When the students enrolled at the University of the Visayas - Dalaguete, they did not expect that though the new normal education is an unfamiliar route, they would feel such solace walking through a dark tunnel rather than pressure, yet it is exactly what happened.

Full of excitement without a trace of hesitation, the University of the Visayas- Dalaguete faced the first academic year under the new normal education. The university warmly expressed its welcoming to the students through the screens of their devices, yet it reached even the hearts of the students. Quality education is true enough essential, which is why the university made sure to cater to it through all the possible modalities but the university had not taken aside the needs of moral guidance and support of their students, as they value them the most.    

The new system of education placed heavy baggage on the backs of the students, but the university took away the baggage of pressure and heavy workloads and at the same time providing a quality education, living their renowned title – the university with a heart. Since the opening of the academic year, the teachers and the administration have kept on reminding the students to take a good rest when needed, but do not procrastinate. Learning in this new normal would have been so tough without the constant encouragement of the teachers to their students as to where the students get a source of light amidst the darkness.

While the social media flooded with the cries of students from other universities as they chase deadlines, the Visayanians were privileged to submit their requirements at the end of every semester, giving them sufficient time to perfect their requirements, and at the same time teaching them the virtue of time management and self-discipline. Also, the students are granted opportunities to showcase the talents that they have in different virtual activities.  The students were given freedom, enough to enjoy their lives as a youth, and to fulfill their responsibilities as students.

Apart from being exceptional for their love for their students, the university also provided a standard education through various platforms. Soft copies of the modules are given ahead of time while the printed copies were distributed almost door to door, all for the convenience of the students. That does not end there for both the physical modules and the virtual access to various platforms were free of charge for all the students. The University if the Visayas is also known for the “study now pay later” system, which indeed helped a lot in these trying times. The pandemic has threatened a lot of students to stop pursuing their dreams, but University of the Visayas-Dalaguete became a bridge to their goals.

The university and the teachers worked hand-in-hand in reaching the needs of the students, morally and emotionally. Despite not being allowed to meet physically, the teachers were still able to extend their warmest embrace to the students. Rejoicing with them for their achievements, and mourning with them during the hardest times. Behind a successful student is a great teacher, indeed.

Whether by purpose or by chance, enrolling in the University of the Visayas – Dalaguete was the best choice for the students. The first year under this new normal education system was not smooth, and could not be regarded as perfect, but the fact that not even one student of the university was reported to suffer from mental instability or financial problems due to academics, speaks a lot. The University of the Visayas – Dalaguete has once again shown its heart to the public. Afterall, the university would not have the title, “the university with a heart” for no reason.