University officials, deans take heed to "new normal" learning concerns  

University key officials, college deans, and selected directors convened today, August 20, 2020, to discuss the initial concerns of students and faculty members regarding the first two weeks of flexible learning.

Part of the meeting held at the Alumni Center was intended to review the survey instrument aimed to evaluate the implementation of the university’s flexible learning guidelines and to hear more concerns. This is targeted to be rolled out next week. 

The survey, which will cover both faculty members and students, will be used to validate the status of students with no connectivity. 

"We have to be true to our word. We will reach out to those who really have no connectivity," said TSU president Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari.

President Mallari also presented the initiatives of local government units which were reported to the university. These include the actions taken by the municipalities of Anao, Pura, Victoria, Bamban, Concepcion, Capas, and the city of Tarlac following the outcome of the consultative meetings held in June.

Aside from the concerns on gadgets and connectivity, the mental health and psychological wellbeing of students will be prioritized through the offering of online counseling services.

Meanwhile, college deans were instructed to inform faculty members that they can continue using the university’s facilities to administer their online classes if they are encountering connectivity problems at home.

Adding up to the existing university facilities for flexible learning is the free WiFi project of the Department of Information and Communications Technology Region III and Tarlac State University.

Presently, the Jose V. Yap Library and the Research, Extension, and Development (RED) building, both located at the Lucinda Extension Campus, are already equipped with the DICT free WiFi.