddenly nawala. Wouldn’t the divide be bigger kasi others invested more in learning
Cami: On what Rejam said about next term, I think that with the questionof what’s going to happen next sem. If the firstplave, they can recuperate they can get feedback from toher people. Seeing that a lot wanted tot end the sem. They can create another plan for next sem. once we end the sem. A lot of thecalls are actually saying that once the sem ends, admin needs to do something about he sem.
Jaro: Direct response to Rejam. I think lang na parang it’s wrong to think that people like that are being relaxed or easy-easy lang. Being in UP from the past semester may mga taong. Clarify ko lagn na ‘wag natin i-assume na.
Andi: Is there anything in particular you want to tackle when drafting the statement?
Emman: We will essentially be arguing with Econ faculty regarding this stand. We need to successfully argue that out of all the options ito ‘yong best talaga. The question really is kung anong option ‘yong pinaka-least damaging sa lahat. Think of it as a social welfare function ng Econ and ng UP as a whole. While I think na for most of us, ending the sem is the most compassionate and least damaging option, kailangan nating ma-spell out clearly. We have to spell out the dichotomy na end the sem is compassionate, all the others are not. Marami rin akong nakausap na ang concern talaga is focused on privilege and mental health. And tama na naman and may costs talaga sa learning.
Mario: Point of clarification, end of the semester first and then nuances later?
Andi: Yup! Now, what is the decision of the body?
Mario: Motion to adapt the call for ending the semester.
Andi: There’s a motion in the table. Does anyone want to second the motion?
Emman: Second the motion.
Andi: We have officially adopted the motion that we agree that we want to end the sem. The floor is now open to points on how we can proceed with the stand.
Emman: Hindi lang ‘yong itsura ng stand natin ay end the sem. What we’re pushing for is more than that, like ending the sem with briding programs for higher courses for example. Kailangan natin i-argue that it is the best out of all the rest. Marami ring nagsasabi na sobrang paawa ng arguments for end the sem kaya we need to prove talaga that this is the most compassionate one. Again clarify, bakit everything else is not as good at this?Focus tayo sa core content ng argument.
Andi: In essence, the guide question we have for our discussion right now is “Why is ending the sem the best option?”
Kyla: Na-exhaust na rin naman ‘yong arguments for End the Sem. Let’s put it side by side with the other alternatives. Sa akin, pinaka-ideal ‘yong end th sem kasi it takes into account the landscape na ginagalawan natin. It takes into account the economic state, the past calamities, health issues, and the problematic response of the government. Ang nangyayari lang kasi doon ay nagpapatong-patong ‘yong strain sa students. There’s always this risk of this semester becoming more daunting. This is the best way to remove all existing issues rin.
Mario: I think what we have to take first into consideration. We have to call to stop the submission of requirements. If I remember correctly, wala pang halfway last semester, it ended na because of the pandemic kaya professors did not have enough assessments to effectively grade their students. Right now, we’re in the part na patapos na. To end classes and no more requirements. The professors have an option to hold maybe one or two sessions as wrap up for the sem but I think they have enough na to effectively grade their students, specifically if they pass or not.
Emman: Before anything else, ano ‘yong end the sem na gusto natin makita? Ang starting point natin ay suspend lahat ng requirements and deadlines, and pass na lahat ng students. Apart from that, what else do you guys want to see? What should end the sem entail?
Andi: I’m assuming that we’re adding all the other things we’ve talked about na. Bridging programs, consultations. If not bridging programs, maybe these can be integrated into the higher courses. We’re going to add na rin the option to request for numerical grades and a demand that the admin create a more inclusive plan for next semester.
Mario: For the grades naman, I think we should make it automatic if the student wants. Kasi there are people who want numerical grades for a lot of reasons like for latin honors kunwari which is vald naman. Parang naging argument kasi nila na nakaka-disappopint that others are still thinking about their grades during these times but I don’t think that’s the case, it’s not black or white. It doesn’t mean you’re insenstiive of what’s happening agad. That’s why it should be easier or automatic if the student wants numerical grades.
Cami: I think that a point of clarification rin, that when we talk about Mass Promotion. Are we talking about pass everyone agad or pass students lang once they have finished all the requirements?
Mario: Motion to extend by 30 minutes.
Andi: Second
Andi: So it’s either, pass everyone or incomplete like last sem.
Mario: I think it can go either way. We’ve seen naman na this semester has not been the right gauge of a student’s learning capabilities. So I think it’s fine to make P the standard.
Shin: For yong option or call for the request of making numerical grades optional, magiging counted ba ‘yong sa GWA or not? Just to bridge the concern between people who think that. Meeting the extensive demands of profs. If we do call for option numerical grades be availed, will it be included in the GWA. Feel ko kasi ‘yon ‘yong magiging call rin kasi the GWA will be the ultimate indicator of whether or not your grades will be useful for your specific goals.
Mario: I want to explain rin siguro is that what we don’t want to invalidate any reasons for students to want to have a grade. Lalo na ‘yong mga underprivileged who have worked very hard to get a certain grade for latin honors kunwari, since I don’t think naman striving for latin honors should be removed from them.
Mitch: Kung humingi ka lang ng numerical grade, doon lang isasama ‘yong GWA mo?
Andi: Are we going the assumption that we need to complete certain requirements to get a P?
Shin: I think for me kaya naging prerequisite ‘yong another assignment or nether requirements in order to get numerical grades since we called for the end of the semester in the middle of the semester. I think there’s a lot of basis na rin for the grades given na 2 weeks nalang natitira sa semester natin so it’s okay na isama na siya sa GWA and no need na for requirements to get a P.
Emman: ‘Yong gusto nating mangyari ay for the students mostly. To add lang, I think we should also include na adequate parin dapat ‘yong compensation ng faculty and staff. Besides compensation, we have alleviate mental health issues for faculty and staff as well.
Rejam: I just want to clarify something lang rin kasi there are a lot of concerns raised about the bridging program like logistics for example. How will we address that? Will it also be required?
Mitch: Sa amin last time, optional siya, ayaw naman natin na mamilit kasi resources nga ‘yong problema natin. ‘Yong mga profs pwedeng mag-upload ng modules nila. Since February pa naman ‘yong magiging pasok, magiging sapat na ‘yong December and January para maaral ‘yong naputol. If ganoon rin ‘yong tingin niyo na mangyayari, optional rin ‘yong ibibigay na quiz tapos bibigyan nila ng feedback ‘yon. Like sa bridging program ko last time sa Stat, sariling sikap lang ‘yon ng mga stat profs. Kung sa tingin niyo, optional rin ba para sa mga profs?
Haqq: For that it shouldn’t be option, dapat we should campaign for that na mag-bridging program sila kasi hindi siya para sa subject na ‘yon kundi para sa subject the following term.
JC: Naga-agree ako kay Haqq we have to require the bridging the program. Kung kailan sila available for the bridging program, we can adjust it naman. Wala namang specific time or day since para sa kanila rin naman ‘yon.
Andi: So, what we’re going to include in our stand it to make it required tapos profs upload vids na lang?
Mitch: Doon sa nakaraan, assuming na hindi isang tao lang ‘yong nagtuturo ng isang subject. Kung ‘yong isa doon walang resources baka pwedeng magsaluhan sila, kasi iniisip rin natin ‘yong kakayanan ng mga professors.
Mario: I find it weird na at your own pace dapat ‘yong bridging. Bago ma-take ‘yong certain course. Baka pwede nating i-call na dapat departmental siya. Require bridging classes for those that are prereqs. Since departmental naman mostly ‘yong mga ganitong subjects, I think to an extent they all have knowledge rin with regards to each class.
Jaro: Direct response, question lang sa pagiging required sa bridging, how will the professors know if the students are really participating? Will there be quizzes? If yes, isn’t that what we’re against. If no, how can we make sure that professors can gauge the learning of the students?
Mario: Actually maganda ‘yong point na binigay ni Jaro. Baka pwedeng ma-incorporate nga siya sa syllabus ng next sem. At this point, konti na lang ‘yong kailangan italakay. Pwede siya ma-incorporate into the syllabus of the higher classes. The thing is when you take higher classes, taken na as given ‘yong mga previous lessons. Makikita nila na it’s not as given anymore that the students know all these things.
Jaro: I highly agree with Mario kasi I think bridging programs should be integrated in that specific class. They should allot one session or two sessions to recap or teach concepts na kailangan ng students before proceeding to the course coverage.
Emman: I agree kasi the moment we require students to go to bridging classes, we hace to think rin of ways to incentivize students to join. I think pwede pa naman i-include ‘yan na gusto rin nila isama ‘yan. In case, hindi talaga siya option nasa syllabus siya next sem.
Cami: Speaking as someone who’s taking Econ 101 and 102. While I agree with the sentiments expressed earlier, wouldn’t this be a burden na rin if we’re going to cram it as well? If we’re going to have to take it, I agree na they have to integrate it into the higher econ. Some people would also ask if this would feasible esp the fact na this will be crammed with the lessons we have to learn in the following sems.
Mario: Taking into consideration everyone’s manifestations, I think what we can include is that lahat ng prereqs magkakaroon ng diagnostic test that isn’t graded. The contents would be kung ano ‘yong kinakailangan for that subject. When you take up higher econ, not all would be applied. What the prof can do is to have a diagnostic exam. Lalalgay doon ‘yong hinahanap nila sa estudyante. Once the prof sees kung saan pa nagkukulang maybe they can allot a week. Sa start ng sem, the first week or two is more for like a bridging. Maybe that’s a good workaround.
Haqq: I like his idea that the actual course will adapt to the knowledge of the students. It’s the best solution sa magiging problem with ending the sem now. Cut short kasi ‘yong natutunan sa previous sem. I know that it’s going to be a problem later on. I-adjust na alng ‘yong actual course para maging appropriate siya sa background ng students who will have to take it.
JC: Personally, I’m still in for academic ease nalilito pa ako with end the sem now. I still consider na marami talagang hindi pantay-pantay ‘yong mga student. ‘Yong cost ng courses na hindi natin matatapos this sem and binibigyan natin ng importance ‘yong prereqs. I think we should stress na dapat bigyan ng importance ‘yong courses natin ngayon because it’s funded by the people. Without even bridging programs for prereq subjects, I think malaki ‘yong cost in the long term.
Andi: Yes, I agree. We should maintain that we should be holistic since we are students and iskolars ng bayan as well.
Mario: Allow parin first and foremost ng consultations and ma-post ’yong resources and powerpoints na hindi pa natutuloy para wala ring pressure sa estudyante. Acads na ’yong least ng problema niya.
Emman: When we graduate our degrees reflect the investment of the people placed on us as iskolars ng bayan. Ang question ko lang to everyone, how do we find ways to i-incentivize students as a way to study prereqs for higher subjects?.
Jaro: I think that Internal ‘yong motivation. What’s important is we give them the options.
Emman: I think we need to clarify kung ano ‘yong gusto nating mangyari next sem. What support can the University give to students who are affected? To what extent in the short term and in the long term?
Mario: I think first and foremost na kailangan ng data ng students. I brought it up na sa ibang councils before. Before anything we need data, OVCAA needs to know what percentage of students are currently struggling with internet issues, gadget problems, etc. I think that’s the first thing we have to call for. From there, we can see who needs help. Does anyone else want ot add to that?
Third: I agree with Mario! I think on top of that we should also call for better management of financial aid. Kasi I’ve heard that there have been issues with SLAS and SFA for example. So even though the projects or the initiatives by the university is there, nagkaka-problems sa pag-address parin ng students concerns.
Jaro: Siguro to end na lang, let’s concretize suggestions for next sem. Personally, iffy ako about that IATF protocol wherein pwedeng maging blended ‘yong classes next sem. Siguro in analyzing ‘yong magiging setup next sem, maybe we should consider the setup. We should include in our stand na rin what we want the next sem to be like.
Emman: Kailangan may concerete suggestions tayo. Ito na rin naman ‘yong last sa listahan ko. Mayroon na tayong calls for kung ano gusto natin for this sem. May particular calls ba kayo in mind for next sem and for calling for accountability from the government?
Mario: Adequate training for the professors. Valid solution so far sa econ na may mga TAs na nagha-handle ng mga technical stuff for the professors. Ang fear ko lang baka ma-overwhelm yong mga TAs sa rami ng kailangan gawin. Kailangan muna ma-train properly ‘yong faculty kung paano mag-handle ng mga online resources like UVLE.
JC: Reasonable requirements and effective syllabus and flexible mode of teaching. I also think na dapat may cap ‘yong synchronous sessions kasi not everyone has the means of attending these sessions.
Jaro: For the government, we should call them out for incompetence and delayed response. We should also call for accountability because they chose to prioritize other things, such as attacking Leni Robredo before actually addressing the needs of the people. I agree with JC na dapat may cap for synch sessions.
JC: I think we should also hold the government accountable for lying about how prepared schools are for the academic year kasi clearly, hindi pa talaga ready ‘yong mga schools for the remote learning setup.
Other Matters
Andi: Okay, thank you everyone. Before we end the GA, are there any other matters any of you want to bring up? Sorry Haqq, I don’t think we’ll be able to film pa for the lantern. By when do we need to have the recording?
Haqq: By November 29 sana.
Andi: Okay! I’ll poll na lang sa gc kung kailan kayo available before that.
Jaro: As you all know, 10 ‘yong maximum number of partnerships natin. May isang na-clear na because we have already finished our responsibilities. I’ll be posting new partnership proposals na lang, so please vote.
Emman :NYC last quota pub is up! Please accomplish this na since this weekend na ‘yong NYC.
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Andi: World News: Coronavirus: The agonising Thanksgiving dilemma facing millions of Americans
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55022637
Rejam: Local News: I can’t probe House members getting kickbacks; I have no jurisdiction - Duterte
Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1364030/some-congressmen-receiving-kickbacks-but-i-have-no-business-investigating-them
EJ: UP team leads online vote in global contest
Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1364569/up-team-wins-online-vote-in-global-contest
Gia: Random: The MMFF 2020 is pushing through
Source: https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/list-metro-manila-film-festival-lineup-2020
Lantern Parade Updates c/o Econ Rep to the USC
Mario: So unang-una gusto ko magpasalamat sa M&P, sa core nila, and sa core ko. I cannot stress it enough that we won’t have done what we we have done kung wala sila. Right now, we’ve already come up with an idea. We want to highlight the inequity brought about by the pandemic. So for example, may splitscreen kumbaga showcasing the different situations of our constituents. The problem we’ve faced recently is that ang biglaan ng deadline, November 27. We emailed them kanina if we can ask for extensions pero hindi sila nag-reply. May nakita akong memo from VCCA, there will be no more virtual parade and that the new deadline is now December 4. We will try to work within that.
Haqq: Hindi pa alam ‘to ni Mario. I was thinking if mayroon na lang sasabihin na isang line ‘yong buong UPSE. Ang magsasabi niyan ay buong econ. ‘Yong first line ay from council. Next line senior batch. Either si Steph or si EJ. Hanggang sa Freshie Batch reps. Parang lini-lysync lang nila ‘yong line. What do you think Mario?
Mario: I think pwede naman pero let’s talk within ourselves. Pero I think it’s good that it shows solidarity.
Haqq: Is this feasible sa tingin niyo? Can you gather 10 people or more? [Batch Reps say yes]
Mario: Yeah. December 4 na rin naman ‘yong deadline. I sent the Memo to you Haqq sa chat natin.
Haqq: So kaya ba siya by November 29, Sunday, batch reps? ‘Yong for the council kaya Andi, when can we do it?
Andi: We can do it after this GA para tapos na.
Haqq: Thank you guys! Message ko na lang batchreps later para ma-coordinate ‘yong filming.
Electives 101 Updates c/o FBR and SoBR
Belle: Reiterating what we updated last week, we’re not going to push through with the synchronous event. We’;re changing everything into asynchronous pubs. Gia and Cami has already contacted the speakers. Rejam and I have already sent the pub requests. Part 1 will be posted hopefully this Sunday and Part 2 will be posted December 4.
Standmaking c/o Chairperson
Mario: I’d like to start this with the Bagyo Kamustahan natin. Kahit papaano nakaabot ng atleast 50% + 1. Sa iba kasi alam kong mahirap kasi marami kayo sa batch. “A” means safe, not affected. “B” means safe, no power and wifi. “C” means safe, but flooded house. “D”, severely affected.
A - 205 - 83.33%.
B - 29 - 11. 79%.
C - 12 - 4.88%.
D - 0 - 0%.
Those are the summary statistics. What we want to highlight that at least 16% answered A and that’s a big amount na when you think about it. Kahit may 1 week suspension, we should also take that into consideration.
We want to summarize the recent ECONsult.
Do you have your own private space?
59.3% - Yes
Can you describe your space?
What I did was that I generated a word cloud. Some of the quotes include: people come and go within the home so i sometimes get disturbed. Others said na they are blessed to have a spot in the house. Others would say naman na their homes aren’t really equipped for remote learning. There really is a wide variation int he settings of our students.
What are the hindrances to remote learning?
We see na ‘yong nangingibabaw ay ‘yong sa mental health, internet connection issues, etc. Some of the quotes we picked up here would be: it’s the pandemic, typhoon, no electricity. Others would say that it’s hard to delineate work and rest at home kasi everything just happens at home. Others have said that they have had covid scares. Because of the power outages, dumadami ‘yong backlogs.
The current system of remote learning is working for you
We asked them to rate their agreement to this statement. The mean is 2.5, median is 2.5, mode 2, standard deviation, 0.94. This is from a scale of 1 - 5 with 1 being strongly disagree and 5 being strongly agree. Others would say that it’s difficult to learn or their house is not conducive to learning. LAstly, instructors do not explain the material well, yet students are expected to master the lessons to answer assessments.
Given the recent natural calamities and how the semester has progressed, my current conditions still permit me to continue with the semester.
We asked kung kaya pa ba nila. Like I said same scale. Mean - 2.9, median - 3, mode - 3, and standard deviation - 1, we see that they’re half and half when asked kung kaya pa ba. I just generated another word cloud to quantify their previous answers. A few quotes naman and ito ‘yong parang naging general trend that I saw: even though others have said that they are capable naman, they can’t concentrate knowing that their classmates are suffering or being left behind. This takes a toll on them. Others as I said were affected talaga while others are scared lang.
Coping mechanisms?
Other would say that they’re barely keeping up while others said that they are able to continue because of the support of the UPSEAA kasi diba they had a laptop donation drive. Others would say that they're doing okay but the workload gets heavy.
What are your thoughts on #EndtheSem and #MassPromotionNow?
I highlighted a few. Some would say that they’re not game with ending the semester kasi patapos na. Others said that there are people who are not privileged enough to continue the sem and said that no student should be left behind. Someone said that no student should be left behind but mass promotion just discourages them from learning. UP should channel funds in order to help them. Others said that they think that the calls are valid and the focus should not be in academics right now. There are those who have said that they didn't agree with it but they think that this is the best option right now.
What solution works best for you?
50.4% voted for Mass Promotion now. The other 50% revolve around an academic ease. 18 percent is for an academic freeze, 17percent is for a change int he grading system. P or F instead of numerical. The rest revolve around different combinations of those mentioned above. Hindi kailangang just one call. This could be coupled with other things.
Anything to add?
Others would argue that ending the semester is not a blanket policy and force the government to provide long term solutions. I think that a long-term solution is for the system of online classes to change.
Let’s take all these things into consideration when we manifest other things.
Andi: I would like to propose that we add pros and cons. ‘Wag kayo mahiya mag-manifest and we expect everyone to manifest. Siguro we can start with pros. Does anyone want to manifest anything?
Cami: I just wanted to say something before. Not necessarily a pro and a con. Na-shock ako na 41% lang ng batch nakasagot ng text brig thing namin. Who knows if the majority of our constituents have a different opinion. Also, I think it's important to shred all pretenses of privilege when answering this and assessing how our constituents want this sem to go. What solution works best for you diba 50% wanted mass promotion and then 50% didn’t. A lot of them wanted mass promotion but they discussed other similar things.
Mario: It’s not primarily about the numbers. A good number who said not mass promotion. Marami kasing nag-quantify na end the sem pero dapat maraming options for other people. Dapat quantified mass promotion but there should be more options than the one we have right now.
Shin: For me naman, I noticed na parang other 50% who did vote mass promotion parang a bulk of them are forit not because they felt the same hasn't been doing that well for them but more so for their classmates or batchmates. It’s not really true that econ students don't care about social issues. So for pros, I think that ending the semester would actually help out a lot of students who are going through a rough time kasi aside from the pandemic, we had different calamities rin. More so for the technical courses, ending the sem and mass promotion might lead to long term issues. It might not reflect properly.
Haqq: Nung umpisa kasi, in a heartbeat gusto ko talaga na End the Sem agad. Pero medyo hesitant ako kasi ang raming cons na naiisip ko so kinausap ko ‘yong mga kakilala ko sa Econ. Ang napa-realize nila sa akin when weighing the opinions of the privileged and underprivileged we should ask the people kung ano kalagayan talaga nila and compare kung ano magigign effect ng sem sa kanila. If we choose end the sem, we should ask kung ano magiging effect nun sa privileged and underprivileged. For the privileged, hindi naman sila masyadong naapektuhan ng pandemic and ng mga bagyo kaya if ititigil ‘yong sem they can just resort to their hobbies or advance study the modules. For the underprivileged naman, hindi pa technically matatapos ‘yong paghihirap nila kasi hindi acads yong heavy na prioritiy nila. Ang priority nila masu-survive. Kaya I am all for ending the sem and mass promoting students.
Cami: I agree with what he said. I read one of the constituents’ answers and a lot of students have a lot more priorities than they have now. Kung kunwari acad ease those bandaid solutions it will just stick to the back to their minds and mas lalala lang ‘yong anxiety nila. If we do mass promotion, and like what Haqq said about the privileged and the underprivileged. We’re all worse off when we started the sem talaga. Just continuing now it further distances the privileged and the underprivileged. Just imagine how worse off the people na nasalanta talaga ng mga bagyo are now.
EJ: So first, if we notice ‘yong naga-acad strike mandalas ay hindi tiga-UP. And it became a student strike for me. Madalas mag-rally ay ‘yong mga hindi very affected by covid and affected by the typhoons. Especially sa UP na nanghihiram ng phone and nanghihiram na ng laptop. It’s really an unfair advantage that if you have basic wifi or devices edge na agad ‘yon. For the sake of those college students that have all these other priorities right now, I’m voting for mass promotion.
Emman: When we talk about end the sem, we’re referring to the notion na pass lahat and suspend lahat ng requirements, right? If buoin natin ‘yong statement natin, how will we proceed with the crafting of our stand. Solely from the suggestions of our constituents or may iba ba kayong naiisip or particular system na g na g na kayo? Same page ba tayo na end the sem.
Andi: That’s when we go into the nuances. Is everyone okay with that? or do we have a different system that we want to push through with?
Mario: Okay naman!
Emman: To clarify, notion niyo ng end the sem is pass lahat ng subjects and then drop clarify niyo para we’re clear kung ano ‘yong pinag-uusapan natin.
Mitch: So una sinabi ko na hindi masasagot. Na-realize na idealistic kung naging sagot ko ‘to na maga-adjust sa kung ano ‘yong naaayon sa students. Kung mali it’s either itama or i-stop. If it fails, we scrap it and we try to change it. Mass promotion and end the sem. May isa rin namang kagandahan the students can actually learn on his or her own pace. fundamental courses mapuputol. Bilang dalawang bagyo na rin ‘yong dumaan, ito na ‘yong tamang time para putulin na ‘yong semester. Nasa lower bracket siyang scale sa surveys natin. Kung parang dait, hindi pa ngayon buhay na and ,. hindi tayo apathetic. Most of the students are privileged kaya nakita natin na 0 yong severely affected. Hindi ibig sabihin na okay lang ituloy ‘yong sem kasi may maiiwan at maiiwan rin. Paano natin papanindigan sa no students left behind.
Mario: Privilege na humingi ng numerical grades. I think that’s wrong. ‘Yong iba kasi humihingi ng iba because of job employment. I think in our calls we should have an option parin to ask for numerical grades. Naalala ko na ‘yong paghingi ng numerical grades last semester I don’t think there;’s anything wrong for asking for latin honors. Maybe just having that options in the future. Maybe that can also be in our call. Maybe we can ask in the direction of asking for mass promotion and a mechanism to allow students to opt for numerical grades na maka-count sa GWA nila. That’s an option lang like I said.
Haqq: Question lang, how are we gonna call for this like ‘yong consultations? Separate statement?
Andi: We’re going to incorporate it na.
Shin: I just wanted to say lang in support of kung ano sinabi ni Mario. Marami rin kasing sinabi sa UP na kailangan i-maintain. numerical grades. scholarship. As much as UP
Third: First, I’d like to say that I am for mass promotion and ending the semester. I think this is a policy that will actually help a lot of our constituents given the different circumstances they have found themselves in. Direct response na lang to Shin’s con, kasi I do acknowledge na we have to address this issue kaya thanks Shin for bringing it up. I think that this harm is mitigated na in the sense that it’s not as pressing already, since from the start talaga learning has been compromised. So when people say na mahihirapan mga tao sa mga sumusunod na higher courses, I think regardless of whether or not this sem ends or continues, mahihirapan na talaga mga tao. Applying the same analysis as Haqq, mas magiging unfair parin talaga sa mga underprivileged kasi may time and resources naman ‘yong mga privileged to study the modules on their own while the marginalized do not have this luxury. Before I proceed, go lang Mario!
Mario: Direct response ko lang. I think ’yong sinasabi lang ni Shin sinasabi niya na parang when we call for Mass Promotion we just stop the semester. I think ‘yong point niya is that that could take into the natanggalan ng prereqs. Like for example, those taking 101 and 102 will be taking 103 and 104 next sem and mahihirapan sila kasi hindi nila natapos ‘yong prereq. That’s why it’s important na may mga bridging programs or available modules for these students like what we said kanina.
Third: Thanks for that Mario! Yes, I agree and that’s my next part. I think that these bridging programs will help establish equal footing between students and matutulungan talga nito ‘yong mga students na naapektuhan ng mga bagyo or disadvantaged na talaga since the start of the sem.
Shin: That’s what I wanted to clarify kasi I was under the assumption that mass promotion lang. It might be problematic lang in the case na wala silang i-consider na bridging problem and such.
Jaro: I agree with Mass Promotion. I think that the most inclusive thing to do is to end the sem. I feel like we’ve already exhausted all our resources. I think that all we’ve done is. To be fair for all stakeholders. I think that the most inclusive thing to do is to end the sem. I think we should highlight the psychological effect. As for the overall welfare of the students, psychological impacts should be primarily considered. I think we can all agree na lahat tayo pagod na. Pinakamaganda na magend na ‘yong sem. I’d like to add lang na if we give passing grade for all, we allow the effort to not be disregarded. Lahat tayo, we’ve been pouring our efforts here. Walang effort ‘yong madi-dismiss. I am not for academic ease. ‘Yong viewpoint niya ay nagre-rely sa compassion ng professors. I think in the past we’ve seen a lot of , While I am being aware na ‘yong iba ay left behind na. Other people are forced to stop and it bothers me na just because we allow certain privileges. The system really favors the privilege and we really have to understand that we are the University of the people. As much as we represent our constituents, we also represent the whole UP Community. Many of us including myself enjoy privileges which allow us to proceed. Numerical grading system, I’ll have to agree with EJ and Mario which means that students should be given the choice. But our priority here is the effort of the students nga ay mabigyan ng halaga. Sa long run issues, allow me to reiterate I think that it will be addressed through the bridging programs. People will study once they are able to do so. Climate crisis and health crisis.
Mario: Pero what if it manifests in a way that in the grading system, I think that’s something to take into consideration. If we do forward bridging programs, I think we should forward na ma-integrate ‘yong bridging into the curriculum of higher courses perhaps. Before they go through with the course, they ask certain topics so they have the proper background for the course. Baka we can also forward na coming into the semester na may portion dapat sa syllabus that will tackle the prerequisites.
Andi: We’ve already hit the 1 hr mark so I think we’re ready to make a consensus na.
Mitch: Motion to extend 30 minutes.
Mario: I second the motion.
Andi: Reminder na lang rin to refrain from just reiterating things that have already been said or just affirming points made by others since we want to be time-efficient.
Jaro: To clarify lang, Mario, I think that primarily based on the narratives from others na may certain cases talaga where professors aren’t that compassionate when it comes to student concerns.
Cami: On what they said about Academic Ease it, I just think that it’s not that feasible kasi it relies on the compassion of the professors. Like what Jaro said, there are professors rin talaga that are insensitive to student concerns kaya if magiging academic ease ‘yong call natin, it depends on whether the professors are amenable to changing the requirements of their courses.
Third: Direct response lang to Cami to give some context. In a past meeting ng OVCAA, they said na kaya soft directives lang ini-issue nila like “ejoined” lang or “strongly urge” and not outright require is because they wanted to respect the Academic Freedom of the professors. We get this naman pero it might just really not be enough talaga given what Cami and Jaro said na there are profs talaga who aren’t as compassionate as they should be during these times.
Belle: I wrote some notes. So if we are open to mass promotion, we’ll really be representing our constituents because more than 50% are for mass promotion We could use this time for something that’s more productive like protesting and helping in the aid for the calamity. We would also be acknowledging that in this particular setup. Our grades are greatly determined by privilege. Passing everyone would take away that privilege and give everyone equal footing. Although I do understand that there are those people who need numerical grade so I support the option of having numerical grades. We’re not going to consider the plight of students lang but also the plight of the UP Community as a whole.
Rejam: Initially, I was against Mass Promotion and Ending the Sem. But I think, ‘yong question ko lang is: how are we going to hold the admin accountable? Before the start of the school year, we’re not holding the government accountable so everyone pushed for Ligtas Balik Eskwela. Another issue is, sa Mass promotion, how about those na totally no effort at all? I have classmates who live in Cagayan Valley and they were really affected by the typhoons talaga. But, I also have classmates that weren’t as affected and that they were there in the start of the semester and then suddenly nawala. Wouldn’t the divide be bigger kasi others invested more in learning
Cami: On what Rejam said about next term, I think that with the questionof what’s going to happen next sem. If the firstplave, they can recuperate they can get feedback from toher people. Seeing that a lot wanted tot end the sem. They can create another plan for next sem. once we end the sem. A lot of thecalls are actually saying that once the sem ends, admin needs to do something about he sem.
Jaro: Direct response to Rejam. I think lang na parang it’s wrong to think that people like that are being relaxed or easy-easy lang. Being in UP from the past semester may mga taong. Clarify ko lagn na ‘wag natin i-assume na.
Andi: Is there anything in particular you want to tackle when drafting the statement?
Emman: We will essentially be arguing with Econ faculty regarding this stand. We need to successfully argue that out of all the options ito ‘yong best talaga. The question really is kung anong option ‘yong pinaka-least damaging sa lahat. Think of it as a social welfare function ng Econ and ng UP as a whole. While I think na for most of us, ending the sem is the most compassionate and least damaging option, kailangan nating ma-spell out clearly. We have to spell out the dichotomy na end the sem is compassionate, all the others are not. Marami rin akong nakausap na ang concern talaga is focused on privilege and mental health. And tama na naman and may costs talaga sa learning.
Mario: Point of clarification, end of the semester first and then nuances later?
Andi: Yup! Now, what is the decision of the body?
Mario: Motion to adapt the call for ending the semester.
Andi: There’s a motion in the table. Does anyone want to second the motion?
Emman: Second the motion.
Andi: We have officially adopted the motion that we agree that we want to end the sem. The floor is now open to points on how we can proceed with the stand.
Emman: Hindi lang ‘yong itsura ng stand natin ay end the sem. What we’re pushing for is more than that, like ending the sem with briding programs for higher courses for example. Kailangan natin i-argue that it is the best out of all the rest. Marami ring nagsasabi na sobrang paawa ng arguments for end the sem kaya we need to prove talaga that this is the most compassionate one. Again clarify, bakit everything else is not as good at this?Focus tayo sa core content ng argument.
Andi: In essence, the guide question we have for our discussion right now is “Why is ending the sem the best option?”
Kyla: Na-exhaust na rin naman ‘yong arguments for End the Sem. Let’s put it side by side with the other alternatives. Sa akin, pinaka-ideal ‘yong end th sem kasi it takes into account the landscape na ginagalawan natin. It takes into account the economic state, the past calamities, health issues, and the problematic response of the government. Ang nangyayari lang kasi doon ay nagpapatong-patong ‘yong strain sa students. There’s always this risk of this semester becoming more daunting. This is the best way to remove all existing issues rin.
Mario: I think what we have to take first into consideration. We have to call to stop the submission of requirements. If I remember correctly, wala pang halfway last semester, it ended na because of the pandemic kaya professors did not have enough assessments to effectively grade their students. Right now, we’re in the part na patapos na. To end classes and no more requirements. The professors have an option to hold maybe one or two sessions as wrap up for the sem but I think they have enough na to effectively grade their students, specifically if they pass or not.
Emman: Before anything else, ano ‘yong end the sem na gusto natin makita? Ang starting point natin ay suspend lahat ng requirements and deadlines, and pass na lahat ng students. Apart from that, what else do you guys want to see? What should end the sem entail?
Andi: I’m assuming that we’re adding all the other things we’ve talked about na. Bridging programs, consultations. If not bridging programs, maybe these can be integrated into the higher courses. We’re going to add na rin the option to request for numerical grades and a demand that the admin create a more inclusive plan for next semester.
Mario: For the grades naman, I think we should make it automatic if the student wants. Kasi there are people who want numerical grades for a lot of reasons like for latin honors kunwari which is vald naman. Parang naging argument kasi nila na nakaka-disappopint that others are still thinking about their grades during these times but I don’t think that’s the case, it’s not black or white. It doesn’t mean you’re insenstiive of what’s happening agad. That’s why it should be easier or automatic if the student wants numerical grades.
Cami: I think that a point of clarification rin, that when we talk about Mass Promotion. Are we talking about pass everyone agad or pass students lang once they have finished all the requirements?
Mario: Motion to extend by 30 minutes.
Andi: Second
Andi: So it’s either, pass everyone or incomplete like last sem.
Mario: I think it can go either way. We’ve seen naman na this semester has not been the right gauge of a student’s learning capabilities. So I think it’s fine to make P the standard.
Shin: For yong option or call for the request of making numerical grades optional, magiging counted ba ‘yong sa GWA or not? Just to bridge the concern between people who think that. Meeting the extensive demands of profs. If we do call for option numerical grades be availed, will it be included in the GWA. Feel ko kasi ‘yon ‘yong magiging call rin kasi the GWA will be the ultimate indicator of whether or not your grades will be useful for your specific goals.
Mario: I want to explain rin siguro is that what we don’t want to invalidate any reasons for students to want to have a grade. Lalo na ‘yong mga underprivileged who have worked very hard to get a certain grade for latin honors kunwari, since I don’t think naman striving for latin honors should be removed from them.
Mitch: Kung humingi ka lang ng numerical grade, doon lang isasama ‘yong GWA mo?
Andi: Are we going the assumption that we need to complete certain requirements to get a P?
Shin: I think for me kaya naging prerequisite ‘yong another assignment or nether requirements in order to get numerical grades since we called for the end of the semester in the middle of the semester. I think there’s a lot of basis na rin for the grades given na 2 weeks nalang natitira sa semester natin so it’s okay na isama na siya sa GWA and no need na for requirements to get a P.
Emman: ‘Yong gusto nating mangyari ay for the students mostly. To add lang, I think we should also include na adequate parin dapat ‘yong compensation ng faculty and staff. Besides compensation, we have alleviate mental health issues for faculty and staff as well.
Rejam: I just want to clarify something lang rin kasi there are a lot of concerns raised about the bridging program like logistics for example. How will we address that? Will it also be required?
Mitch: Sa amin last time, optional siya, ayaw naman natin na mamilit kasi resources nga ‘yong problema natin. ‘Yong mga profs pwedeng mag-upload ng modules nila. Since February pa naman ‘yong magiging pasok, magiging sapat na ‘yong December and January para maaral ‘yong naputol. If ganoon rin ‘yong tingin niyo na mangyayari, optional rin ‘yong ibibigay na quiz tapos bibigyan nila ng feedback ‘yon. Like sa bridging program ko last time sa Stat, sariling sikap lang ‘yon ng mga stat profs. Kung sa tingin niyo, optional rin ba para sa mga profs?
Haqq: For that it shouldn’t be option, dapat we should campaign for that na mag-bridging program sila kasi hindi siya para sa subject na ‘yon kundi para sa subject the following term.
JC: Naga-agree ako kay Haqq we have to require the bridging the program. Kung kailan sila available for the bridging program, we can adjust it naman. Wala namang specific time or day since para sa kanila rin naman ‘yon.
Andi: So, what we’re going to include in our stand it to make it required tapos profs upload vids na lang?
Mitch: Doon sa nakaraan, assuming na hindi isang tao lang ‘yong nagtuturo ng isang subject. Kung ‘yong isa doon walang resources baka pwedeng magsaluhan sila, kasi iniisip rin natin ‘yong kakayanan ng mga professors.
Mario: I find it weird na at your own pace dapat ‘yong bridging. Bago ma-take ‘yong certain course. Baka pwede nating i-call na dapat departmental siya. Require bridging classes for those that are prereqs. Since departmental naman mostly ‘yong mga ganitong subjects, I think to an extent they all have knowledge rin with regards to each class.
Jaro: Direct response, question lang sa pagiging required sa bridging, how will the professors know if the students are really participating? Will there be quizzes? If yes, isn’t that what we’re against. If no, how can we make sure that professors can gauge the learning of the students?
Mario: Actually maganda ‘yong point na binigay ni Jaro. Baka pwedeng ma-incorporate nga siya sa syllabus ng next sem. At this point, konti na lang ‘yong kailangan italakay. Pwede siya ma-incorporate into the syllabus of the higher classes. The thing is when you take higher classes, taken na as given ‘yong mga previous lessons. Makikita nila na it’s not as given anymore that the students know all these things.
Jaro: I highly agree with Mario kasi I think bridging programs should be integrated in that specific class. They should allot one session or two sessions to recap or teach concepts na kailangan ng students before proceeding to the course coverage.
Emman: I agree kasi the moment we require students to go to bridging classes, we hace to think rin of ways to incentivize students to join. I think pwede pa naman i-include ‘yan na gusto rin nila isama ‘yan. In case, hindi talaga siya option nasa syllabus siya next sem.
Cami: Speaking as someone who’s taking Econ 101 and 102. While I agree with the sentiments expressed earlier, wouldn’t this be a burden na rin if we’re going to cram it as well? If we’re going to have to take it, I agree na they have to integrate it into the higher econ. Some people would also ask if this would feasible esp the fact na this will be crammed with the lessons we have to learn in the following sems.
Mario: Taking into consideration everyone’s manifestations, I think what we can include is that lahat ng prereqs magkakaroon ng diagnostic test that isn’t graded. The contents would be kung ano ‘yong kinakailangan for that subject. When you take up higher econ, not all would be applied. What the prof can do is to have a diagnostic exam. Lalalgay doon ‘yong hinahanap nila sa estudyante. Once the prof sees kung saan pa nagkukulang maybe they can allot a week. Sa start ng sem, the first week or two is more for like a bridging. Maybe that’s a good workaround.
Haqq: I like his idea that the actual course will adapt to the knowledge of the students. It’s the best solution sa magiging problem with ending the sem now. Cut short kasi ‘yong natutunan sa previous sem. I know that it’s going to be a problem later on. I-adjust na alng ‘yong actual course para maging appropriate siya sa background ng students who will have to take it.
JC: Personally, I’m still in for academic ease nalilito pa ako with end the sem now. I still consider na marami talagang hindi pantay-pantay ‘yong mga student. ‘Yong cost ng courses na hindi natin matatapos this sem and binibigyan natin ng importance ‘yong prereqs. I think we should stress na dapat bigyan ng importance ‘yong courses natin ngayon because it’s funded by the people. Without even bridging programs for prereq subjects, I think malaki ‘yong cost in the long term.
Andi: Yes, I agree. We should maintain that we should be holistic since we are students and iskolars ng bayan as well.
Mario: Allow parin first and foremost ng consultations and ma-post ’yong resources and powerpoints na hindi pa natutuloy para wala ring pressure sa estudyante. Acads na ’yong least ng problema niya.
Emman: When we graduate our degrees reflect the investment of the people placed on us as iskolars ng bayan. Ang question ko lang to everyone, how do we find ways to i-incentivize students as a way to study prereqs for higher subjects?.
Jaro: I think that Internal ‘yong motivation. What’s important is we give them the options.
Emman: I think we need to clarify kung ano ‘yong gusto nating mangyari next sem. What support can the University give to students who are affected? To what extent in the short term and in the long term?
Mario: I think first and foremost na kailangan ng data ng students. I brought it up na sa ibang councils before. Before anything we need data, OVCAA needs to know what percentage of students are currently struggling with internet issues, gadget problems, etc. I think that’s the first thing we have to call for. From there, we can see who needs help. Does anyone else want ot add to that?
Third: I agree with Mario! I think on top of that we should also call for better management of financial aid. Kasi I’ve heard that there have been issues with SLAS and SFA for example. So even though the projects or the initiatives by the university is there, nagkaka-problems sa pag-address parin ng students concerns.
Jaro: Siguro to end na lang, let’s concretize suggestions for next sem. Personally, iffy ako about that IATF protocol wherein pwedeng maging blended ‘yong classes next sem. Siguro in analyzing ‘yong magiging setup next sem, maybe we should consider the setup. We should include in our stand na rin what we want the next sem to be like.
Emman: Kailangan may concerete suggestions tayo. Ito na rin naman ‘yong last sa listahan ko. Mayroon na tayong calls for kung ano gusto natin for this sem. May particular calls ba kayo in mind for next sem and for calling for accountability from the government?
Mario: Adequate training for the professors. Valid solution so far sa econ na may mga TAs na nagha-handle ng mga technical stuff for the professors. Ang fear ko lang baka ma-overwhelm yong mga TAs sa rami ng kailangan gawin. Kailangan muna ma-train properly ‘yong faculty kung paano mag-handle ng mga online resources like UVLE.
JC: Reasonable requirements and effective syllabus and flexible mode of teaching. I also think na dapat may cap ‘yong synchronous sessions kasi not everyone has the means of attending these sessions.
Jaro: For the government, we should call them out for incompetence and delayed response. We should also call for accountability because they chose to prioritize other things, such as attacking Leni Robredo before actually addressing the needs of the people. I agree with JC na dapat may cap for synch sessions.
JC: I think we should also hold the government accountable for lying about how prepared schools are for the academic year kasi clearly, hindi pa talaga ready ‘yong mga schools for the remote learning setup.
Other Matters
Andi: Okay, thank you everyone. Before we end the GA, are there any other matters any of you want to bring up? Sorry Haqq, I don’t think we’ll be able to film pa for the lantern. By when do we need to have the recording?
Haqq: By November 29 sana.
Andi: Okay! I’ll poll na lang sa gc kung kailan kayo available before that.
Jaro: As you all know, 10 ‘yong maximum number of partnerships natin. May isang na-clear na because we have already finished our responsibilities. I’ll be posting new partnership proposals na lang, so please vote.
Emman :NYC last quota pub is up! Please accomplish this na since this weekend na ‘yong NYC.
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