SBA admin requests IATF clearance for face-to-face finals and quali

“It will push through as scheduled… We are requesting for the final exam and qualifying exam to be held on campus,” Accountancy Chairperson Ms. Sandra Brucal announced in a virtual meeting held this morning to address student concerns following a submitted petition to cancel the qualifying exams scheduled on December 7, 9, and 12.  

The school expects a visit from the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) this week to gauge whether the qualifying exam and final exams for computational subjects can be held face-to-face. 

“[To] eliminate those concerns that you have mentioned in your letter, the best solution is to have it on campus,” Brucal said in response to a letter of proposal highlighting the concerns of the accountancy students.

On the matter of accommodations, Dr. Maria Lina Ramoneda, the Dean of the School of Business and Accountancy (SBA), recommends for those residing in distant places to find reservations as early as possible. 

The school also plans to negotiate with the St. Martha dormitory which is located inside the campus to accommodate test-takers depending on the number of students. Examinees are advised to notify their parents as early as now of the possibility of on-campus examinations.

On the safety protocols, stricter implementation of the guidelines followed during the comprehensive exam of the previous batch will be used. This will be in conjunction with the recommendations of the IATF.

Examinees will be spread throughout the university. “As much as possible, [there should be] 20 to 25 students only per room,” says the chairperson. The administration also eyes the gymnasium as a venue for testing.

Students will not be required to undergo virus testing. Instead, they will be asked to sign a health declaration form and submit parental consent before admission.

“We will update you as soon as we hear anything from IATF…,so keep on preparing,” Ramoneda stated. 

The second take of the qualifying exam is scheduled on December 17, 19, and 21.

LAYOUT BY: Cristine Joie Q. Bacud

PHOTO SOURCE(S): Louis Bauer