The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) students who graduated with distinction have now been granted the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Honor Graduate Eligibility (HGE).This decision represents a significant step toward recognizing the graduates’ achievements from Open Distance Learning (ODL) programs.
The CSC’s resolution has been amended to include honor graduates who have achieved Latin honors, such as summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude, in their bachelor’s degrees through ODL. Previously, honor graduates from open distance learning were not eligible for the Honor Graduate Eligibility (HGE) under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 907. The revised resolution rectifies this issue and reflects the evolving landscape of education, which now integrates information and communication technologies for virtual or remote learning. This progressive move has come in light of recent technological advancements in the education system and the global shift towards online and remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the UPOU University Student Council (USC), played a pivotal role in advocating for this policy change. Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, UPOU Chancellor, advocated for this motion in 2019, and USC persistently played its proactive role in pushing forth for the policy change until the present. UPOU emphasizes the competitive atmosphere provided by distance education universities, incorporating live discussions and various group activities that foster dialogue and community-building among learners. This collaborative effort led to the revision of the grant of HGE, making it inclusive of honor graduates through open distance learning.
To qualify for the HGE through open distance learning, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Graduated from the school year 2015-2016 and onwards.
- Graduated with Latin honors of summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude in their bachelor’s degree through open distance learning.
- Graduated from an open university/college/institution recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a degree-granting Higher Education Institution (HEI) with at least a Level II accreditation or CHED equivalent in the programs offered in the conventional classroom or traditional mode of learning.
The Application Form for the grant of HGE has been revised to align with the new policy and will be referred to as CSC Form 101-HGE (Revised 28 July 2023).
The resolution will take effect fifteen (15) days from its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
The University of the Philippines Open University extends its appreciation to the Civil Service Commission for its commitment to equitable recognition of academic excellence in the evolving landscape of education. This decision fosters a sense of inclusivity and offers honor graduates of open distance learning the same opportunities as their peers in conventional educational institutions.
For further information and inquiries in student records and applying for Latin honors eligibility, you may keep in touch with the UPOU Office of the University Registrar (OUR) via email at [email protected].
Written by Betina Paula Cardenas ♦ Edited by Ria Mae Borromeo, Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas • Contributed by UPOU OSA
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