The University of the Philippines Visayas Office of Student Affairs (UPV-OSA) gave an orientation to the incoming students and transferees of the University, together with some of their parents and guardians on Aug. 15 at the UPV Covered Court, Miagao campus.
Prof. Agustin Huyong, OSA Director, welcomed the 441 incoming students and transferees to the orientation, where some heads of offices and units presented their services and mandates. Likewise, a total of 272 parents also attended the orientation.
Prof. Nieves Toledo, University Registrar, discussed the academic policies and the Data Privacy Act, while Dr. Ma. Cecilia Villaruz, Health Services Unit (HSU) Chief, talked about the services that the students can avail at the HSU.
The other topics that were presented included staying at the dormitories, availing of scholarships and financial assistance, and holding student-initiated events, among others.
Chancellor Clement Camposano gave a message to the incoming students on the meaning of being an “Iskolar ng Bayan” at UPV.
“The true meaning of the phrase [Iskolar ng Bayan] is in its expansion – hindi lang po ‘Iskolar ng Bayan,’ ‘yan, it’s ‘Iskolar Para sa Bayan’ because not everybody can be an Iskolar Para sa Bayan. You get free education, Iskolar ka ng bayan, ang tanong – Iskolar ka ba para sa bayan?” the Chancellor said.
“In the next few years, what will matter most is the process by which you become Iskolar Para sa Bayan… it involves the expansion of your social universe, it involves breaking out of that narrowed circle of friends and family and learning to habitually situate yourself within this larger society of anonymous others,” he added.
According to OSA, the orientation program provides vital information to help incoming first-year students and transferees to navigate the challenges of UP life and be introduced to opportunities for growth in the University.
In addition, the parents and guardians also gain an overview of UPV’s policies and programs. (With sources from OSA)
