Team Academics responds to COVID-19 through flexible, alternative and creative modes of learning and work

In response to the suspension of classes and community quarantine placed over the province of Cavite, the Academics has laid guidelines to ensure the continuity of learning between students and Academic Teaching Faculty  (ATF) and the provision of services by Academic Service Faculty (ASF) and Non-Teaching Personnel (NTP) while looking after the safety and health of all concerned.

Home-based learning and teaching
Home-based alternative learning modalities (HBALM), both online and non-electronic, were used with special considerations and modifications as regards compliance with the learning outcomes and competencies. The ATF were advised to be mindful of realistic deadlines, fair number of tasks to accomplish and possibility of coming up with collaborative output for multiple subjects, in consideration of students who have no or limited internet connection and access to computer or laptop. They were also requested to communicate their lectures and announcements in advance so students would have ample time to prepare for the class and submit the output, provide supplemental handout or guide during online classes and send immediate feedback for online assignments. The College of Medicine was instructed to come up with creative strategies to conduct the grand Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) without compromising the health and safety of the clerks and students. The other Colleges and Departments were also asked to credit the HBALM in lieu of suspended clinical rotations and classes without the need for make-up schedule before the semester ends.

The HBALM (on-line and non-electronic strategies such as printed guides, hand-outs, modules for self-study, cases, etc.) shall be suspended across colleges and departments in observance of the Holy Week on April 8-12, 2020. It shall resume on April 13-14, 2020, pending announcements from authorities as regards the new developments in the COVID-19 situation.

Preventive and coping measures for DLSMHSI workplace  
Flexible work arrangements were observed, which includes skeletal workforce, telecommuting and work from home. Affected employees are expected to deliver outputs based on deadlines set and keep communication lines open such as phone, email and virtual meeting. Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Juanito O. Cabanias has requested the Academic Deans and Directors to submit a weekly Work From Home Accomplishment Report of the ASF and NTP.

Preparations for possible scenarios 
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academics is preparing the next steps in anticipation of the possible scenarios related to COVID-19. Colleges and Services were requested to send their feedback regarding classes, clinical rotations/internships, laboratory classes, final examinations, promotions, preparation for licensure examinations and provision of services and support to students and ATF for the following scenarios: (1) resumption of classes on April 15, 2020 and (2) continuation of suspension of classes on April 15, 2020.