NEWS | What's Beyond the Classroom: Introducing the New Normal Learning Modality

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY, MANILA — Far Eastern University has officially introduced the new learning modality for the upcoming second semester for the A.Y. 2025-2026, following the approval of the Academic Executive Council. The announcement was released on December 15, 2025 after weeks of numerous calls, petitions, and online surveys,

According to the result of the FEU Blended Learning Survey, answered by 18,051 students with 82% response rate, 40% wished for more onsite classes, 23% favored to maintain the current set-up of first semester, 17% stated that they want the return of the one (1) week of independent learning, 10% responded that the new modality should be customized as per the degree program, 6% wished for one (1) week of fully online learning, while the remaining 4% wanted more online classes.

Based on the Updated Blended Learning Survey Structure for Second Semester, weeks 1 to 3, 8 to 9 (Midterm Exams), and 17 to 18 (Final Exams) are conducted face-to-face; weeks 4 to 7, 10 to 11, and weeks 14 to 16 will be under blended learning; while weeks 12 (Grade Consultation and Holy Week) to 13 would be designated for online synchronous learning set-up.

The new constructed modality featured increased onsite meeting, purposeful online learning, clarity and predictability of schedules, and decreased weekly mode switching (e.g., two modes of learning in a week). While face-to-face classes are increased compared to last semester, a number of students expressed their frustrations about the frequent transitions of learning set-ups. One working student shared in One Piyu Community that the shifting schedules make it difficult to explain the current set-up to their manager, creating uncertainty in balancing academic and work responsibilities. Other students also remarked that the repeated adjustments to the learning modality made them feel like they were being subjected to constant experimentation. Moreover, another student criticized the new learning set-up as it lacks clear direction and no longer resembles a straightforward blended learning system due to frequent shifts. The same post also questioned the administration’s reliance on survey results as the basis for policy decisions, citing the lack of comprehensive consultation with students.

In line with the implementation of the new learning modality, all rooms will be used during face-to-face classes, while online modality will not utilize the designated rooms, and available rooms are specific to approved make-up classes. In addition, certain rooms are still available for Blended Learning Hubs when internet connections are needed by students.

Despite these changes, it may pose greater adjustments for the students, especially transitioning from face-to-face, blended learning, to full online classes. However, it is critical to stay informed as the new semester begins despite the possibility of academic and routine demands. In the end, students and even faculty members might face difficulty in adapting due to different learning modalities in the upcoming semester.

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