THE UNIVERSITY  of the Philippines Board of Regents has failed to reach a consensus on how the next college admission examinations will be administered.

It said that another round of briefing will be held once the UP Office of Admissions has come up with a new report.

Admissions Director Francisco De Los Reyes earlier said school officials are deliberating on five options.

These include a pen-and-paper examination, an online examination, a mix of physical and online, a no examination situation wherein applicants are chosen based on their high school performance and a moratorium on accepting freshmen admissions.

In a report by the UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Office of Admissions, the University Councils voted to cancel the UPCAT exam for freshman admission for the next academic year due to the effects of Covid19.

The councils cited concerns on health and safety risks, logistics and manpower challenges for at least 92 testing centers, health insurance, quarantine, hazard pay among others.

Meanwhile, the UP Office of the Student Regent urged for a solution that would ensure fairness along with a high acceptance rate.

“We are one with the general public in calling for the most inclusive and compassionate solutions that the university can offer for its admissions during a time like this,” it said.

“The university must exhaust all means to ensure that the admission system that will be implemented will be fair and will accept applicants at a maximum number, giving utmost consideration for the marginalized and those gravely affected by the economic crisis,” it added.