THE CENTRAL Student Council of the University of Santo Tomas called on school administrators to impose an academic break and show more consideration to students’ mental health.

CSC President Krizia Bricio said that 6,218 students tested positive for Covid19, according to a report by the school’s publication The Varsitarian.

“Given the situation, it is of utmost importance for the university to champion compassion in these trying times,” CSC said.

“As an academic institution instilled with compassion, it is vital that we not only consider the academic development of our students but consider their health and well-being as well,” she added.

Bricio pointed out that 78.3 percent or 8,139 students polled rated their mental health at 1 to 3 on a 5-point scale, where 5 was excellent.

On the other hand, 61.3 percent or 6,372 students said they were having manxiety, while 54.5 percent or 5,665 students reported having problems sleeping.

Given these circumstances, Bricio asked school officials to put a cap on the number of tests, extend deadlines, and balance the number of synchronous and asynchronous classes.

She also appealed for an academic break “for the community to recuperate and continuously adjust amidst these challenging circumstances.”

“In these very trying circumstances, it is the community’s interest that we respectfully seek the university’s intervention and take steps to ensure our community’s health, safety, and well-being,” Bricio said.