For the better

By Arvin V. Rodriguez

(Vol. XXVIII No. 15, Editorial Cartoon)

It has been years now since each of the colleges of Negros Oriental State University celebrate their individual college fun days separately. As a matter of fact, it has been anticipated every year by most of the students who wish to know their college colleagues better and who seeks for a one-day fun to escape the constraints of education.

Very recently, a proposal was created to merge the fun days of the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, and College of Business and Accountancy. This is mainly to prevent further postponement of classes, to save time, effort, and money, to extend the camaraderie by mingling with other students from neighboring colleges, and to maximize the amount of fun each student will experience during their college fun day.

When we look at the surface, this is a good move from the deans and faculties who formulated and supported this plan. In fact, the realization of this plan will be implemented few days from now.

However, since this will be the first time that the three colleges merge their fun day, there will definitely have problems and complications along the way. One would be the proper accommodation of an increased crowd. With the swarming of a multitude on that day, there is a need for a firmer security to watch over the welfare of the students. The preparation would be tighter and activities would be enhanced. There are even some students who are still crossing their eyebrows on this plan and commented that they won’t see the real meaning of college fun day when they share it with other colleges.

With these possible glitches, much optimism should be poured on that grand affair. We have to expect that on this first merging of fun day, there will more amusement and laughter, gaiety and socialization – an experience that we will always keep. Negative feedbacks are always there to contradict the plan but it would still be better to try for a change. Erase the bitterness and support what needs to be bettered.

Just like the rest of the ‘first times’ that we have attempted to do, this major event needs fervent prayer and ample support. Though not everyone agrees that it would be more fun compared to the typical fun day celebration, many are still anticipating for the surprises it will offer.

If this event becomes successful , then let congratulations be extended to the people who made it possible. But if nothing goes right, it would be a doubt if there will be a second or a third merging of college fun day.

Vague policies

By Arvin V. Rodriguez

(Vol. XXVIII No. 3, Editorial Cartoon)

Vague policies

Many rules and policies of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) have been discussed and debated by most students, faculty members, and other staff many times already, and even the outside-of-the-campus community has participated in the discussion, took different actions, and questioned the indifferent moves and sanctions of the university administration and authorities. But of all the parties concerned, students are constantly the vulnerable ones to inconsistent and prejudicial implementations of such school regulations.

Most Norsunians are relatively annoyed with the confusing [past and current] policies of the school. Some of these policies are enforced without giving the students enough information – leaving students hanging and defenseless on what to do.

Like the case of the proper dressing attire policy, it drew adverse reactions from the NORSU community especially the students. The confiscation of IDs for renewal and the bag inspection from the security department have also earned different impressions not just from Norsunians but the local community as well. It was and never been announced to students that such rules will be implemented. There weren’t even posted announcements.

The security personnel claimed that they were tasked to execute certain policies directed from the administration. However, the confiscation of IDs was not directed from the administration but merely the idea of the chief security officer that made students asking “why”.

According to the student handbook, no one of any authority can confiscate any personal belonging of the students. Then and there, there is already a manifestation of abridging the right of the students. Is the execution of the policy helped the students to acquire a new ID though they have the choice to have it renewed or not? It might also be a good idea that students will no longer pay for renewing of IDs.

Yes, the chief security is correct with his reason that it is for the students to avail of the renewal of IDs since they are paying that every school year that’s why he confiscated the IDs. On the other hand, the Students Affairs Office who is in charge in facilitating the renewal of IDs is defending students.

It also upholds the right of the students to whether obtain a new ID or not. If that’s the case, why are students paying it every school year when in fact they are given the option? It might as well be a good idea that students will only pay if they wanted a new ID.

Meanwhile, Norsunians have also abided the policy on the random bag inspection. Security personnel will check bags if there are food and all related stuff inside of which are not permitted to be taken inside. For what reason? Cleanliness – was the main rational.

The administration assumed that students will only litter the plastic wrappers that were accumulated with the food anywhere inside the school premises. So if students will buy foods inside, will they not litter it anywhere in the campus? Will they politely throw it in the garbage can? How will that be sure? Some will perhaps, but students are just students.

To some extent, the administration has the point. However, if students could no longer avail of the costly meals in the cafeteria or the food court, do they have no right to bring a packed meal inside? It would sound too insensitive if they don’t have. The administration might as well provide food for the students if they will not permit bringing of such in the campus.

Such were some of the many confusing policies of NORSU that baffles the students at no end.