NWU resumes in-person classes, welcomes back students After two years of distance learning

This was for select classes of the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS). Welcoming the CAHS students were Vice President for Administration, Prof. Karl Lenin C. Benigno; CAHS Dean, Prof. Gregoria S. Najorda; and Student Affairs Acting Dean, Prof. Agustina A. Dancel- Matias. Saguday Tamboreros, together with the Supreme Student Council (SSC) Officers and Enyong Kwago, the university mascot, were also there to greet them.

The limited F2F classes were conducted to help the students—especially those taking laboratory subjects—develop and enhance their skills in their respective fields. The students had their scheduled classes with a maximum capacity of 20 students per classroom setup.

“After two years of dealing with the uncertainties, finally we had the chance to have limited F2F classes. I am excited and a little bit nervous and at the same time, happy…because it is a huge adjustment, but I am embracing it for me to easily cope with the new setup,” said Karen Joy Villa, a level two Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student.

Prof. Charliemane A. Bullalayao, Nursing Department Head, had mixed emotions about the limited face-to-face classes. He was happy that after two years of being in distance learning, he finally met his students in person. He was delighted to see the students’ eagerness to come to school despite the pandemic, but at the same time, he felt fear because of the risk that everyone was facing.

“They should stay healthy all the time for us to reach the mission and vision of the reopening of our university, especially since they are in the medical profession,” Prof. Bullalayao said. “One of our visions is to expose the level four students to the different healthcare facilities in Ilocos Norte,” he added.

Prof. Najorda stated that many preparations were made in order for the limited F2F to become possible. These preparations began as early as the first year of the pandemic, with different requirements from both the university and the students.

“Your teachers, my dear students, are all excited to see you back [in] school. This is again another adjustment. You’ve been used to waking up anytime you want. You’ve been used to wearing your pajamas while doing online classes. But this time you have to wake up early and observe the time and your schedule for your classes especially RLE for students…. Welcome back to Northwestern University and enjoy your stay with your teachers and with the limited F2F stay,” Prof. Najorda stated.

NWU plans to apply and prepare for other courses to also have limited F2F classes.