THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas is preparing for the possible resumption of face-to-face classes in degree programs allowed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

A report by the school’s publication The Varsitarian said deans of the Faculty of Engineering, College of Information and Computing Sciences and College of Tourism and Hospitality Management are working on their onsite learning plans.

Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Professor Cheryl Peralta said “the proposal will need to be presented to and approved by the University Crisis Management Committee.”

“Thereafter, a consultation will have to be undertaken with the local government of Manila prior to filing the application for authority with CHED,” Peralta said.

Last June, UST received a Certificate of Authority from the Commission on Higher Education for complying with the guidelines and health protocols to resume physical classes for its BS Nursing, BS Medical Technology and BS Physical Therapy programs.

The commission similarly allowed the holding of physical classes for the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery last March.

“We are waiting for the CHED memoranda for specific requirements in each program, such as RT-PCR testing for students,” Peralta said. “Students and staff are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated.”

Last month, Duterte expanded F2F classes to include other degree programs that “require hands-on experience” in areas that are under Modified General Community Quarantine.

These programs are Engineering and Technology, Hospitality/Hotel and Restaurant Management, Tourism/Travel Management, Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation.