De La Salle University answers Frequently Asked Questions to clarify the concerns of our students on how they will complete Term 2 requirements, what they can expect from Term 3 online learning, and what their workload will be.

Sections:

• FAQs
  1. On Term 3, AY 2019-2020
  2. On student workload
  3. On laboratory classes
  4. On deferment
  5. On OJT/Practicum courses
  6. On tuition and fees
  7. On Office of the University Registrar processes
  8. On enlistment
  9. On grading system
  10. On Internet accessibility
  11. On flowchart
  12. On NSTP/LASARE/IPERSEF/PE
  13. On LOA

• Important Dates
• Contact Details

1. On Term 3, AY 2019-2020

1.1 How can the faculty assure that the students will gain knowledge about the course through teaching and not just through self-study which many students are already pointing out during the continuation of Term 2?

A set of quality assurance criteria shall be in place for course design and for instructional design of full-online courses.

Faculty will use the 6-week break from May 19 to June 30 to (a) hone their online delivery skills and (b) develop full-online courses for Term 3.

College deans and department chairs shall (as it is also true under normal conditions) exercise academic supervision over the conduct of online classes to ensure the quality of learning.

1.2 The justification of continuing Term 2 was that the term was already more than halfway. What’s the reason for pushing Term 3 when the future is not yet clear as the scare of COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing?

We cannot wait until things return to normal because it may take three years, and even then, there will be a “new normal.”  DLSU believes that  we need to make the best of the situation, pick ourselves up, and try to create a set-up that would be beneficial to our students.

1.3 Will there be an enrollment cap/maximum class size for classes on online mode?

Class sizes will remain the same.

1.4 Were the students’ petition and opinions considered? (DLSU student publications, La Salle schools, CSO, and CAO solidarity statements and USG’s proposal and surveys)

Student petitions and opinions, as well as faculty and other stakeholders’ proposals, serve as valuable inputs in the development of policies. The University believes that this is the most appropriate direction given the current condition.

1.5 What other options can DLSU offer besides having online classes and two weeks worth of possible face-to-face classes

Everywhere around the world, classes are going online as this is the only viable option at the moment. Waiting until things settle down is not an option because it may take years for things to settle down.

Some universities will not offer lab courses in their next semester. We are not giving up right away. We are keeping the option open by having a two (2) special weeks arrangement, as some students will need to take these courses in order to graduate on time.

1.6 Will faculty and staff (e.g., laboratory technicians) be financially supported for Term 3 considering that they may not have work during the period for online class mode?

Faculty and staff will continue to receive their regular pay. Some staff may be reassigned to do some other tasks so that everyone will have work during this period.

2. On Student Workload

2.1 Can you clarify what “3 units for 7.5 hours workload per week” would entail? Does this mean that students are expected to commit 7.5 hours per week on a course? Will faculty give additional deliverables to maximize those hours?                                                                     

This system will be able to address the concern of some students about the workload given to them by their professors. This will set the standard to ensure that the total study time and assignments outside of classes are uniform and not excessive.

The setting of a 7.5 hour-workload per week for a 3-unit course is simply standardizing the workload of students in and out of the classroom. In the past, only the in-classroom hours were accounted for, so a 3-unit course meets for three hours in the classroom. Nothing was set about the work done outside the classroom. This resulted in some classes having very heavy workload, and some courses are very light. By having a standard work hour per unit, we are regulating the workload of each course so that all 3-unit courses will have the same workload.

The 7.5 hours include not just the class hours, but also the hours spent outside the classroom for alternative activities, homework, reading assignments, projects, term papers, digesting the lessons and reflection, reviewing for exams, and other activities related to the course.

The 7.5 hours is the average time that an average student is expected to spend for the course on a given week. There might be variations in the work done each week. Some weeks will be heavier on readings, others on homework, still others on alternative activities, and some weeks on reviewing for exams. Other requirements like projects and term papers will be factored in several weeks of workload.

Sample calculations of workload-unit equivalency

2.2 What measures will be in place to help ensure that faculty do not overcompensate on the requirements, or alternatively, do not become too lax with delivering the lessons?                                                                 

The 2.5 work hours per week for each unit of lecture course is precisely the mechanism we have put in place to regulate the workload expected of students in each course.

2.3 The HDA stated “effective Term 3” for the adjusted hours per unit; would this be carried over to the succeeding AY, especially if physical distancing measures continue?                                                               

The 2.5 work hours per week for each unit of lecture course is not an adjustment of hours per week. It is a setting of standard that accounts for both in-class and outside class work hours.

This was already being discussed prior to COVID-19 and this is part of our new normal. We are also aligning ourselves with globally accepted practices such as the European Credit Transfer System in Europe, and the credit hours in the US, and similar methods of accounting of student workload applied in many Asian countries.

2.4 Will we be needing to take fewer courses next term to accommodate the increase in class hours per course?

There will be no increase in class hours. The 2.5 hours per unit will cover both in-class and outside class activities.

2.5 Is there still a minimum unit required to take for Term 3?

There is no minimum unit requirement for enrollment.  The minimum unit requirement for the Dean’s List remains at 12 units.

2.6 Would the professors be required to give homework per week? How are they going to regulate it if some profs do not give homework?

The 7.5 hours per week for a 3-unit course is the average.  The workload for a term paper that will be done over 4 weeks, for example, is accounted for as part of the 30-work hour equivalent for 4 weeks.

2.7 Are the challenges and circumstances brought about by COVID-19 taken into account for the new number of hours?

Yes, the challenges and circumstances brought about by the pandemic have been taken into consideration. This also checks the overcompensation in terms of assigned work that may happen.

2.8 Does the change in hours mean that per week a 3-unit class will have to have 7.5 hours of class time in school or is it simply to recognize that students spend time outside of class hours for a subject? If so, is 1 hour per unit still possible just like in regular lecture classes?

This is not so much a change in hours, but the new set-up takes into account the hours spent outside the classroom.  In the past, only hours in the classroom were counted, and there was no commonly accepted limit on how much work a faculty can give the students to do outside the class.  Setting a standard work hour per unit will allow faculty and students to better manage the workload for each course, so that for the same number of units, a course would not have a heavier workload than another.

3. On laboratory classes

3.1 Would the quality of education and learning of students be compromised in the proposed two weeks’ worth of face-to-face classes? If not, what ensures this?

The scheduling of laboratory activities for two weeks is done in order to hedge against possible flare-ups of the contagion that could make access to campus impossible.

Learning will not be limited to the two weeks. A week or two before can be used for pre-lab discussions online, and a week or two after for post-labs online. The two weeks will be primarily for doing the lab activities physically.

These two weeks of actual lab work need not be two consecutive weeks.

3.2 For laboratory classes that require practical exams, would these be expected to be completed within the two-week period as well?

The practical exam could be held at the end of the two weeks. If this is not possible, it can be conducted in a special session outside the two weeks.

The two special weeks are tentatively scheduled on Weeks 10 and 11 of Term 3, so there is time before and after for online pre-lab and post-lab activities. The schedule is subject to change depending on the prevailing conditions.  It is also possible that the two special weeks will be held on Weeks 10 and 12 so that there is a separation of one week for the different activities.

3.3 The HDA states that pre and post labs will be held before or after the 2-week face-to-face period. Does that mean that the term will be extended for those with laboratory classes?

The special two weeks is tentatively scheduled on Week 10 and 11, so there will still be a couple of weeks left before the end of the term for post lab activities to be done online. The two-week period is, however, subject to change, depending on the quarantine/epidemic conditions in Metro Manila.

3.4 Does DLSU have the facilities to hold all of the laboratory classes in two weeks for all batches and colleges? Considering both time and space constraints for laboratory classes, would reduced course offerings be expected for Term 3 as the facilities may not be able to accommodate all the classes being conducted daily?

Since pre-lab and post-lab activities will be done online, there will be adjustments in the physical lab hours.

The University will only offer courses that can be delivered. Prioritization will be made for course offerings. It is possible that flowcharts will be slightly modified.

3.5 Will a staggered set-up be possible instead of allotting only two weeks for all students?

Depending on conditions, the two special weeks may not be two consecutive weeks.  For example, this could be Week 10 and Week 12. The two weeks will be the same for all colleges to avoid conflicts with courses enrolled for the other 12 weeks.

The reason why we are scheduling the lab activities in two short weeks is to hedge against possible flare-ups of the contagion that could make access to campus impossible.

3.6 How will the practical and theoretical exams be scheduled?

Faculty members will discuss the schedule of exams in consultation with their students.

4. On Deferment

4.1 If the two-week catch-up period for deferred Term 2 classes would be held in September (if conditions do not permit in June), is there a possibility that this overlaps with the two-week face-to-face sessions for Term 3?                                                                                               

A W (withdrawn) is a grade given by the faculty member. A student who deems that he/she will be put at a disadvantage because of the disruptions generated by the pandemic, especially in the reckoning for Latin Honors or the Jose Rizal Honors Award, may opt to drop a course or courses. When a course is dropped, the student will be deemed to have not enrolled in that course for that trimester. The course will therefore not appear in the Transcript of Records of the student.

The catch-up sessions for Term 2 will be scheduled for those who will not be taking Term 3 courses during the two special weeks. Other arrangements will be made for those who have classes during the two special weeks.

Please note that the catch-up sessions will be for only a few weeks of classes and not for an entire term.

4.2 Will a deferment option be given for Term 3 considering that courses would be mostly delivered online and that the two-week period may be too short for face-to-face classes?                         

Grade deferment for Term 3 is still under discussion.

The two special weeks arrangement is similar to the modular arrangement in accountancy.

Since modular courses are specific to the Accountancy Department, a special arrangement will be made by your department.

5. On thesis and OJT/practicum courses

5.1 Would thesis and OJT/practicum courses likely fall under the “second enrollment” period? How will thesis and OJT/practicum courses be arranged across different colleges for Term 3?       

Graduating students and students doing thesis will have priority access to campus when this is possible.

We will consider the situation in July to October in the implementation of OJT. If students cannot be deployed to companies, alternative activities like the ones for Term 2 will be made.

5.2 How will the new policy affect OJT?    

The 2.5 hours per unit applies only to lecture courses.

5.3 What will happen to those needing lab work for their thesis if access to campus is still restricted or if the lockdown is still not lifted?

Graduating students, students doing thesis, and students doing lab work shall be given priority access to campus when this is possible.

6. On tuition and fees

6.1 What is the estimated tuition for Term 3 if schoolwork and lectures will be conducted online?

As mentioned in the helpdesk announcement, there is a 20% tuition discount and some fees will be waived or discounted.

6.2 If ever the ECQ gets extended, will there be any considerations given to families who are still unable to generate income? Are parents expected to afford another term at home (with additional expenses for electricity for the use of electronics to facilitate learning)?

The administration took cognizance that ECQ has gravely affected the livelihood of many families. The financial support package that was announced is part of our effort to address this concern.

6.3 Students are looking at taking a gap term and may further delay them if the classes they miss are seasonal. Why does it seem that the policy for T3 lacks the flexibility of choices from T2?

We were on emergency mode in Term 2. Term 3 is more of a gradual recovery mode, so policies have been modified to reflect this shift.

6.4 Will the tuition only include payment for the instructors, Canvas use, and other fees not relating to the use of facilities unless it’s part of the blended learning with the 2-week face-to-face classes?

Tuition covers all costs not related to special fees and miscellaneous fees. The University’s prognosis is that it will operate with a huge deficit (cost is greater than revenues) in Term 3

6.5 Will the University provide us a breakdown of the tuition for Term 3?

Yes, like in previous trimesters, breakdown of tuition and fees will be specified in the assessment.

Aside from the 20% discount on tuition, there will be waiving or discount of some miscellaneous fees, and waiving or discount of some special fees (e.g. lab fees) depending on how some classes are going to be held.

6.6 Will students with outstanding Term 2 balances be given considerations, such as being allowed to enlist?

It was announced in the Brother President’s HDA that FAO clearance for Term 2 will be suspended in relation to Term 3 enrollment. This means that those with unpaid Term 2 will be allowed to enroll for Term 3.  Term 2 rebates may be used to settle some of the unpaid Term 2 dues. The remaining unpaid Term 2 balance will be added to the Term 3 assessment.

6.7 For students who usually settle their balances using credit cards, how will they be able to enroll next term should accounting settlement be unavailable?

We have made arrangements with some banks for online payment of fees through credit cards.

7. On Office of the University Registrar Processes

7.1 Are students still allowed to drop their classes for Term 2? The dropping of classes is currently not working on AnimoSys – “You do not have a valid enrollment appointment at this time”.

The dropping facility opened last April 27. These errors have been forwarded to the ITS. This might be caused by the original settings disallowing freshmen from dropping during the first two terms. This prohibition is lifted for Term 2.

7.2 Will the shifting process be the same with all these changes to Term 3?

Given the limited movement under ECQ, the process for shifting will be modified. Please wait for an announcement on the shifting process.

7.3 Is it still possible to file for a special class? Will the procedure be the same as the regular filling of a special class?

Yes, application for special classes will be possible, but procedures will be modified given the restricted movement we have under ECQ.

7.4 Will deferred grades affect the application for shifting?

No, deferred grades will not affect application for shifting.

7.5 How do we take the exam for shifting or have the interviews?

Colleges and departments may conduct interviews online. The shifting exam details will be discussed with ITEO.

7.6 When will shifting results for Term 2 be released?

The target release of results is the first week of June. This also depends on developments in relation to the ECQ.

8. On enlistment

8.1 How will the two methods of enrollment proceed? Can the procedure for the two enrollment methods be thoroughly discussed or clarified?

The procedure for the two periods of enrollment will be the same.  Courses for the special two weeks will not be offered in the first period of enrollment, and these are the only courses available in the second period.  The reason why we have two periods is because we are not certain if conditions will be favorable for the conduct of dominantly face-to-face classes. If conditions are not right, the second period of enrollment will not push through.

Some universities are thinking of foregoing the offering of lab courses in their next semester. DLSU is keeping the possibility of having lab courses in Term 3 open. However, we want to avoid the situation where students will enroll in courses that cannot be delivered.

8.2 Will the enrollment/enlistment next week push through?

OUR will release a new schedule for enrollment. This will likely happen during the second or third week of June.

8.3 Will there be changes in the enlistment procedure? Will there be changes to the enrollment limit given that classes will be mostly online?

Enrollment procedures may be modified to suit the conditions at the time of enrollment.

8.4 When will the dates for these procedures be released? How will we be oriented on the enrollment/enlistment procedure?

Please wait for OUR announcement.

8.5 Will the two sessions of enrollment be held on the same day or different days?

The first period of enrollment will be in June, the second will most likely be in August.

9. On grading system

9.1 Will we be given the deferment option for Term 3 (the same way as Term 2) considering that it will be mostly online and that two weeks might be too short and crammed for face-to-face classes and finals?

Deferment of grades for Term 3 is still under discussion.

9.2 Will students be allowed to ask for a deferred grade despite submitting their requirements already? In other words, ask the professor to disregard their submission in case of a failing grade because some students may not have made the optimal decision when they submitted it?

For Term 2, please discuss this with your professor.

10. On Internet accessibility

10.1 What happens to students who do not have access to the Internet since Term 3 will be online heavy?

As previously announced by the Brother President, the University is making arrangements with telecommunication companies for the provision of Wi-Fi gadgets to students who have no Internet access, to help them continue their studies at home.

Details of this service will be announced soon.

10.2 Will the University send text message blasts as a channel for announcements? Announcements fail to reach students who have poor or no internet connection.

The Office for Strategic Communications relays communications through various platforms.

10.3 What happens if a student is unable to attend an online class session?

Synchronous sessions will be recorded so students who were not able to attend can catch up with the session. Students who attended the session can also review the session through the recording.

10.4 There are situations when professors are not responsive to the students nor the dean, due to internet access problems. How will the University address this?

The University is coming up with arrangements with Telcos for the provision of Internet access. Likewise, there will be an arrangement for the purchase of laptops for faculty and staff. If we are able to get a good rate for the bulk purchase with suppliers, this may also be offered to students.

10.5 With the additional units, will there be classes on Fridays now?

In general, there will be no significant addition or reduction of units for Term 3, although program flowcharts may be adjusted to suit the current conditions.

11. On flowchart

11.1 Is there a chance that flowcharts will be modified?

Slight modifications of flowcharts are possible as we may not have some types of courses in Term 3.

12. On NSTP/LASARE/IPERSEF/PE

12.1 What will happen to NSTP off-campus immersions? Will NSTP lectures be conducted online as well? What will happen to NSTPRO2, since most of the practical portions of the lessons in NSTPRO1 will be tested on Term 3?

An announcement on this will be made soon.

12.2 How will PE classes be conducted given that there will be only two weeks for face-to-face sessions?

It is even more important for our well-being that we remain active and conduct physical exercises at home.

We recognize that it is not healthy that PE classes be held daily over a 2-week period. As such, PE classes will be held during the 12-week period.

An announcement on this will be made soon.

13. On LOA

13.1 There have been a number of students who raised their interest in filing for a Leave of Absence given the current implementation of Term 3. How can they proceed with filing an LOA?

The modified procedure for filing LOA shall be announced by the OUR.

13.2 What can the University do to minimize the number of students who will be forced to file an LOA?

The University offers financial, counseling and psychological, and connectivity support in order to enable as many students as possible to continue their studies during these difficult times. As the Brother President mentioned in his helpdesk announcement, “As we recognize the various needs and conditions of our students, everyone is enjoined in our shared commitment to uphold the Lasallian educational mission and be part of this learning moment, no matter how daunting the challenge may be.”

We recognize that it is not healthy that PE classes be held daily over a 2-week period. As such, PE classes will be held during the 12-week period.

An announcement on this will be made soon.

For concerns about your professor and other inquiries, contact:

Lasallian Core Curriculum