Down the lane to the Seminary gym

Since enrolment started, many students have been texting me that it took them three hours or more in paying their fees. One thing was very much consistent with respect to the complaints we received and it pertains to the way the guards on duty handle the flow of students. Having heard all these, we decided to observe in the Calderon court were students were lining up to enter the Seminary gym. Also, we were able to see the happenings inside the Seminary gym because of the television set-up in the waiting area and we also went in to check. Personally, I observed the following things;

1) The scheduling of the enrolment period per college made the enrolment chaotic. However, we cannot deny the fact that studnts were given schedule of enrolment so as not to have a sudden influx of students in the area. Many students did not follow their schedules that is why those who were scheduled in the afternoon had a hard time lining up.

2) As Students, we are guilty of allowing our friends and acquaintances squeeze in the lines. You see, the reason why those who were at the back part of the line were annoyed is because students who are lined up in the middle or at the start of the line is reserving spaces for their friends so as to allow them to squeeze in. Let us be reasonable here. If they arrived late, its not the fault of those who arrived early. Let us be considerate to those who lined up properly. Also, the guards on duty failed to regulate this particular concern.

3) Last Tuesday, October 23, the system encountered some difficulty that is why it shut down. This is the reason why last tuesday, the enrolment was dead slow. This is not something planned by the Accounting and Cashier’s office. It was an unexpected happening which they tried to resolve immediately. We should also give credit to the volunteers who made sure that those who were lined up in the Calderon court will be able to enrol. They extended upto 6:00pm. Kudos to our enrolment volunteers!

4) The heavy rainfall during the past days made it hard for us all to enrol. Offices concerned already asked the Buildings and Grounds office to add tents so that students or parents will not get wet. I should also note the fact that some parents are wanting to accompany their sons or daughters inside the Seminary gym. Guys, we are already in college and we are old enough to line up and pay our dues. However, for those who will be paying thru credit or debit cards, parenst or guardians who owns the card can or definitely must enter. Let us explain to our parents that enrolment in college is not like in grade school or high school. In college, students are expected to line up by themselves and pay their dues. Parents are expected to entrust to their sons and daughters the payments.

5) A Little act of kindness and patience wont hurt. Some of us have this attitude towards workers or volunteers in the university. These volunteers are also our co-students. They just went out of their way to assist the university so that services can be expedient. A smile or ‘thanks’ will make their work lighter. Let us put ourselves in their place and situation and let us see how would it feel if we are the ones criticized and scolded.

6) Integrity is working without the need for recognition or reward. Never think that we do not try to better the system by which student services are rendered. As much as possible, we exhaust all means and influences to better the system. I just hope that each student will involved themselves by making us aware of your concerns and suggestions about this matter.

Thanks a lot to our student volunteers in the enrolment! I would like to apologize on behalf of the students who gave you a hard time. Also, let me take this opportunity to encourage you all to do better and understand where other students are coming from. The change that we want to see in the university must first begin with ourselves. Random act of kindness and appreciation wont hurt.