By Arabella Rochynne C. Asis

Far Eastern University (FEU) Manila and Makati campuses accumulated 19,223 enrollees for the first semester of the Academic Year 2020-2021. 

University Registrar Dr. Gerald L. Villar shared to FEU Advocate that health and financial conditions were the common reasons that led to the decline in the student population. 

“Mayroon na big chunk ng students na hindi sila nag enroll pero mag rereturnee sila next semester due to health and number one factor of course is financial dahil sa pandemic (There is a big chunk of students who did not enroll but plans to return next semester due to health and the number one factor of course is financial due to the pandemic),” Villar explained. 

In addition, some students have requested for transfer to other schools while some freshmen enrollees withdrew their enrollment before the classes began last August 17. 

However, Villar clarified that the University has already prepared for the sudden decrease in the enrollees. 

“The school is prepared in such a way that we made measures on how we can maintain the delivery of quality education to our students,” he added. 

In accordance, FEU implemented new learning options for the semester prior to the enrollment to prepare the students in online learning. 

Learning environment amid pandemic 

According to Vice President for Academic Services (VPAS) Joeven R. Castro, as of September 5, there are 14,985 students who chose Mixed Online Learning (MOL), 4,099 for Asynchronous Online Learning (AOL) and 139 for Total Analogue Learning (TAL). 

“Note that this changed especially for students who selected MOL and AOL. The swap was decided with their faculty,” Castro added.

University offices are continuously providing support systems by doing Facebook live updates in the campus and webinars for the students to learn from. 

“For me, the bottom line here is the experience of the students for this semester because this will serve as an indicator if students will continue to enroll. It is not about the numbers, it’s about helping our students fulfill their dreams,” Villar expressed. 

The University has been expanding its aid also by providing extension to the promissory note (PN) application and various scholarships to help with the fees.

(File photo from Andrea Joy C. Gonzales/FEU Advocate)