Too abrupt

I've watched the drama unfold from a distance at my dearly-loved high school alma mater, Cebu Normal University. Ever since the memorandum came out on the sudden shift to the online modality, it has not sat well with many sectors, most especially the students. For quite some time, I have kept mum, thinking that it could brew a conflict of interest as I am affiliated with another state university. However, as an educator, it is high time that we discuss the effects of this seemingly hasty decision.

The university is now under fire as the issue has reached national officials. Senator Pia Cayetano and the Commission on Higher Education gave their pieces, noting that there was no prior approval from the university's board of regents for the 100% online modality, except for two colleges involved in the medical field. The most affected are students who could not simply go back to the way it was during the pandemic: sitting through Zoom calls and interactive discussions while missing the vigor of a physical meeting.

While we understand that upgrading facilities and migrating systems to become "smart" is the direction to take, not everyone in a state university is capable of adhering to an online class setup. A quick run on the background of its students allows one to see that most cannot afford a daily payment for a strong and stable internet connection. There might even be some who are struggling to maintain an electronic device for their requirements. Financial assistance would be helpful. That is, if it was even on the table. From what I heard (and I could be wrong), not even a single consultation was held, leaving the clients of this institution in the dark.

Yes, the new memorandum allowed for a hybrid setup, but the timing was quite off, just when there was already too much backlash. Whether it was coincidence or a response to it, there was some sort of miscommunication mishap that happened between the sectors involved in the university's operations. Speaking of timing, many are also questioning the month the upgrades had to be implemented, as if we are all educated on government procurement matters. Again, a communication issue.

I've seen how CNU rose to the prominence that it is today. There used to be only three colleges but today there are many more, and even other campuses to boast of. It has come a long way indeed, but with every move, leaders should not forget the power of consultation. They exist because of the people’s taxes; they ought to be heard as well. It is not a one-man corporation, it is a historical educational institution that has produced quality graduates. It is true that there are many things we don't see and hear beyond the memos released. Our only wish is fairness for everyone, as the state of education continues to be more of a privilege than a right. There should be no added salt to the wound.