Newly elected officers of UPOU USC and The Cursor during the courtesy call with UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) University Student Council (USC) and The Cursor paid a courtesy call to Chancellor Joane Serrano on 27 January 2026 at the UPOU headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. The visit, joined by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Director Roda Tajon and OSA staff member Rodolfo Pullian, formally introduced the newly elected student leaders and addressed priority student concerns and initiatives.
During the meeting, Chancellor Serrano acknowledged the new USC officials and noted the courtesy call as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between student leaders and the University administration. Key student issues were raised, including ongoing efforts to address red-tagging cases involving UPOU students. In response, plans were discussed to conduct webinars on paralegal training to help students understand their rights and possible courses of action.
The USC also reported the voter turnout in the recent elections and sought support to involve graduate students, who comprise a large portion of the UPOU population, to increase participation and engagement with the council. Updates were likewise shared on student funds, survey responses, and academic recognition. Chancellor reiterated that a memorandum is already in place to ensure timely grade submission and that deans are actively implementing measures to address this concern.
Other matters discussed included the possibility of organizing a sportsfest and establishing a dedicated learning hub in Diliman and at the UPOU HQ.
The Cursor also provided updates on its activities, including participation in training and capacity-building in publication. Additional agenda items included proposed amendments to the constitution and by-laws, and strengthening partnerships with the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) for multimedia training and reporting.
The courtesy call highlighted UPOU’s continued openness to student-led initiatives and dialogue, reinforcing shared efforts toward student welfare and academic support.
Chancellor Joane Serrano (center), OSA Director Roda Tajon (rightmost), and Mr. Rodolfo Pullian (right) join the UPOU University Student Council and The Cursor during the courtesy call.
Written and Photo by Marinela Hernandez | Edited by Roda Tajon, Anna Cañas-Llamas and Rudy Pullian
