THE University of Santo Tomas is set to review its policies and guidelines after drawing flak for its order to take down a photo posted online by one of its student publications, as its Office of Student Affairs is set to be temporarily led by another official.

This is as UST said that OSA Director Maria Cecilia Tio Cuison’s medical leave has been accepted and will leave the office’s responsibilities to Assistant Professor Jaezamie One as its office-in-charge.

UST last month has been under fire for ordering TomasinoWeb to take down a photo of students in a convenience store whose uniforms bare some resemblance to the 7/11 crew’s uniform.

The issue garnered national attention and, noting that the UST admin has been ‘repressing’ the students’ press freedom.

“A technical working group led by the OSA OIC will soon initiate a dialogue with representatives of recognized student organizations and review all student-related policies and guidelines, including those under the Campus Journalism Act,” UST said in a statement.

“The University shall continue to uphold the rights of students balanced by a strong commitment to foster an environment conducive to learning and responsible development,” it added.

UST’s announcement was met with mixed reactions from netizens, noting that the move is a good step but is a bit late, as a month has passed since the issue of student repression initially came to light.