NWU pushes Limited Face-To-Face Classes for AHS students
Northwestern University conducts a Consultation Meeting for Limited Face-To-Face Classes of the different courses under the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) on June 15, 2021, via Zoom Videoconferencing App. The meeting was attended by the University Officials, Faculty members of CAHS, students, parents, and representatives from the barangay and the Local Government Units. The target students for the proposed limited face-to-face classes are 3rd and 4th year Allied Health Sciences students.
Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, University President, welcomes the participants of the said event including the representatives from the different Local Government Units; Mr. Ryan Remigio, Ilocos Norte Border Control In-Charge; Mr. Hipolito Salva Jr., Sports and Youth Development Officer; and the different Barangay Chairpersons.
“We want everyone to be safe and secured even as we continue to pursue our objective of providing quality education for our students,” Atty. Nicolas said.
The objective of the consultation meeting is to inform everyone of the intent of Northwestern University to offer limited face-to-face classes, to inform everyone of the requirements needed on how the university will conduct face-to-face classes, and to hear feedback and inputs from the stakeholders of the university.
Prof. Gregoria S. Najorda, Dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences, discussed the Department of Health (DOH) – Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021 – 001 or the “Guidelines on the Gradual Reopening of Campus HEIs for Limited F2F Classes during the Pandemic.”
Prof. Charliemane A. Bullalayao, Head of the Nursing Department, discussed the Guidelines on the Conduct of Related Learning Experience (RLE) or Clinical Exposure of Nursing Students during the pandemic in relation with the DOH-CHED JMC No. 2020-001 while Prof. Shiela B. Navasca, Head of the Physical Therapy Department discussed the Internship Program for the Physical Therapy students. Also, Prof. Gregoria S. Najorda discussed the program for the Medical Laboratory Science students including a clinical internship in accredited training laboratories.
Prof. Navasca clarified that those who may not be ready to engage in a face-to-face internship may be given the option to take it when they are ready, without prejudice to readmission and maximum residency. Also, Interns shall not handle COVID patients during their Internship Program or Related Learning Experiences.
Mr. Karl Lenin C. Benigno, Director of the Institutional Planning and Organizational Development Department (IPODD), discussed the screening of students, employees, and visitors. Mr. Benigno highlighted the health protocols being implemented inside the university including the Online Appointment System for Students (CARL-s) and Employees (CARL-e).
Students who are going to have limited face-to-face classes are required to be registered to PhilHealth or any equivalent medical insurance in line with the DOH-CHED JMC 2021-001. Prof. Agustina Dancel-Matias, Acting Dean of the Office of the Student Affairs, discussed the Medical Insurance for the students. Dr. Emma Joy Bareng, University Physician, discussed the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Isolation Room in the University.
After the discussions, it was followed by an open forum. Students and parents asked questions regarding the plans of the University to conduct limited face-to-face classes. The program ended with a closing remark delivered by Dr. Chita A. Gonzales, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
“The views and priorities expressed today are a useful reminder of the safety-first agenda of our university which is indeed applicable to our students and faculty and which challenges our university to do more and to do better. I trust that the active engagement that you have shown today will continue in the months ahead,” said Dr. Gonzales.
“Only, if you, our partner key players, are fully engaged, we’ll be able to come up with an effective framework applicable and relevant to all and subsequently in delivering limited face-to-face classes to our students. I, therefore, look forward to a stronger continuing partnership and thank you for your commitment to making the limited face-to-face classes scheme of Northwestern University a potential success,” Dr. Gonzales added.
