CHED discourages in-person graduations, issues guidelines for colleges, universities amid extended quarantine

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Tuesday discouraged universities and colleges from holding in-person graduation ceremonies in light of social distancing rules meant to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

"In-person graduation ceremonies are discouraged given the continuing need for social distancing and the restrictions on mass gathering," CHED said in an advisory Tuesday, alongside several guidelines for higher education institutions (HEI) given the extension of the Luzon enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

CHED allowed universities and colleges using the old academic calendar to finish the current semester by April 30, and those using the new calendar to extend for up to a month after the lifting of the Luzon ECQ.

Higher education institutions using the June to May calendar are authorized to finish their current academic period by April 30 by using a "combination of flexible learning options that reflect the best assessment of their students’ outcomes," CHED said.

CHED-recognized private HEIs may determine their own adjustments but are required to inform CHED regional offices of any calendar changes, the commission said.

On the other hand, HEIs using the new August to July academic calendar are allowed a maximum extension of one month after the lifting of the ECQ.

HEIs may hold summer or midterm classes -- while observing social distancing and other safety requirements -- only for graduating students who need to complete their academic requirements; for students whose subjects are scheduled in the summer; and for graduate students, CHED said.

Alternative learning

The commission said classes in all levels and school activities, including on-the-job training and internships, in Luzon remain suspended until April 30. Outside Luzon, class suspensions are determined by local governments based on the threat of COVID-19, it said.

During the extended quarantine, CHED said HEIs will continue to decide on the use of available modes of learning "if they have the resources to do so."

"The exercise of discretion by the HEIs and their faculty must be reasonable, transparent and outcomes-based validated," CHED said.

HEIs are allowed to determine "how to best meet the contact hour requirements for the completion of a subject or degree program,"  the commission said.

They may use alternative assessments and remediations, and consider student assessment and grades "to be based on current student records and school academic policies."

"Students who lack connectivity during the ECQ period shall be allowed to complete their curricular requirements after the ECQ," the commission said.

Internships

CHED also provided guidelines for internships for both health-related and non-health-related programs.

For medicine, nursing, and allied health programs, HEIs may extend classes/clinical duties and prepare a catch-up plan for their students for up to one month after the ECQ is lifted.

CHED said HEIs can use the appropriate alternative learning platforms "in exchange for the required contact hours to achieve the course outcomes/program outcomes including evaluation and assessment based on the HEI’s assessment of its instructional capabilities."

They can also modify or reduce program requirements in order to meet the requirements for graduation or promotion during this period, and use the extension of classes or summer/midterm to comply with requirements of laws covering specific professions, CHED said.

HEIs were also told to coordinate with health facilities where students are deployed and coordinate "flexible curricular modification arrangements" for the issuance of certificates of completion.

The commission said students/clinical rotators should be given "maximum consideration and leniency" in conducting make-up classes/clinical duties and the modification of requirements, without compromising learning outcomes.

On non-health related programs like accountancy, engineering, and hospitality management, CHED said students undergoing internship who were pulled out of their training centers and transferred to their schools due to the quarantine should not be allowed to go back to the respective companies or offices.

"The total number of training hours earned in their respective training centers prior to the implementation of the ECQ shall be considered and credited by HEIs," CHED said.

HEIs may facilitate flexible learning activities to comply with the remaining number of required training hours, the commission said.

CHED said it will review the appropriate programs, standards, and guidelines of these degree programs and make necessary curricular changes effective only for the academic year 2019-2020.—AOL, GMA News