(L-R) Dr. Ria Borromeo, OSA Director; Isaiah Crisanto, UPOU USC Chairperson; and Allen Canimo, UPOU Meet-up Host.
The UP Open University (UPOU) Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Director, Dr. Ria Mae Borromeo, announced that the Guidelines for Official Recognition of University-Based Student Organizations proposed by the Committee for Accrediting Student Organizations (CASO) had been approved by the University. The announcement was done during the UPOU Meetup hosted by the University Student Council (USC) on 23 March 2023 at the UPOU Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) Building at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The event was held in partnership with the OSA and the Office of Public Affairs (OPA).
According to Director Borromeo, the approval of the Guidelines is a significant turning point for the University because it establishes a formal procedure for the recognition and accreditation of student organizations. The audience of around 39 students cheered in response to the announcement to show their enthusiasm and support for the development.
In a statement following the announcement, USC Chairperson Isaiah Crisanto expressed joy and satisfaction that, after 28 years, UPOU can now establish student organizations. He added that their campaign for student organization and representation has, at long last, succeeded.
The CASO was established to guide and support UPOU student organizations, ensuring compliance with the University’s policies and regulations. In accordance with UPOU’s standards, the committee will also evaluate and accredit student organizations.
With the Guidelines’ approval, UPOU students can now look forward to a more organized and structured student organization system, providing them with more opportunities for UPOU students to form university-based, faculty-based, and program-based organizations. This change represents a big step toward a more active and involved student community at UPOU.
Written by Betina Paula Cardenas
Edited by Ria Mae Borromeo and Anna Cañas-Llamas
