What lies ahead to Student Affairs and Services?
In the second part of the webinar, Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III shared his insights based on the strategy made by his institution, the Bicol University. Bicol was labeled as "Disaster Paradise" and "Disaster Laboratory" in the Philippines, due to the influx of typhoons yearly, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslide, storm surges, the said region use the situation to evaluate scenarios and eventually come up to a better solution. However, the current situation is very new to all of us, and the magnitude of the circumstances created a sounding alarm to the world of academe.
In the second phase of the 1st of 4 series webinar hosted by PACSA NCR Core Group, Dr. Nebres III has pointed out several initiatives of what Bicol University is doing to alleviate the challenges. Furthermore, he also shared his personal perspectives and responded to the questions raised by the participants. In essence, In essence, the way I view his online talk can be understood using the acronym A.C.A.D.E.M.I.C.
The A.C.A.D.E.M.I.C.
1) A-ACCEPT CHANGE
The changing phases from normal to new normal, or from the usual standard to the new standards from the perspective of student services. We learn and evaluate these lessons. We learn and evaluate these lessons. No hugging, "beso-beso (cheek-to-cheek)", hand-shaking, mass gathering, buffet restaurant, concerts, tourism (in most cases), and any activities with close contact. The situation nowadays will push us to change whether we like it or not.
2) C-CREATE RELIABLE DATA
In order to understand further the gravity of the situation and how it could lessen the impact of the pandemic, every school should create their data to analyze the "Pre-Crisis, Crisis, and Post Crisis" situation. When we know the pulse of our clientele and the magnitude of the situation in relation to our geographical stance then the institution can come up with better strategies suited for both the customer and the provider. During strategy formation, data plays a significant role in answering the needs and demands of the stakeholders. For example, in some parts of Bicol areas, there are schools where the internet connection is still a challenge due to unstable performance. Therefore, other ways to deliver the needs of their clientele can be through modular, rotational teaching, blended learning, etc.
3) A-ACCENTUATE SYNERGY OF ACTION
Think synergistically. We learn that synergy of actions involves reviewing the situation, identifying the options and contingencies, assessing the risk, and develop working strategies. The speaker has asserted the importance of teamwork and interdependence to come up with a better option, which will evolve as soon as the circumstances progress.
4) D-DEVELOP A CRISIS MANAGEMENT MODEL
The speaker has asserted the urgent need to develop a model that would be beneficial for the students, he also noted that a model may vary and should be customized according to the needs of the stakeholders and capabilities of the institution. Furthermore, the output shall be paralleled to the current situation and must be built on the scientific-based internal and external data, and other pieces of evidence.
5) E-ESTABLISH A WIN-WIN SOLUTION
Be proactive. Through gathering data, we will be able to understand the crisis and create good strategies by recalibrating our course offerings, teaching methodologies, flexible learning approach, and ways to save the institution without compromising the health of our students.
The win-win solution can be associated with escalating the "urgent programs" such as providing a fund-drive program to augment the basic needs of stakeholders. The oplan "hatid-sundo" of Bicol University has the prime objective to send students to their family (Physical distance to family) which greatly helpful for those who were stranded. The university has opened the student information hotline to cater to questions about academics and scholarship. The said university anticipated the possible rise of mental stress and other psycho-social related issues, therefore, tele-counseling can be one of the options to lessen the unwanted emotional impact of the pandemic.
6) MIND SETTING
The urgency would call us from all over the world to learn the new mindset in the fastest way possible. The shifting of norms and some modifications in our culture is now taking place. For instance, there will be no usual Sunday mass, celebrating a feast or "fiestas" and other religious gatherings like Eid al-Fitr also called the "Festival of Breaking the Fast" will be modified depending on the prevailing condition. Face-to-face classes in some areas are not feasible anymore. The mode of transportation will have to follow strict guidelines. Entering to establishments will require you to show your valid identification card and quarantine pass not to mention the thermal scanning before you enter. Using of right face mask and social distancing will be part of the new normal (which we often heard). The tourism and hospitality industry has now experienced the painful effect of the pandemic.
7) I-INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY
Whether we like it or not, technology will play a vital role in survival. Integrate technology into our daily lives and make it part of the new norms. For example, paying tuition and essential items can now course through online transactions (G-cash, Paymaya, internet banking) to minimize physical contacts. Learning how to navigate online meeting platforms such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, Blackboard is now becoming the new normal. Online class platforms are now emerging and are now taking its big leap especially to highly urbanized areas.
8) C-CHOOSE TO REFLECT
Create space for reflection we will probably experience many losses (life, properties, jobs, health, etc) but let us not be defeated by these circumstances. Take time to reflect, work on to find your purpose, and have a meaningful life ahead. Our culture, spirituality, philosophy, faith, and belief systems have many things to offer with the sudden shift in our lives let us not lose sight of the lesson learned. As the situation progresses, every student is vulnerable. Think with humanity, listen, and take-up necessary measures.
On a Personal Note
Stephen Covey‘s Time Management Matrix
This reminds me of "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" written by Stephen Covey where his system makes use of four different quadrants that allow you to prioritize tasks in relation to their importance and urgency. The quadrant will help you to decide whether you need to address a task immediately or if you can postpone it. The "4 Quadrants" give us a message that crises and pressing problems are as important as building a good relationship and continuously improving one's character. The first quadrant or the "quadrant of urgency" will tell us the high priority of the situation that must be attended quickly. For example, the pandemic has brought the world a huge amount of political and social challenges that have to be addressed and find an urgent remedy while the solution is soon to be available. The second quadrant or also known as "quadrant of quality" has proven its importance despite it is not urgent. How does it work? For instance, in today's situation discipline, proactiveness, and compassion are some of the most important characters we need at this moment. These elements mentioned cannot be brewed overnight, it has to unceasingly nourish in order to respond in a crisis (like what we have) with the presence of mind. Quadrant 2 is like planting good seeds and giving it necessary elements (sunlight, water, CO2) for it to grow which will eventually bear the fruit of your labor.
Contrary to the remaining quadrants (Quad 3 & 4) were considered not important. Quadrant 3 is also known as the "quadrant of deception" sometimes people are deceived that the activity is important because it demands urgency. For example, the school needs to make intensive promotional marketing in order to attract and retain more students for the institution to survive (urgent). However, being insensitive to the situation may offend their markets and other stakeholders because instead of giving better options the institution highlighted a feeling of being selfish (not important).
The last quadrant is a "quadrant of waste" and we should not be there at all. For example, targeting the real number and scope of infections in the country were still vague and very slow (if not unproductive). Wasting of time without achieving the desired outputs for the past couple of months is an indicator of incompetence.
Wrapping-up
To wrap up, anxiety and uncertainty should not be the reason for us to be defeated despite not getting the best expectations from external forces. It is truly difficult but for as long as we are helping each other to survive the greatest catastrophe of the century and continue to promote true leadership we will soon overcome these trials.
About the Speaker:
DR. BABY BOY BENJAMIN DE LA PEÑA NEBRES, III is the Dean of the Office of Student Affairs & Services Focal at Bicol University in Legaspi City, Bicol. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in1997 at Bicol University, Legaspi City, Bicol, and hailed as the Outstanding University Student in Direction. He also has a Certificate in Teaching (Methods) where he obtained in 2002 and became an Outstanding Student Teacher in his field. He has completed his academic requirement in 2003 in his Master's program in Public Administration at AQUINAS University in Legazpi City. His second Master's degree was achieved in 2004 for a program of Master of Arts in Education in Administration and Supervision at Mabini Colleges in Daet, Camarines Norte where he was awarded as Meritissimus in Oral Revalida. His 3rd Master's program focusing on Special Education is now on its way and expected to graduate very soon. In 2008, he finished his Doctor of Education in Educational Management at Bicol University in Legaspi City and received a citation for being an Outstanding Graduate & University Best Dissertation focused on Culture and the Arts.
He is also been engaged in research works where his contributions were benefited by different communities in Bicol. Moreover, his keen and perseverance have put him in an international forum where he was able to present his papers in Singapore and Malaysia.
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