As the University rolled out its new flexible scheduling system for NSTP and PE classes, students expressed mixed reactions, particularly toward the implementation of open sections.

The updated system, aimed at streamlining the enrollment process and reducing administrative bottlenecks, drew backlash due to difficulties encountered during the transition.

Trouble getting NSTP and PE schedules

Though intended to make the system more efficient and flexible, the changes left many students feeling overwhelmed and disadvantaged.

A common complaint was the pressure to secure slots in preferred NSTP and PE schedules, which reportedly filled up within minutes—leaving others scrambling to adjust their other subjects.

“Tinawagan ko pa lahat ng tropa ko para lang makaabot do’n sa specific class, kaso may isang hindi nakaabot kasi busy siya that day at naubos na ang 40 slots,” said Kurt Casambros, a Psychology student from PSY21.

He added that those who weren’t aware of their schedule or had slow internet were often left behind.

Nathan Visaya from MKA11 shared a similar sentiment, stating, “It was harder to secure a preferred schedule, due to its limited slots only, and it was already full in a short period of time, so some students faced some issues. The remaining slots were not compatible with their class schedule.” 

According to Briana Legaspi from ARC11, it also became a problem when a student’s preferred schedule was already full and no other classes fit—a concern posed by the first-come, first-served system. She also added that some students experienced conflicts between their fixed classes and NSTP schedules.

Students’ adjustments to comply with the system

Due to the limited number of slots and high demand for specific time frames, enrollment became especially difficult to manage for students who couldn’t access the system early, including those affected by delays in payment confirmation or technical issues.

Some students, like Legaspi, encountered delays in accessing NSTP enrollment because they paid tuition near the deadline, forcing them to seek manual assistance at the registrar. Others, like Visaya, had to adjust their other subjects when the only remaining slots available did not align with their existing schedule.

As a result, many were left with no choice but to select remaining time slots that conflicted with other subjects or extend their class hours, prompting last-minute schedule changes.

This raised broader concerns regarding the fairness, accessibility, and the operational efficiency of the newly implemented enrollment system.

Students’ struggles

Casambros emphasized that the University should take student struggles more seriously, especially considering the high cost of tuition.

He expressed disappointment over the long lines and delays he experienced, and believes improvements can be made if the administration listens to student feedback.

Some students also faced difficulties due to unclear enrollment instructions. Legaspi added that some students believed NSTP enrollment would automatically reflect on their CORs, only to later find out that manual registration was required. She and a classmate experienced this firsthand, and when she went to the registrar to enroll, she noticed that many other students were present for the same reason.
Additionally, the help desk was reportedly slow in resolving issues, and unclear instructions about enrollment steps caused further confusion, which contributed to further delays and onsite registrar visits.

OUR clarifies new system concerns

In an interview with The HERALDO FILIPINO, the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) clarified that the frustrations were not due to a new enrollment system, but rather stemmed from the flexible scheduling setup for NSTP and PE classes.

They emphasized that concerns related to payment delays, long queues, and posting issues fall under the Accounting Office, which operates independently and oversees the current payment verification system.

Upcoming enhancements and ICTC plans

To address the recurring issues with payment delays and manual processes, the University is piloting improvements, including the introduction of PayMaya as a payment gateway to alleviate long posting times.

The proposed system aims to automate payment posting, potentially resulting in a more efficient enrollment experience in the upcoming academic year (AY). As of press time, a simulation is currently being conducted as part of this initiative.

Furthermore, the Information and Communications Technology Center (ICTC) is working on a centralized online clearance and document request system, which aims to automate processes and reduce the need for in-person visits to the OUR.

Originally published in Heraldo Filipino Volume 39, Issue 2