THE UST Faculty Union (USTFU) is calling for a “differentiated blended-first” policy and financial relief as educators face heavier electricity and transport burden due to the effects of the Middle East conflict.
USTFU said it has submitted a report to the Office of the Rector calling for a blended learning policy and seeking a transport or fuel allowance for faculty members as a response to the rising transportation and energy costs.
“The report does not endorse a simplistic shift to either full onsite or full online work. Instead, it recommends a differentiated blended-first approach: preserve onsite instruction where pedagogy clearly requires it, but reduce unnecessary reporting and travel while still protecting learning outcomes,” the union said in a statement issued last Saturday, March 28.
“It also recommends immediate, targeted relief measures such as transport or fuel allowance, flexibility in onsite reporting, compressed campus schedules, and internet or electricity support when online teaching is expanded,” it added.
USTFU’s letter to UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. enumerated its proposals and the contents of its report conducted from March 16 to 24.
Among the proposals of the faculty are a one-week online and one-week onsite schedule; allowing general education faculty members to freely decide on their hybrid classes; broad consultation among academic and support staff, students and the administration; and allowing college administrators to address their department’s needs.
The proposals were drawn from a discussion with faculty club and presidents during a meeting last March 26.
This followed a survey conducted by the USTFU among 572 educators across 20 colleges and faculties.
“At a time when faculty members are
contending with rising transportation costs, long commutes, fatigue, and work-delivery adjustments, the Union’s move to back its position with survey evidence and unit-level consultation signals an effort not merely to react, but to negotiate responsibly and credibly on behalf of faculty welfare,” USTFU said.
The results of the report showed that 72.4% of the respondents experienced a moderate or worse increase in transport expenses. Meanwhile, 74.5% said they prefer online or hybrid modality in delivering classes.
The survey also showed that 69.9% of the consulted faculty members wanted support in transportation or fuel expenses.
Among the 113 surveyed Artlets faculty members, the majority wanted a blended learning modality (42%) over online (31%) and onsite (27%) set ups.
More flexibility in onsite reporting requirements was chosen as the top support that Artlets educators want from the administration.
USTFU president Asst. Prof. Emerito Gonzales previously proposed delivering most courses online while requiring high-stakes assessments to be conducted onsite.
The proposal, which aimed to alleviate the financial strain on students and faculty members due to rising fuel costs, was discussed in a letter addressed to Vice Rector for Academic Affairs chief Prof. Cheryl Peralta. F
