Universities urged to be extra lenient on online classes due to COVID-19

MANILA- Universities should provide “extra leniency” to students who are still required to do school work online during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Commission on Higher Education said Thursday.

Not all college students have easy access to online resources, CHEd Chair Prospero de Vera III said as he called for a review of online learning systems as well as other ways to educate learners.

“Nakiusap na ako sa mga universities and colleges na hindi lang online distance learning ang paraan para maituloy ang pag-aaral ng mga estudyante. Pwedeng magpa-assignment, magpasulat ng papel, maraming ibang 'low-tech' na paraan,” he said in a televised briefing.

(I am appealing to universities and colleges to try ‘low-tech’ ways for the continuation of the education of students)

Classes and school activities in all levels across Luzon were suspended until April 14 as the public is urged to stay home to control the spread of COVID-19.

Universities were also give a free hand to adjust the timeframe for the current semester as well as submission of school requirements as long as the commission is informed in writing of the adjustments.

“Ako’y nakikiusap ulit sa mga presidente at mga pamunuan ng mga public at private univerisities to exert extra leniency to the students, to adjust the delivery mode without compromising standards para itong isang buwan na ito magamit natin ng tama,” De Vera said.

(I am appealing to the presidents and administrations of public and private universities to exert extra leniency to the students, to adjust the delivery mode without compromising standards so that we can use this 1 month properly.)

Earlier, the CHed also appealed to private universities to defer the collection of fees after the 30-day quarantine period in Luzon, and allow parents to pay tuition and other school fees on staggered basis.

“This will alleviate the concerns of patients who are unable to pay because of the travel restrictions or the projected loss of income during the quarantine period,” he said in a statement.

• Universities told to defer tuition, other school fees during Luzon lockdown due to COVID-19