The UP Open University (UPOU), through its Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and the UPOU Student Council (USC), welcomed new and continuing students in an online Student Orientation for Semestral Students held on 30 August 2025 via Zoom and Facebook Live. The event gathered more than 500 students, marking a strong start to the first semester of Academic Year 2025–2026.
Sitti Ram Pasandaan and Richard Urmenita, hosts of the online student orientation.
Hosted by Graduate Representatives Richard Urmenita (Master of Social Work) and Sitti Ram Pasandaan (Master of Arts in Nursing), the orientation aimed to help students navigate academic and support systems at UPOU.
Dr. Joane V. Serrano, UPOU Chancellor, delivers the opening remarks.
Chancellor Joane V. Serrano welcomed the students to the UP community, congratulated the new learners, and encouraged them to be curious and engaged: “I encourage you to take this time to listen carefully. Learn about your university. Ask questions and connect with your fellow learners.” She also highlighted the importance of building connections and making use of available resources: “Make the most of our support systems available to you, and remember that you are never alone in this journey.”
Dr. Joane V. Serrano, UPOU Chancellor, delivers the opening remarks.
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, introduced her office and the units and services they handle, as well as the UPOU Oblation and the UPOU headquarters in Los Baños, and expressed anticipation to see students during their graduation in the years ahead. “We hope that at one point of your academic journey, you may be able to visit our beautiful campus. We wish you all the best in your studies, and hope to see you all here in our campus in your graduation.” The Deans of the three faculties also delivered their messages of welcome and support: Dr. Charisse T. Reyes of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Roberto B. Figuero, Jr. of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, and Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies.
Presentations from various offices and units followed:
- Asst. Prof. Blancaflor Arada, University Registrar, discussed academic processes, deadlines, and available student resources. She reminded students to regularly check the Academic Calendar and utilize the available online information.
- Asst. Prof. Lei Kristoff Laktuan, Assistant to the Director for ICTDO, introduced the university’s online platforms and websites. He reminded the students about their usage of IT platforms and software for academic purposes.
Video presentations were also shared about the UPOU Library, Office of Gender Concerns (OGC), Ugnayan ng Pahinungod UPOU,
The orientation also featured Pagbikas na Tula (Spoken Word Poetry) by Des Bantigue Beatrice, and a musical number by Gianella Constantino and Elison Exconde, adding a creative and inspiring touch to the program. Student organizations were also introduced, followed by a Q&A session where students’ queries were addressed.
The event concluded with a closing remark from Asst. Prof. Roda L. Tajon, Director of the Office of Student Affairs. She thanked all UPOU officials, offices, and student organizations that helped OSA conduct the orientation for students. She also expressed her appreciation to all students who joined the event, hoping that the orientation would help in their journey as ODeL students.
Asst. Prof. Roda Tajon, Director of the Office of Student Affairs, closed the program.
The UPOU Student Orientations are held yearly at the start of the academic year. The next student orientation will be held on 27 September 2025, for 1st Trimester AY 2025-2026, at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, and online via Zoom, the UPOU Networks and UPOU Facebook Live.
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