The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) has named Ms. Yasele Irene Angela Yambao as the first Director of the UPOU Office of Student Affairs (OSA). She will hold office for the period of 01 April 2018 to 31 March 2021.
Director Yambao has a Masters of Management degree and Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from UP Los Baños. She started with UPOU in 1997, when she was hired as a University Extension Associate I under the Office of Vice Chancellor for Student Support Services. Since then, she has served as the Program Development Associate for Learning Center Operations for six years, and then as the Program Development Associate for Exam Services. Director Yambao holds a University Research Associate II position at the time of her appointment as Director.
Director Yambao has published several papers and book chapters related to student support in an open and distance learning setting. She has also presented researches related to student support in conferences held in the country and abroad.
As the Director of OSA, Ms. Yambao will be responsible for the overall functioning and performance of the office, provide leadership and direction with respect to policies, practices and operations. Ms. Yambao will be working with the Faculty of Studies and other units of the university. It is also the OSA Director’s responsibility to ensure that all rules and regulations pertaining to Student Conduct and Discipline are properly implemented.
The creation of the UPOU Office of Student Affairs was approved by the UP Board of Regents on their 1328th Meeting on 16 June 2017. The OSA, under the umbrella of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA), will function as the office that provides support for sustainable and meaningful learning in the distance education mode; connect students, socially and academically, in order to create a nurturing learning community; provide financial assistance to students through scholarships, loans and other forms of financial assistance; provide assistance and support to student activities and organization concerns; facilitate and assist student in participating in international programs aligned with their program of study at the university; assist students with special needs and those coping with risks and affected by disasters; and manage the university’s Learning and Testing Centers.
OSA will be functioning through the following programs: Scholarship and Financial Services Program; Learning and Testing Center Development and Management Program; Student Organizations and Activities Program; Counseling and Guidance Program and Student Accessibility Program. A Program Development Associate for each program will be appointed to ensure proper implementation. (ACLlamas)
