By Gabriela Baron
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) announced that it is combining both online and offline strategies in the next academic year (AY) amid the new normal.
"The previous months placed us in all crucible, forcing everyone to deal with a situation both unforeseen and unprecedented. We responded. We coped. We survived. We shall continue to respond, cope, survive, and persist. As we almost bring to a close the second term of AY 2019-2020," the university said in a statement Tuesday.
UST will implement a "mode of instruction rooted in the principles of communion and encounter" to promote dialogue and ensure accessibility and flexibility in learning.
The university will use remote teaching and learning during "special term".
The first term of 2020-2021 will begin on August 13 until December 18. The first term will be delivered through an enriched virtual mode, with classes remotely facilitates using both online and offline strategies.
"We shall optimize the expertise of our faculty, not only through team-teaching approaches but through carefully planned combination with complementing of professional competencies with industry partners and alumni interactions; collaborative online learning with foreign partner instructions; and remote encounters with community partners," it added.
In-campus classes shall resume once the government has allowed face-to-face classes and shall be done with the strict implementation of public health's standards.
UST also said that it has taken the initiative to provide its students financial assistance through no tuition increase for the coming academic year, review and adjustment of the table of fees, and implementation of staggered payment schemes.
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