THE COMMISSION on Higher Education has approved the request of Silliman University to hold limited face-to-face classes and medical clerkship.

SU announced that it received a Certificate of Authority from CHED to conduct in-person classes for the students of its Medical School, BS Nursing and Physical Therapy programs.

“The CHED authorization is valid for two semesters, effective April 21 for the Medical School and May 5 for the BS Physical Therapy and Nursing programs,” the university said.

SU said the Nursing program will use the face-to-face classes for the Related Learning Experience or Skills Laboratory Classes while the Physical Therapy program will hold laboratory classes and internships.

“The recent development aids the students in their practice-based learning and boosts their confidence in the holistic Christian education offered by Silliman University, even as we continue to strictly impose our health safety protocols amidst the pandemic,” Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president, said.

Dr. Earl Jude Paul Cleope, vice president for academic affairs, said the approval from CHED is “a big relief” for the university, students and parents.

“In availing the whole-person education Silliman University offers, nothing can be compromised. It is our responsibility to fully equip our students so that when they leave the halls of Silliman, they are ready,” Cleope said.

Last month, representatives from CHED, Department of Health, and the Inter-Agency Task Force of Dumaguete City inspected the school’s retrofitted classrooms to assess its readiness to conduct limited face-to-face classes.