As the world gradually opens up after the challenges brought about by the pandemic, we too, work to see the gradual return of the students to our school.
Scholastic institutions play an important role not only in student education but also in their emotional development by working and interacting in person with their peers and educators. MCC provides its students mental health services on top of physical health services. Reading materials and other physical resources from the college library also provide the students the feeling of real and meaningful research. MCC is cognizant of these factors and more. Limited face-to-face classes are coming and MCC is prepared for it.
As Dr. Michael Mesa (MCC Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs), puts it, from the word “limited”, not all classes are to return for in-person sessions yet. There is a maximum count for students which the college can cater to and for a limited length of time to boot. These are but two of the safeguards placed for the safety of the students, the teachers and college personnel. Other safety protocols include the strict observance of wearing masks, “one-way foot traffic”, regular disinfections of rooms and laboratories among others.
Furthermore, Dr. Mesa shared that shuttle services will be provided for the students. More details regarding this will be announced at the soonest possible time. MCC HSU Head Nurse Florient Non, RN, MAN, reminds that participation in the limited face-to-face classes are voluntary and not mandatory.
Over 800 students from the School of Teacher Education (STE) and School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) participated in today’s orientation. STE's Dean, Dr. Marilyn Arcilla presented the proposed classes to have a limited face-to-face experience.
A video presentation informing the students on how to participate in MCC’s limited face-to-face classes was also shared.
The MCC Health Services Unit, Guidance Services Office, and Library Services Unit enumerated their myriad of online and onsite services available to the students.
Mr. Beejay Sebastian, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Support Services closed the program by thanking everyone and saying that the purpose of this orientation is to give students an idea - an image of how the school would navigate through the limited in-person classes and for them to make an informed decision before opting to participate or not.
The world does not get better by just waiting or by just wishing for it to be so. The world becomes better when we put in the work to make it better. Each of us has our own part to play for the eventual return of all students to our school. Conducting limited face-to-face classes is a step towards the right direction and towards a better future.
