Education and the continuous search for knowledge and wisdom have been almost an inherent part of a child’s and an adult’s total development as persons. Millions of students worldwide are having their education disrupted by the spread of Coronavirus. In the Philippines and even worldwide, schools and universities have not faced this level of disruption in generations. But unlike any time in the past, we have the ability to continue education even when schools are temporarily inaccessible to face-to-face mode of learning with the normal situation. Under the “new normal,” school stakeholders such as administrators, personnel, students’ parents, and related-external agencies (both government and private) are challenged to provide ways and means that would help students adapt to the new modes of learning.

The status of our students in this time of pandemic resulted in uncertainty. Multiple factors contributing to students’ distress during this pandemic; however, there remains much to be learned about the psychological impacts facing students and what can be done to reduce their negative effects (Grubic, Badovinace, & Johri, 2020). The University of Melbourne (2020) discussed that receiving support and care from others has a powerful effect on helping cope with challenges.

Spending time with supportive family and friends can bring a sense of comfort and stability. Talking through our concerns, thoughts, and feelings with others can also help us find helpful ways of thinking about or dealing with a stressful situation. Saavedra (2020) in his discussion in the World Bank Blog mentioned that going to school is not only about learning math and science, but also about social relationships and peer-to-peer interactions. Further, he discussed that going to school is about learning to be a citizen and developing social skills. That is why it is important to stay connected with the school by any means necessary. For all students, this is also a time to develop socio-emotional skills and learn more about how to contribute to society as a citizen. There is an urgent and continuing need to invest in student (and staff) development. The introduction and embedding of learning technologies, provide an opportunity to focus attention on such traditions, and to develop more inclusive strategies for supporting students (Taylor, 2000).

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has been issuing since the beginning of the outbreak a number of CHED COVID-19 Advisories (Nos. 1 to 7), all pertaining to “Guidelines for the Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Higher Education Institutions” (https://ched.gov.ph/covid-19-updates/), admonishing most especially the students to observe strictly precautionary measures such as social distancing and staying home among others and put premium on health and safety while learning continues. The CHED COVID-19 Advisory No. 7, May 24, 2020, included the adoption of a flexible learning strategy or mode in delivering instruction by ensuring appropriate student support. 

It is in this light that the Bulacan State University (BulSU) Offices of the President (OP) and of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) with one of its units, Student Welfare Policy and Program Development Office (SWPPDO) in coordination with the Offices of the Vice Chancellors for Student Affairs and of the Campus Directors for Student Welfare and Development, proposes the conduct of a series of webinars. This webinar series will serve as a preliminary activity for the new and old students who will face the new normal set-up of education for the first semester of the academic year 2020-2021. Seven topics dealing with the important aspects of a college student’s life under the new normal will be the foci of the discussions.

A. Social Stigma and Stress Management (“Kamusta BulSUans, Handa ka na ba?”)

B. Embracing a New-Normal Education amidst Pandemic (“New Normal Ed is “Fr”)

C. Tricks on How to Embrace E-Classroom (“Diskarte sa E- Klase”)

D. E-Learning: Google Classroom (“BulSUFLEx... GCTalks...”)

E. Project “GEARtues” (“Hamon ng Kagandahang Asal: Limiin, Pusuan at Pagsumikapan”)

F. Orientation on Flexible Learning for Parents (“Navigating the New Normal Learning Set-up: Parents’ Edition”)

G. HEIs: Forging Partnership with LGUs (“LGU: Kaagapay sa Nagbabagong Bihis na Edukasyon”) The theme of this webinar series is “Getting Ready...Getting Steady! Preparing the BulSUans under the New Normal Learning Set-up” The series is to take place during the scheduled Orientation Program Activities for Freshmen.

Please see the attached file for the complete guidelines on the program of the webinar.

WEBINAR SERIES FOR BulSU STUDENTS, PARENTS, and LGUs in the “NEW NORMAL LEARNING SET-UP”