CHED forms group to study school opening shift

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Higher Education on Friday announced that it has formed a technical working group to further study the shift of opening of classes of colleges and universities in the country.

In a statement, CHED Commissioner Patricia Licuanan said they have created the high-level Technical Working Group on the Academic Calendar to carefully study and make recommendations to them before the end of March this year.

Licuanan issued the statement after University of the Philippines, a state university, and the Ateneo de Manila University announced changing their academic calendars to align them with higher learning institutions abroad. 

Starting academic year 2014-2015, UP, except its Diliman campus, will shift from June-March school year to August-May. ADMU will implement the shift in academic year 2015-2016.

Licuanan said De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas have also informed CHED about their plans to revise their calendars.

"These changes are motivated by the desire of these institutions to internationalize their programs and the experience of their students and faculty. CHED allows higher education institutions (HEIs) to change their academic calendars as long as these are in accordance with the law.   Republic Act No. 7797, section 3, states “The school year shall start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August," she said.

"However, CHED is concerned about the possible implications and impact of these changes should more institutions follow suit. Proper study, consultation and preparation are necessary," Licuanan added.

The TWG-AC is composed of stakeholders from the education sector headed by Dr. Ester Garcia, former CHED chair and President of the University of the East with representatives from the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations, Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, the Department of Education and the National Youth Commission.