1. What is my career path after going through AADDA? 

You can have a career path as Graphic Designer, Art Director, Creative Director, Illustrator, Photographer, Typographer, Multimedia Designer, Corporate Identity Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Design Manager, Web Designer or User Experience Designer.

Or standout in a related career as Copywriter, Design Curator, Design Educator, Information Designer or Entrepreneur.

To learn more on how to be admitted in the Program, visit Associate Program – Office of the University Registrar (upou.edu.ph) 

2. What are the enrollment procedures? 

Registration is done through the Online Registration System (ORS) found in the Student Portal. To gain access to the Student Portal, follow the procedure below:

a. Wait for the 1st day of the registration period;
b. Click FORGOT PASSWORD;
c. Enter your UP student number, then click REQUEST FOR PASSWORD;
d. Check your email for the system-generated password.

       For login problems, please complete the following form: http://bit.ly/upou-login-problem or email   techsupport@upou.edu.ph

3. Is there an extension for enrollment?  Please note that there will be NO EXTENSION of enrollment. You need to complete your enrollment within the registration period, unless, otherwise announced by the Office of the University Registrar.  In case of unforeseen circumstances, perform a manual enrollment, see below:

     Step 1. Select the course/s you are planning to enroll in? (make sure that it is aligned with your program curriculum)  Once you receive the amount to be paid,     

      please proceed to step no 2. 

     Step 2. Please email the accomplished registration form https://registrar.upou.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Registration-Form-UP-Form-5-Cert-of-Reg-2018.pdf and successful proof of payment to registration@upou.edu.ph.  Different modes of payment are available through https://registrar.upou.edu.ph/payment-of-fees/.   If you want to pay online (through a credit card), please accomplish the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7u8wkj2ilU_CnMvcBozHLRqKC8vr8kcpNZIseP3WsXzV1lg/viewform

4. Am I entitled for the free-tuition program? Kindly reach out to the Office of the Faculty Secretary through fics-secretary@upou.edu.ph regarding eligibility and other related questions.  To learn more visit Free Tuition – Office of the University Registrar (upou.edu.ph). 

5. What are the links I can use to help me in other registration - related activites? The following sites may help you also in other registration-related activities:

a.The Office of the University Registrar Website (recommended)
b.Transfer of Credits
c.Sample assessment of fees
d.General Procedures of Payment of Fees
e.Academic Calendar
f.Course offerings and list of recommended courses for new students

6. Its my first time to enroll, what are the steps I should follow?  Here is the link to provide you with specific steps on how to enroll for the first time:

Step 1: Log in to the Student Portal and access the Online Registration System (ORS).

Step 2: Review your Plan of Study.  Select the term and select courses by clicking the course number/code.  The system will automatically display the assessment of fees once courses are selected.

Step 3: Pay the registration fees through one of the payment facilities. Get a copy of the bank-validated slip/credit card transaction slip/official receipt. Upload a scanned copy/digital image of the payment slip to complete your enrollment.

Step 4: Wait for the confirmation of your enrollment. Students who pay their fees using the online payment option and those on scholarship will receive an automatic confirmation of enrollment.

To learn more, visit Enrollment Procedure – Office of the University Registrar (upou.edu.ph) 

7. What is my plan of study (POS)? We have prepared 2 POS designed for students who are interested to lead companies or launch a business themselves. Additionally, these courses are already scheduled per term to achieve the degree in a timely manner.

IF, you plan to move on to the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) after AADDA file your POS visit Using the Planner to generate your Plan of Study : (freshdesk.com) and use the POS below. For any errors or warnings in generating your POS, please refer to Removing warnings and errors in your Planner-generated Plan : (freshdesk.com) 

1st YEAR

1st Term

ETHICS 1 (Ethics and Moral Reasoning in Everyday Life)

MMS 100 (Introduction to Multimedia Studies)

MMS 101 (Introduction to Information Technology)

MMS 102 (Theories in Multimedia)

NSTP 1

PE 1 

2nd Term

MATH 10 (Mathematics, Culture and Society) 

SCIENCE 11 (Living Systems: Concepts and Dynamics) 

COMM 10 (Critical Perspectives in Communication)

PI 100

NSTP 2

PE 2 CH

3rd Term

KAS 1 (Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas)

STS 1 (Science, Technology and Society)

MMS 150 (User Interface and User Experience Design; Prerequisites MMS 100, MMS 101, MMS 102)

MMS 170 (Aesthetics in Multimedia; Prerequisite MMS 100)

PE 2 HY

2nd YEAR

1st Term

ARTS 1 (Critical Perspectives in the Arts) 

WIKA 1 (Wika, Kultura at Lipunan)

COMP ED 20 (Introduction to Analytics)

MMS 171 (Text in Multimedia; Prerequisite MMS 170)

PE 2 WF

2nd Term

COMM 2 (Communication Skills 2)

COMP ED 10 (Critical Digital Literacies)

MMS 194 (New Media Art; Prerequisite MMS 100)

MMS 174 (Graphics in Multimedia; Prerequisite MMS 170)

3rd Term

PHILARTS 1 (Philippine Arts and Culture)

SAS 1 (Self and Society)

ENT 103 (Creativity, Innovation and Strategic Thinking)

MMS 172 (Audio in Multimedia; Prerequisite MMS 170)

8. What if I don't want to move on to the BAMS program after AADDA, I just want to graduate after 2 years -  do I need to follow the Plan of Study?  Not necessarily, to design your own Plan of Study (POS) visit Using the Planner to generate your Plan of Study : (freshdesk.com) . Follow the POS below if you plan to work after the program.   Below is the default Plan of Study (Classic).  You may also opt for other electives highlighted in GREEN. Please make sure that you've taken the electives first, prior to choosing the desired elective to avoid any delays in finishing the program.

1st YEAR

1st Term

ETHICS 1 (Ethics and Moral Reasoning in Everyday Life)

MMS 100 (Introduction to Multimedia Studies)

KAS 1 (Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas)

SAS 1 (Self and Society)

CWTS 1

PE 1 

2nd Term

MATH 10 (Mathematics, Culture and Society) 

ARTS 1 (Critical Perspectives in the Arts) 

ENG 11 (Literature and Society)

MMS 194 (Prerequisite MMS 100)

PE 2

3rd Term

STS 1 (Science, Technology and Society)

COMM 10 OR PHILARTS 1

ENT 103 (Creativity, Innovation and Strategic Thinking)

MMS 170 (Prerequisite MMS 100)

CWTS 2

PE 2 

2nd YEAR

1st Term

WIKA 1 (Wika, Kultura, at Lipunan)

COMP ED 10 (Critical Digital Literacies)

COMM 2 (Communication Skills 2)

MMS 171 (Prerequisite MMS 170)

PE 2

2nd Term

PI 100 (Philippine Institutions)

COMP ED 20 (Introduction to Analytics)

MMS 174 (Prerequisite MMS 170)

MMS 173 (Prerequisite MMS 170) OR HUM 40

3rd Term

SCIENCE 11 (Living Systems: Concepts and Dynamics)

SAS 1 (Self and Society)

MMS 176 (Prerequisite MMS 174)

MMS 172 (Prerequisite MMS 170)

MMS 101 OR MMS 102

We encourage you, though, to make sure that your chosen elective should be offered within the term and that you will finish in two years so that you will earn the benefits of your degree sooner rather than later.   Please be mindful also of the prerequisites you need to take prior enrollment of the chosen elective (or for any course at that).  

Required Concentration Courses (total 18 units)

MMS 100 – Introduction to Multimedia (3 units)

MMS 170 – Aesthetics in Multimedia (3 units); Prerequisite MMS 100

MMS 171 – Text in Multimedia (3 units); Prerequisite MMS 170

MMS 172 – Audio in Multimedia (3 units); Prerequisite MMS 170

MMS 174 – Graphics in Multimedia (3 units); Prerequisite MMS 170

MMS 194 – New Media Art (3 units); Prerequisite MMS 100

Elective Concentration Courses (total 9 units)

MMS 101 - Fundamentals of Information Technology (3 units)

MMS 102 - Theories in Multimedia (3 units)

MMS 150 - User Interface and User Experience Design (3 units); Prerequisites MMS 100, MMS 101, MMS 102

MMS 151 - Introduction to Web Accessibility (3 units); Prerequisite MMS 170

MMS 173 - Photography in Multimedia (3 units); Prerequisite MMS 170

MMS 175 – Videography in Multimedia (3 units); Prerequisite MMS 172

MMS 176 – Animation in Multimedia (3 units); Prerequisite MMS 174

HUM 40 – Tools and Methods in the Digital Humanities (3 units)

Required GE Courses (total 21 units)

KAS 1 – Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas (3 units)

WIKA 1 – Wika, Kultura, at Lipunan (3 units)

ETHICS 1 – Ethics and Moral Reasoning in Everyday Life (3 units)

ARTS 1 – Critical Perspectives in the Arts (3 units)

SCIENCE 11 – Living Systems: Concepts and Dynamics (3 units)

STS 1 – Science, Technology and Society (3 units)

MATH 10 – Mathematics, Culture and Society (3 units)

Elective GE Courses (total 9 units)

SAS 1 – Self and Society (3 units)

COMM 10 – Critical Perspectives in Communication (3 units)

PHILARTS 1 – Philippine Arts and Culture (3 units)

SOC SCI 2 – Social, Political, and Economic Thoughts (3 units)

ENG 11 – Literature and Society (3 units)

Common Courses (total 12 units)

COMM 2 – Communication Skills 2 (3 units)

COMP ED 10 – Critical Digital Literacies (3 units)

COMP ED 20 – Introduction to Analytics (3 units)

ENT 103 - Creativity, Innovation and Strategic Thinking (3 units)

Mandated Course (total 3 units)

PI 100 – Philippine Institutions 100 (3 units)

Mandated Courses, Non-academic

4 PE courses (8 non-academic units)

2 NSTP courses (6 non-academic units)

9. How do I save my Plan of Study? Is there a file name pattern that I need to follow? Please remember to follow the correct file naming convention.

a. Save your plan of study as a PDF.
b Follow this file naming convention: [AADDA POS] A.Y. and Term + Surname, First Name
For example:
[AADDA POS] 2023-1T Dela Cruz, Juan

Remember that it is your responsibility as a student to keep track of your courses. That being said, if you have questions about using the Planner, you may send an email to aaddaprogramsupport@upou.edu.ph or file a ticket with the subject:
"[PROGRAM ADVISING] + Specific Concern"

For example:
[PROGRAM ADVISING] Plan of Study Review
[PROGRAM ADVISING] Planner Tool Guidance

We strongly advise you to keep your own record of all of your POS. For guidance, visit Helpdesk : UPOU-FICS AADDA (freshdesk.com) 

c. To archive your POS, [AADDA] Plan of Study Archive form (google.com) 

10. What if I have a pending TOC approval? Courses awaiting TOC approval should still be tagged as PLANNED. Once your TOC is approved, you may update your POS.  For additional information, visit Using the Planner to generate your Plan of Study : (freshdesk.com) 

11. If I want to do web-related work, what are the electives that I should take? 

For deepening their expertise in web-related work, students can enroll in MMS 101, MMS 102, and MMS 150; OR MMS 151, with MMS 175 and MMS 176. 

12. If I wish to specialize in video production, what are the electives that I should take? For this type of track, students can enroll in MMS 173, MMS 175, and MMS 181. 

13. If I wish to focus on creative and artistic production, what are my electives then? For this type of specialization, students may opt for HUM 40** and any two of MMS 173, MMS 175, or MMS 176.  

**Please file a ticket to request for endorsement/approval from the Program Chair prior enlistment to HUM 40, for proper referral to the Faculty of Education and the Office of the University Registrar.

14. What is NSTP?

National Service Training Program (NSTP) has three (3) program components: Military Training Services (MTS), Civic Welfare Training Services (CWTS), and Literacy Training Services (LTS). 

For UP students, the following rules about NSTP are observed:

​a. Each student is required to take (3) unit courses for 2 terms (6 units total). Both (3) unit courses to be taken must be from the same component of the program. 

b. The following are the components of the program:

b.1. Military Training Services (MTS) 

b.2. Civic Welfare Training Services (CWTS)

b.3 Literacy Training Services (LTS)

The above means your NSTP 1 course can either be MTS 1, CWTS 1, or LTS 1. For UPOU, the NSTP 1 course being offered is CWTS. 

15. Can I transition to a 4-year degree after taking AADDA? Yes, you may transition to a degree program after taking AADDA so long as the subjects taken are considered in the curriculum of the bachelors degree of interest.  Please refer to the admission procedure of your desired program at Bachelors Program – Office of the University Registrar (upou.edu.ph)

16. If I have started a similar course of study at another institution and decide to transfer to UPOU's AADDA program, will the subjects I took be credited when I enter UPOU? You may contact the Faculty Secretary to apply for a transfer of credits. Below are the steps:

​Step 1. Apply for a transfer of credit through http://toc.joycemanalo.com.

Step 2. Make sure to attach a clear, high-resolution PDF copy of your Official Transcript of Records. Make sure that it is valid for transfer. True Copy of Grades will not be accepted. Keep the file size to 2MB or less or else you might encounter an error.

Step 3. When accomplishing the form, make sure that the Course Code indicated is written in the exact same way they appear on the Transcript of Records. If not, this might get flagged as a discrepancy.

Step 4. Once your Transfer of Credit application has been processed, you must consult the Student Portal to see how your transferred courses will be credited. It will be worded something like "MATH 17: Algebra and Trigonometry (for MATH 11)", meaning that you can use your MATH 17 credits from a previous institution for your MATH 11 requirement for BAMS.

Note: There is a known visual bug in some browsers in which the Transcript file does not appear as attached after selecting. If you encounter this, just proceed to submit your application. If the application goes through, it means your file was successfully attached.

If you have other questions about applying for a transfer of credits, please contact the Faculty Secretary directly: fics-secretary@upou.edu.ph

To learn more about how to apply for a transfer of credits, visit Transfer of Credits

17. What if I have course/s on pending TOC application, what should I do?  You may enroll first the course/s that is/are not part of the TOC application to prevent any delays in your registration.  To check the status visit Transfer of Credits

18. How soon will I be informed regarding the status of my credit transfer request? Kindly reach out to the Office of the Faculty Secretary through fics.fsec.support@upou.edu.ph regarding the status.

19. May I change the course/s I just enrolled into? Regarding this matter, please apply for a Change of Matriculation by following the instructions on https://registrar.upou.edu.ph/change-matriculation. For any questions that you may have in connection with this, please email registration@upou.edu.ph 

20. Are we required to go through the Mentorship or Internship phase of the program? No, mentorship and the internship phases of the program are optional and only recommended by the Program Chair as complimentary activities for the students to transition smoothly to the "real world." Nevertheless, the program is designed as such to challenge the students to maximize and capitalize their creativity in real world scenarios as early as the college level. Seasoned professionals provide personalized coaching and guidance to real-life applications.

21. Am I still guided by the program even if I wont take the internship and the mentorship? Yes, all students are given guidance by the program. In addition to providing resources, mentoring, and portfolio review, the University can facilitate the transfer of industry knowledge and top advice from leading stakeholders to UPOU and industry talks. We also organize career skills workshops through MOOCS UPOU MODeL: 2023 MOOCs Calendar to prepare and empower students for internships and job placements.

22. What does the actual AADDA curriculum look like? Please refer to Associate of Arts in Digital Design and Art – Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (upou.edu.ph) for the curriculum.

23. What if I need to change my contact information at AIMS, what should I do? Please refer to Change Information – Office of the University Registrar (upou.edu.ph) to learn more about how to update your information at AIMS.

24. Does the AADDA program award Latin Honors?Being a graduate of a pre-baccalaureate or Associate program, are not eligible for Latin honors.  However, you may be awarded with the English equivalent “with Honors,” “with High Honors,” and “with Highest Honors.” Refer to Who is eligible to graduate with Honors? : (freshdesk.com) 

25. Do I need to take CWTS/NSTP? Generally speaking, yes. UPOU offers PE and CWTS/CWS/NSTP in the same mode as other courses – online. 

The following are exempted from NSTP:

• • • Foreign students

    • Graduate of a Bachelor's degree or Associate degree

    • Students who are currently elected officers of a local government unit. Please see the guidelines listed in ⇗CHED Memorandum Circular 01 Series of 2019 regarding the NSTP exemption of SK Officials.

26. I would like to file a request for exemption of taking PE, what should I do? You may be exempted from taking PE courses if you are:

• 30 years old and above at the time of admission to the ASIT program; 

• A person with a legally-recognized disability that prevents you from taking PE courses;

• A veteran of the armed forces, navy, or air force; or

• Have served on a full-time basis for at least two (2) years in the armed forces, navy, or air force. 

     If you meet any of these requirements, you can request a PE waiver:

1. Fill in this form, digitally sign it, and save it as a PDF,

2. Send the form along with the other requirements stated in the form by opening a new ticket. Please include documentation related to the exemption criteria (e.g., your birth certificate, a government issued PWD card, your record of military service, etc.) 

27. I have questions not listed in the FAQs and I can't find it in the Helpful Links section, what should I do?  Please reach out to aaddaprogramsupport@upou.edu.ph for program-related inquiries not listed in this Quick Guide. For other nonprogram-related inquiries, visit the UPOU website for everything else.

28. How soon will I get a response from my inquiry?  For non-urgent matters, response time takes about 24-48 hours due to the high volume of inquiries.  Nevertheless, our team will update you accordingly if your inquiry is still pending or not solved.  Meantime, please be proactive and use the available resources and communication channels available to you and always check your registered email and cellphone number (if applicable) at the University for updates and important announcements.  Reach out to aaddaprogramsupport@upou.edu.ph for program-related inquiries only.  You may also file a ticket at https://upou-aadda.freshdesk.com/support/tickets/new 

29. Due to an unforseen circumstance, I need to file a Leave of Absence, what should I do? 

Application for LOA Procedure: 

Step 1: A student files an online application for LOA and uploads proof of payment through the Student Portal (https://our.upou.edu.ph/student) on or before the set deadline

Step 2: The Secretary to the Faculty (FS) evaluates and approves/disapproves the application for LOA

Step 3: The Faculty Office (FO) forwards the printed approved or disapproved forms to the OUR

Note: The Faculty Office should ensure that the evaluated forms are sent to the OUR before the next registration period.

Step 4: The FO prepares a summary of approved LOA and sends a copy to FIC per course before the deadline of submission of final grades

Step 5: The Records Section of the OUR encodes the evaluated applications

Step 6: The FIC gives student a grade of “DRP LOA” in the Online Submission of Grades

(Source:  UPOU Application for Leave of Absence : UP Open University Helpdesk)

30. May I request for an exemption of NSTP?

In order to be exempted from the NSTP requirement, write a letter of request addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, stating the reason for your exemption, and attaching certification (and reports, if applicable). Digitally sign the letter and attach it in your application for exemption. Include all the relevant supporting documents. (Source:  Do I need to take CWTS/NSTP? : (freshdesk.com) 

31. Do I still need to include NSTP in my Plan of Study (POS) while my NSTP application for exemption is being processed? 

Your POS should contain all of the courses required to complete an AADDA degree. Based on the curriculum, this includes two NSTP courses. 

Even if you will apply for an exemption, NSTP still needs to be included in your POS. Once your application for exemption has been approved, you may revise your POS and include NSTP in your PASSED courses.  (Source: Do I need to take CWTS/NSTP? : (freshdesk.com) 

32. What is the admission process if I'd like to transfer to the AADDA program? Please refer to the link Associate Program – Office of the University Registrar (upou.edu.ph) under Admission Qualification and Admission Requirements. (Source:  Associate Program – Office of the University Registrar (upou.edu.ph) 

33. What are the tips that you can share with us as AADDA students?

• We highly encourage all students to follow the recommended study plan to make sure that there will be a smooth transition from academic to corporate/professional life.

• Have a goal in mind.  That will serve as your NORTH STAR. Without it, all minor obstacles would be impossible to overcome.

• Do not be afraid to ask.

• On the other hand, before you ask or seek for help – please read the course guide, the student handbook, and/or instructional guides.  It pays to read first – it will greatly save your time and divert your energy to more productive tasks.

• Most importantly, enjoy your time with your peers at the University.

34.  I have a full-time job and would like to know how to apply for underloading? 

University of the Philippines Open University students who are running for Latin Honors should enroll in the prescribed load per term. As per the UP University Code (ART 414): 

“Students who are candidates for graduation with honors must have taken during each semester/trimester/quarter not less than 15 units of credit load or the normal load prescribed in the curriculum in cases where such normal load  is less than 15 units unless the lighter load was due to justifiable causes such as health reasons, the unavailability of courses needed in the curriculum to complete the full loads, or the fact that the candidate is a working student.”

To justify underloading under the conditions mentioned above, the submission of pertinent documents/evidence is required: 

1. For health reasons: submission of a medical certification from a government health facility (if the medical certificate is from a personal attending physician, the certification should be validated by a government health facility)

2. For unavailability of courses:  an approved plan of study and a written letter from the student as to why there is no course available or a certification from the PC that there is no available course available for the student

3. For employment reasons (Full-time employee renders an average of 40 hours per week): copies of appointment paper (which shall also indicate the duration of employment and job description), and certified true copy of payment slip.

4. No more courses to take based on the curriculum:  an approved plan of study, and a written letter from the student stating that there is no course to take based on the curriculum or a certification from the PC that the student does not have any courses to take based on the program curriculum.

If the reason for underloading is not any of the above and if the applicant is not running for Latin Honors, the applicant should submit a letter addressed to the Faculty Dean detailing the reason/s for underloading.

Applying for underloading:

•  The student must complete the Application for Underloading and submit all the required documents/evidence during the registration period. Applications with incomplete submission of required documents/evidence shall not be processed/evaluated.

• The application for underloading and the submitted documents/evidence shall be forwarded to the student’s Faculty of Study. The application passes through the following:

STEP 1) The Program Chair Endorses the application to → 

STEP 2) The Faculty Secretary, who recommends for approval/disapproval the application → 

STEP 3) The faculty of Study Dean acts on the application

STEP 4) The Faculty of Study shall then forward the application to the Registration Unit of OUR, which shall then inform the student of the result of his/her application.

 IF an application is approved, the OUR will manually change the status in the Online Registration System from “in process” to “proceed to payment.”

 IF disapproved, the student should follow the advice of the Faculty of Study to be able to proceed with the enrollment process.  

35.  I have concerns about ID, how to go about it? For all ID-related concerns, please email orsid.support@upou.edu.ph 

36. I'd like to withdraw from one of the courses/enrollments, what should I do? Please refer to the Change Matriculation – Office of the University Registrar (upou.edu.ph)  for the details how to proceed.