No student of the University of the Philippines (UP) will implement a no fail policy this semester, the university’s Office of the Student Regent (OSR) said Thursday.
“UP to implement a no fail policy this semester where a grade of “4” or “5” shall not be given. OVPAA to release guidelines soon,” OSR said in a Twitter post.
“This is an initial victory for the UP student body as we continuously fight for the most inclusive and compassionate solutions for our education! UP, pakinggan ang UP community!” the OSR said in a tweet.
UP officials decided to impose no fail policy amid calls to immediately end the semester and pass all students due to the series of destructive typhoons that affected students.
Over 15,000 people, including 300 faculty members and over 200 student organizations, have signed petitions started by the student councils and alliances of various UP units, according to the OSR.
UP Baguio, Diliman, Los Baños, Manila CAS, Visayas, Mindanao, and Open University have launched separate signature petitions.
UP to implement no fail policy this semester
UP Diliman’s Rise for Education Alliance said the damage compounded remote learning challenges due to recent typhoons.
“Due to the onslaught of consecutive typhoons, more members of the UP community suffer from further inaccessibility to resources such as internet connectivity and learning devices, with some students being gravely affected by the disaster,” the alliance said.
“Amidst all of these, students are still obligated to worry about their academic deadlines instead of focusing solely on recovering from the repercussions that the recent calamities have caused, which were amplified due to the government’s negligence,” it added.
The alliance called on the UP authorities to grade “P” or pass for all enrolled undergraduate and graduate students this semester.
They also urged the provision of accessible alternative learning channels that will affect the students’ academic standing and for curriculum adjustments and school calendars in succeeding semesters.
The Office of the Student Regent office said all petitions would be submitted to the UP Board of Regents members during their meeting on Thursday.