OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR STUDENT SERVICES

In welcoming and embracing the new normal in the university, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services (OVCSS) remains steadfast in providing the needs of the students, specifically on scholarships, learning assistance and tutorials, guidance and counseling, student complaints, student housing (dormitories), student organizations, student discipline, food, health and wellness services. In its pursuit of making the university not just a place for academic growth but also a home, the OVCSS, together with the offices under its cluster, continuously perform their respective mandates.

The highlight event of the year was the Weeklong Celebration last August 22-26,2022 as MSU-IIT welcomes the IITians to the campus with Pagsugod: Umaga ng Sining, graced with the performances of the University Resident Cultural Groups. The weeklong events were in coordination with various offices of the OVCSS cluster, the Center for Culture of Arts, Office of Public Information, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, and the different Colleges.

The office, in its commitment to address the needs of its constituents, proposed to the Board of Regents, the amendment of MSU Code of Governance policy on admission to be more inclusive to the needs of the persons with disabilities and other minorities which was approved last December 22, 2022:

“The University shall adopt reasonable accommodation in its admission,  retention and completion of marginalized and less privileged students which cover those (a) learners with disabilities, (b) students with special needs, (c) learners who are economically challenged especially those belonging to the so called “first generation”, (d) children of the Indigenous Peoples, (e) learners whose parents are persons deprived of liberty,  (f) children raised by solo parent and LGBTQ+ and (g) similar others as may be defined by law”.

The inclusion and express declaration of the principle of inclusivity in the entire MSU system paves way to the system institutionalization of all programs and policies leading to the implementation of inclusivity. This initiative of providing inclusive education ultimately opens recognition of more capacities, opportunities and potential contributions.

Prior to that, VC Derogongan presented her study entitled Reasonable Accommodation and Empowerment Learners with Disabilities (LWD) and with Special Needs during the Reasonable Academic Accommodation for PWDs Summit Hosted by the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in the Philippines under the Street Law Program on December 5-7, 2022 in Manila. Moreover, with the changing milieu of higher education considering the impact of the now normal, the practitioners should be empowered and prepared in meeting the expectations of the new generation of students. Thus, the office participated in the 27th PAPSAS National Conference and Training Workshop with the Theme “Post-Pandemic Perspectives Becoming REAL (Reconnecting Embracing Adapting Living Now) on November 17-19, 2022 in Cagayan de Oro City. Also, the office was privileged to attend the AcadArena Esports and Gaming Industry Summit last July 22-25, 2022 in SMX Pasay, Manila. The summit discussed the Global Campus Esports & Gaming, Education Technology and Learning in the Web3 Era, and Careers & Futures in the Industry Outside of Pro Play. 

Aside from its participation to seminars/trainings, the office also provided support to the MSU-IIT Debate Varsity on their five tournaments. First, during the Loyola Debate Open II hosted by the Ateneo de Naga University on October 21-23, 2022. Second, the Luzon Intervarsity 2022 hosted by the University of the Philippines Los Banos on November 5-6, 2022. Then, Cordillera Administrative Region Debate Open hosted by the Saint Louis University Debate Society on November 11-13 2022. Next, Mindanao Novice Cup hosted by Mindanao Parliament Debate Union Execomm on November 11-13, 2022. Finally, the 7th Mindanao Intervarsity hosted by the Mindanao Parliamentary Union Executive Committee on November 25-27, 2022. 

Furthermore, the OVCSS partnered with the Office of the Guidance and Counseling in conducting a Pet Therapy: Animals as Healers as part of the World Mental Health Celebration last October 25, 2022. The team was able to tap the Pet Adaption and Rescue Team in Iligan, the Iligan City Pound, and City Vet Office for free neuter, and free anti-rabies vaccination. 

              In addition to the aforementioned activities, the OVCSS collaborated with the Mindanao History, Heritage, and Indigenous Learning Center, Center for Culture and Arts, Center for Human Rights Education, Department of History, and Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe for an Exhibit and Public Forum last October 24 - 28, 2022. Supported the Department of Filipino and Other Languages on their Webinar Series, ANI2022: Webinar sa Filipino on October 26, 2022. And, the office facilitated the Sociology Society during the conduct of HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign last December 1 & 2, 2022. 

The above accomplishments reflect the cumulative efforts and commitment of the OVCSS cluster to contribute to the overall goals of the University by continually enhancing the student support services for the welfare of the students.