NWU resumes In-person classes, welcomes back students

After two years of distance learning, the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) of Northwestern University started its limited face-to-face (F2F) classes on March 21, 2022.

The students from the said college were welcomed by the 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 the students.

The limited F2F classes were conducted to help the students, especially those who are taking skills laboratory subjects which aim to develop and enhance their skills in their respective fields. The students had their scheduled time with a maximum capacity of 20 students per classroom set up.

“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 up to the new setup,” said Karen Joy Villa, a level two Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student.

According to Krystine Angela S. Pascual, level four Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) student said they were enjoying the limited F2F classes. She was happy because they were now able to do their laboratory skills. At the same time, they are developing their knowledge of the different laboratory sections to prepare for their upcoming duties in the clinical setting.

The different department heads and the college dean were excited regarding these limited F2F classes. They also extended their messages and sentiments during the interview.

“This is it. As I promise, we will do everything to teach all the skills that we did not have, the learning of skills that we did not have for the past school years. So, we will have a catch-up plan and do everything to relearn all of those skills because they are really needed in the practice of the PT profession,” said Prof. Shiela B. Navasca, Physical Therapy Department Head.

According to Prof. Charliemane A. Bullalayao, Nursing Department Head, he has mixed emotions about the limited face-to-face classes because he is happy that after two years of being in distance learning, he finally met their students in person. He was delighted to see the student’s 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… one of our visions is to expose the level four students into the different healthcare facilities in Ilocos Norte,” Prof. Bullalayao added.

Prof. Najorda stated that there were a lot of preparations in order for the limited F2F to become possible. During the first year of the pandemic, they had already started preparing for this. There were different requirements both from the university and from the students.

“Your teachers my dear students are all excited to see you back to school. This is again another adjustment. You’ve been used to wake 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…Come on class on time, again this is another adjustment that we have to make. Welcome back to Northwestern University and enjoy your stay with your teachers and with the limited F2F stay,” Prof. Najorda stated.

With this, NWU hopes that other courses will also have the chance to have limited F2F classes.