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HAPPENING NOW: A Town Hall Meeting with the President to discuss the University’s “One big fight against COVID-19.” Questions and concerns may be sent to http://ateneo.edu/townhall/ask
The Town Hall begins with a prayer. | via @whimsicottly
Joaquin Sumpaico, SJ introduces himself as the moderator for today's Town Hall. He invites everyone to listen to a message from University President Roberto Yap, SJ. | via @whimsicottly
In the video, Yap shares that he feels the community's fear and anxiety. However, he states that the University has never wavered in its response to the pandemic. | via @whimsicottly
He goes on to talk about several COVID-19 related initiatives that the Ateneo University is currently taking part in. According to him, the Ateneo High School is currently being used as an isolation facility. | via @whimsicottly
Along with this, he notes that the University is already a vaccination site.
Yap: I urge everyone to get vaccinated as early as they possibly can. The best way to do this is through your local government units. | via @whimsicottly
Yap: I urge everyone to get vaccinated as early as they possibly can. The best way to do this is through your local government units. | via @whimsicottly
He discusses how the University is already in the works of rolling out the vaccine to employees. According to him, the University's vaccination program is constrained.
Yap: If supplies allow, we will offer our vaccines to students. | via @whimsicottly
Yap: If supplies allow, we will offer our vaccines to students. | via @whimsicottly
Yap goes on to talk about how the campus medical professionals have been made available for "telemental" services. For students, this can be accessed through the Ateneo BlueCloud. | via @whimsicottly
He emphasizes that the University's COVID-19 efforts would not be possible without the continued hard work of the entire community. | via @whimsicottly
Yap compares the COVID-19 pandemic to the cannonball that struck St. Ignatius of Loyola in battle. He urges everyone to follow St. Ignatius' example rather than "wallow in despair." | via @whimsicottly
The message ends with Yap urging everyone to step out of their comfort zones to become one with the community.
Yap: We must all have compassion, especially when the world is losing its heart. | via @whimsicottly
Yap: We must all have compassion, especially when the world is losing its heart. | via @whimsicottly
In real-time, Yap thanks the audience for listening. Sumpaico opens the floor for questions. He says that the form for questions will be closed 15 minutes before the event ends. | via @whimsicottly
Q: What are the plans of going back to campus?
Yap: Some people know, but it's good to announce that there's already one school, ASMPH, that has already been allowed by CHED and the DOH for limited face to face classes. | via @whimsicottly
Yap: Some people know, but it's good to announce that there's already one school, ASMPH, that has already been allowed by CHED and the DOH for limited face to face classes. | via @whimsicottly
He says that the administration is currently preparing for limited face to face classes for all the other Ateneo schools.
Yap: We do not know exactly when or exactly how. | via @whimsicottly
Yap: We do not know exactly when or exactly how. | via @whimsicottly
He also discusses that when students are eventually allowed on campus, learning will be blended. (1/2) | via @whimsicottly
Yap: With this technology, we can combine synchronous and asynchronous classes. There are more opportunities for learning and more opportunities for access to materials. (2/2) | via @whimsicottly
Q: Will the University extend the vaccination program to the family members of the employees? (1/2) | via @whimsicottly
He answers by encouraging everyone to get the vaccine as fast as possible. However, whether family members can avail of the vaccine or not depends on the supply available. (2/2) | via @whimsicottly
Q: If the University should have a whole of community response, how involved would students be? Is there a COVID-19 task force?
Yap says that from the very beginning, crisis response has always involved the entire University. | via @whimsicottly
Yap says that from the very beginning, crisis response has always involved the entire University. | via @whimsicottly
He brings up that the administration has formed strategic workforces to respond to certain problems the community has faced. Among these task forces is the Online Learning task force. | via @whimsicottly
Q: Why has negligence of the Duterte administration not merited a strong public stance from the school?
He answers by bringing up Patring, a tulong-dulong scholar that is known for setting up a community pantry.
Yap: Her spirit is something worth emulating. | via @whimsicottly
He answers by bringing up Patring, a tulong-dulong scholar that is known for setting up a community pantry.
Yap: Her spirit is something worth emulating. | via @whimsicottly
Yap: Rather than critique, I think it's more important to propose solutions. It's even more important to go into action, even if it's small, little, quiet, and step-by-step. | via @whimsicottly
A questioned is posed for Vice President of the Loyola Schools, Ma. Luz Vilches.
Q: Will you consider suspending the retention policy and mandating a no-fail policy?
Vilches: I don't think we're going to do a no-fail policy. | via @whimsicottly
Q: Will you consider suspending the retention policy and mandating a no-fail policy?
Vilches: I don't think we're going to do a no-fail policy. | via @whimsicottly
She notes that policies of the Loyola Schools already provide opportunities for students to accomplish their tasks. | via @whimsicottly
Q: Can there be an extension of the submission of requirements for graduate students? What of the mental health of the graduate students?
Vilches passes the question to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs Anne Candelaria. | via @whimsicottly
Vilches passes the question to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs Anne Candelaria. | via @whimsicottly
Candelaria says that late submissions are allowed.
Candelaria: We understand the anxiety of many graduate students, so our office has always been open for these requests anyway. | via @whimsicottly
Candelaria: We understand the anxiety of many graduate students, so our office has always been open for these requests anyway. | via @whimsicottly
Q: For the next academic year, are we going semestral or quarterly?
Vilches says that this is something being looked into. The administration has listened to the Sanggunian's reports of student's preferences, but the decision is still a work in progress. | via @whimsicottly
Vilches says that this is something being looked into. The administration has listened to the Sanggunian's reports of student's preferences, but the decision is still a work in progress. | via @whimsicottly
Q: How can we help?
Yap: Regarding the vaccination program, you can help by being vaccinated as early as you can. Doing so will help the community achieve herd immunity faster. | via @whimsicottly
Yap: Regarding the vaccination program, you can help by being vaccinated as early as you can. Doing so will help the community achieve herd immunity faster. | via @whimsicottly
He lists several ways on how members of the community can help in their individual ways, including being vigilant in health protocols, supporting community pantries, and continuing to be hopeful. | via @whimsicottly
Sumpaico states that there is no more time for questions and closes the Town Hall. The meeting concludes with a Song for Mary. | via @whimsicottly
That concludes our coverage of today's Town Hall Meeting with the President. Thank you very much for joining us!
