The University of the Philippines Open University Office of Student Affairs (UPOU-OSA), in coordination with the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) and Multimedia Center (MC), held general student orientation programs on 10 September 2022 and 8 October 2022 for degree programs following the semestral schedule and trimestral schedule, respectively. The programs premiered online via the UPOU website, UPOU Facebook page, and the UPOU Networks website. The programs aimed to provide the necessary information for studying via open and distance e-learning (ODeL) at UPOU and allowed students to navigate through the adjustments of online learning, as well as know where to seek assistance when needed.
The 49-minute General Student Orientation programs started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. The programs then showcased welcome messages from UP President Danilo Concepcion and UPOU Chancellor Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria. Since UPOU is considered an online university, the programs also had a virtual campus tour which allowed students to see the campus buildings, old and new, and the different offices that each building houses. They were also introduced to the organizational structure of UPOU, the various offices, along with its personnel.
In pursuit of providing quality online and distance education, students were also introduced to various support services that UPOU offer. It showcased the Student Orientation site which students may utilize to know more about UPOU and their degree program. The UPOU Helpdesk was also discussed to help students forward their concerns to different offices where students may need assistance.
Both programs were concluded with closing remarks by Office of Student Affairs Director, Dr. Ria Mae Borromeo, sharing that “learning in the distance e-learning mode may be challenging but it can also be very fulfilling”. The program ended with the singing of UP Naming Mahal.
The said event was hosted by Mr. Eliezer Cabusas Toledo and Ms. Priiti Mae C. Bandril-Overos, graduate students from the Faculty of Management and Development Studies and the Faculty of Education, respectively. Mr. Toledo is currently taking up a Graduate Certificate in Distance Education, while Ms. Bandril-Overos is currently taking up a Master of Distance Education degree.
Written by Betina Paula Cardenas
Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas
#UPOpenUniversity
