The UP Open University (UPOU) welcomed new students for the Academic Year 2024-2025 in a hybrid orientation held online and at its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, on 14 September 2024. The day began with a Campus Tour for new students, organized by the UPOU University Student Council (USC), and an orientation for parents at the UPOU Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) Auditorium. Around 80 parents attended this session facilitated by Dr. Ria Mae Borromeo, Director of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), and Asst. Prof. Luisa Gelisan, University Registrar. They explained the open and distance e-learning (ODeL) system and provided an overview of academic policies and procedures relevant to the students’ education.
After the Campus Tour, the students who joined onsite gathered at the CCDL Auditorium, where Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, officially welcomed them to the UPOU headquarters. She emphasized that the campus is always open to students and conducted a lighthearted pop quiz, which the students eagerly participated in.
UP President Angelo A. Jimenez addressed the students through a video message, congratulating them on their journey as digital learners. He encouraged them by saying, “Every challenge that comes your way is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.” UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria welcomed the students as new “iskolars ng bayan,” highlighting UP’s core values of honor and excellence.
Asst. Prof. Luisa Gelisan returned to provide a detailed discussion of academic policies, procedures, and services. She also introduced the UP Privacy Notice for students and the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) website, where students can access essential academic information. Ms. Percia Secreto from the OUR Records Section followed with a brief presentation on requesting official documents.
Several other speakers shared valuable insights. Dr. Reinald Pugoy, Director of the ICT Development Office, gave an overview of UPOU’s ICT systems and the applications available to students via their UP email accounts. Mr. Joel Ocier, University Librarian, introduced the research tools and resources available through the UPOU Library.
The UPOU USC and various student organizations were also allowed to introduce themselves to the new students formally. Additionally, several videos were presented, including the UPOU Institutional Video, the ASH Code & Safe Spaces Act, the Pahinungod Promotional Video, OSA services, and the Student Orientation Site. Dr. Borromeo then delivered the closing message.
The event concluded with a photo session and the singing of “UP Naming Mahal.” The orientation was attended by over 230 students onsite, more than 200 via Zoom, and over 400 viewers on UPOU’s Facebook Page, UPOU YouTube Channel, and UPOU Networks. Jana Denise Tomacruz, USC Councilor, and Elsie Cansino, USC Graduate Representative, served as hosts for the event.
Hybrid orientations for new students were also held by the respective faculty offices. Faculty of Education held their orientation on 21 September. Both the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies and the Faculty of Management and Development Studies conducted orientation for their students per program on 14 and 21 September 2024.
Written by Anna Cañas-Llamas and Carren Urcia ♦ Edited by Dr. Myra C. Almodiel ♦ Photos by Anna Mhari Duria
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