Far Eastern University (FEU) administration on Friday rejected the request to suspend synchronous and asynchronous classes, including the extension of all submissions for a week in line with the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed in ‘National Capital Region (NCR) Plus’ bubble.

This came after Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO)—the highest student government body—along with the Institute Student Councils on April 5 filed an appeal to Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Teresa Trinidad P. Tinio to take actions to consider the students and faculties who are directly affected by the global health crisis.

(READ PREVIOUS REPORT: FEUCSO, student councils appeal to suspend classes amid ECQ extension)

FEUCSO released the decision issued by the University admin as well as the grounds lined with it.

According to the post, students who are personally suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or who are in households where there is COVID[-19], can approach their teachers and negotiate an adjustment in deadlines.

"This has been happening for a year now and I think the vast majority of the FEU teachers have been willing to make adjustments for them," it read.

In addition, policies and guidelines were already created to guarantee that the student's workload was reasonable amid ECQ.

"You are preparing for professional life and being a professional means you have to endure through adversity. The rest of the professional world (hospitals, banks, telecommunication firms, manufacturing firms, etc.) continues to operate," FEU emphasized.

Further, the University “cannot see that continuing on with online classes will be a cause for additional stress to students, even if the nation and the world is going through the crisis,” encouraging students to be “pillars of strength to others” during these challenging times.

Meanwhile, three from FEU Group of Schools (Alabang, Diliman, and Institute of Technology) announced an 'academic reprieve' from April 12-16. 

As of writing, student governments are discussing their next course of actions to take.

-Mary Licel Biscocho