Change of college gov’t names discussed, Students’ Charter amendments passed

The University Student Government (USG) Legislative Assembly (LA) conducted their weekly session on July 25 and discussed a total of eleven resolutions. The session also marked the final day for deliberating proposals for the student handbook revisions.

Changes in USG operations, Student’s Charter

The LA opened their session by discussing resolutions pertaining to changes in USG operations, beginning with a resolution calling for the creation of an institutionalized projects manual, one that will ensure projects relevant to the student body to be carried out effectively. The floor also discussed a resolution calling for changes to be made to the college government units of the College of Business and College of Science. The new units will be called Business College Government and Science College Government, respectively.

The LA proceedings then centered on amendments to be made to the Student’s Charter (SC). The floor discussed a resolution detailing a separate provision in the SC which aims to lessen the delay students experience after graduation, expulsion, or transferring from the University. A resolution regarding the revision of the honors and privileges provision in the SC was also deliberated on the floor. The LA also called for the possibility of a graduating student to be nominated by fellow students or professors for special awards. Furthermore, the LA discussed the provisions for shifting and consultation rights in the SC.

Manifestos on various issues

The manifesto on the Commission of Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 20, series of 2013 (CMO 20-2013), and the release of an open letter addressed to all organizations, sororities, and fraternities were passed during the session.

The first manifesto expresses opposition to CMO 20-2013 which removes Filipino as an academic subject from the tertiary level of education, confining it to high school, in line with the K-12 calendar revision. This manifesto also emphasizes the value of the Filipino language to the identity of Filipino students. The second manifesto, on the other hand, challenges all organizations, sororities, and fraternities to gain the loyalty and family of their constituents through non-violent means.

Further deliberations regarding the dress code

Before ending the session, the LA discussed the resolution calling for revisions to the dress code policy in the Student Handbook. The revision formally defined various pieces of clothing in relation to the dress code. This resolution also outlined that measuring instruments be placed in all entrances of the University except that of the Enrique Razon Sports Complex. Debates on how to measure shorts and skirts were done in order to carefully craft the resolution. This was also the last resolution done for the student handbook revisions.

The LA shall hold their next session on Friday at 2:40 P.M. Next week’s venue is still to be announced.