Student Engagement Program replaces Intro to La Salle this AY
The Student Engagement Program (SEP) replaces the Intro to La Salle Program this academic year (AY) to encourage freshmen student participation in various activities offered in the University, as stated by the Office of Student Services (OSS) Dean Arch. Antonio Gutierrez Jr.
Among the reasons for the implementation of the program are: “opportunity for students to learn” the essence of the Lasallian mission by participation, to address student passivity, and to challenge student organizations to conduct “meaningful” activities, the OSS dean shared.
Furthermore, the OSS dean said that the implementation of the K-12 deemed the Intro 02 class “obsolete” as the Career Pathing Program is already part of the Senior High School curriculum.
“Sa Senior High School may career pathing na, definitely lahat ng papasok sa college ngayon dumaan na sa Career Pathing Program, ibig sabihin ang kinakailangan lang nila sa college is parang accompaniment [of that program],” Gutierrez said, explaining the reason behind the shift of the Intro 01 and Intro 02 to SEP program.
Despite the implementation of the SEP, students who missed their Intro 01 and Intro 02 classes are still required to take Special Intro classes in completion of the Intro to La Salle program. “Halimbawa, graduating ka, part ng curriculum mo ‘yung Intro, magte-take ka ng Intro,” Gutierrez added, stating that the class is still a requirement.
Immersion Passport
In the implementation of the program, first year students are given an Immersion Passport integral to the whole SEP, serving as an identification. It is also a requirement for students to collect stamps from different activities within the campus as evidence of participation in the activities.
At the end of the academic year, freshmen are expected to collect a total of 25 stamps distributed among mandated institutional activities, student engagement partner activities, and the implementation of the Arbor Day Act of 2012.
“Ang gagawin [ay] bibigyan ng passport lahat ng freshmen [and] they will be completing the required stamp,” Gutierrez mentioned.
Institutional and accredited activities
Multiple mandated activities are set throughout the academic year including orientations for freshmen (SEP, Aklatang Emilio Aguinaldo, Office of the University Registrar, Information and Communications Technology Center, and other academic units) and participation in the Student Elections. Other departments within the campus are also in partnership with the SEP to carry out participation from the freshmen students. Activities that are offered from other departments include event attendance and membership in the following: activities organized by the University Student Government (USG), Council of Student Organizations-Recognized Student Organizations (CSO-RSO), and The HERALDO FILIPINO (HF), OSS activities, Academic Support activities, environmental activities, and cultural promotion activities.
Arbor Day Act of 2012
Additionally, in accordance to the Republic Act No. 10176, also called the Arbor Day Act of 2012, tree planting is also added as a part of the Student Engagement Program in partnership with Biological Science Department. Freshmen students are required to “plant a tree and nurture the tree for six months.
“As a proof, magsu-submit sila ng monthly photo ng kanilang tinanim na puno, ‘yung nurture tree activity nila, and certification from Barangay Council or any government agency or any reputable [organization] – any NGO or non-government organizations na nag-sponsor ng tree planting,” Gutierrez stated. “‘Yung stamping noon, ang magii-stamp based sa na-approve na SEP guidelines ay Biological Science Department.”
Gutierrez encouraged support from the Lasallian community by saying “Baka ito na ‘yung way para ma-lessen ‘yung passivity ng mga estudyante at ma-encourage sila to totally root for the best engagement program na magiging masaya sila during their student life in college.”
SEP orientation is scheduled on September 11 to 13 at the Alumni Auditorium.
