UP suspends classes this week for post-'Ulysses' recovery
Classes and submission of academic requirements at the University of the Philippines (UP) have been suspended for this week to give time for the affected students and faculty members to recover following the onslaught of Typhoon 'Ulysses' in Luzon.
In a memorandum issued by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs on Sunday, November 16 to 21 was declared as a "period of recovery" for affected members of the UP community in the aftermath of the destructive typhoon which left the country last Friday.
The UP Administration said the conduct of synchronous and asynchronous activities and the submission of course requirements are halted for the week, while relief efforts and volunteer work are encouraged in the university during this time.
"The rest of the community is encouraged to continue raising funds, soliciting donations in kind, engaging in sorting, packing and repacking
relief goods, and participating in the delivery of goods to those in need while following public health protocols, and helping in the rehabilitation process," the memorandum stated.
The university has also moved the deadline for submission of grades to January 22 next year to accommodate a later submission of requirements for all students.
The 20 percent attendance rule was also suspended for the semester and "should not have any weight in the final grade," according to the university.
"Attendance of students in synchronous sessions is also not required. The faculty should make appropriate arrangements for those who miss synchronous sessions," it explained.
The administration also called on faculty members to calibrate requirements for the remainder of the semester to address a common concern of students of having an overwhelming volume of work.
"Given the relentless challenges of this semester, a compassionate calibration of expectations from students and teachers this semester is imperative for our academic community," it added.