SISFU Graces the New Academic Year through its 2-day Online SPP

A fresh start and a new chapter await our newest batch of Paladins as another academic year starts at SISFU.

Known as the premier transnational education provider of global accreditations, it aims for students to be properly equipped with skills and competencies fit for the global market. With the new normal and the radical shift of today’s markets, it gives graduates the upper hand as they enter the corporate world as competent professionals, global leaders, and movers of society.

The university takes pride in its readiness to undertake the online delivery of programmes through the utilisation of interactive virtual classrooms and, once the government permits, blended learning.

To get acclimated with the school’s diverse and vibrant culture, the university alongside its student council organised a two-day preparatory programme for its incoming college students. It was done digitally through Zoom, from the 14th to the 15th of July 2021.

Day 1 was considered the best time to initiate ice-breakers and role calls as the students were able to get to know a little more about their peers and a glimpse of the SISFU community.

Hosted by Bianca Dionaldo, Student Council Vice President for Communications and Publications, and Jeremiah Cristobal, Vice President for Student Organisations, they kicked off the event by giving the participants, management, and members of the SISFU community a warm welcome to the welcoming programme. This was followed after by an invocation from Psalm 23, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem; and the SISFU Hymn with much fervour and pride.

Afterwhich, the Opening Remarks were delivered by Dr Melva M. Diamante, SISFU President wherein in her speech, she discussed the unique value of studying in SISFU, the huge merits of taking an international curriculum—which allows them to become globally competitive; and the warm and inviting community that SISFU has fostered for 23 years, and counting. After this, the Welcome Greetings was delivered by Mr Roger D. Bartholomew, SISFU Director and Chancellor, wherein in his speech, he discussed to the new students that SISFU is a unique institution wherein the SPP was designed as an opportunity to learn the ropes of the organisation. Once they are able to learn the system, this will allow them to make the most out of their stay here and grab the opportunity of a lifetime with SISFU.

For the first part of the session, new students were introduced to the passionate SISFU community headed by SOBM/SOHM Dean—Dr Marjorie G. Tangog—; along with the administration led by Miss Cristina Aguilar-Borja; and Education Marketing Specialist Miss Michaela Campos (on behalf of the University Registrar—Dr Caroline F. Mediodia); Mr Sharjan Gatchalian, Administration, MIS, and Engineering Coordinator. A brief orientation, given by all, regarding the university, the wonderful people who will be there to support them, adherence to school requirements, and the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines of SISFU when transacting on-campus and their access kit towards their Classes, Google Workspace, and Start-up Guide were delivered respectively.

An icebreaker followed right after, the activity was a mini-game zoomed in on photos of famous artists for the students to guess, for a prize. Shortly thereafter, an AVP about the SGEN Online Library was delivered to the new students by Miss Melissa Odoño, Southville Librarian. After this, the students were provided with a career mentoring session with Mr Daniel W. Steel, SGEN Director for Communications and Head of SISFU Career and Placement.

A brief screen break was provided to the students to give them a chance to stretch and grab a snack before the start of the second part of the session.

For the second part of the session, the new students received their academic orientation with SOBM Programme Leader, Miss Kimberley L. Pedge; SOBM/SOHM Dean, Dr Marjorie S. Gutierrez-Tangog; Senior High School Principal, Mrs Maria Ailene Q. Fulgencio; and OBL Programme Director, Mr Leopoldo Anoche respectively in different breakout sessions.

Upon returning from their breakouts, Day 1 ended on a high note when select students: SISFU Student Council President, Margaux Oruga and Cradle President, Darren Bautista, shared their welcoming messages to the student body—through their point of view. Key takeaway: Go outside of your comfort zone!! It’s going to be an amazing journey ahead and there is not a dull moment with SISFU’s tight-knit community—this is your opportunity to shine; grow and become the best version of yourself.

SISFU-OBL Student, Ms. Heaven Peralejo; 2nd Year Accounting Student, Lorenzo Viola; and 3rd Year HM Student, Alessi Nieto shared their student life experiences as well as some tips on surviving college at SISFU. Key takeaway: The credentials earned will not only bolster your chances and opportunities of having a successful career and a brighter future, but also the chance to become a better person holistically through SISFU’s warm and welcoming environment through the means of finding your purpose.

For Day 2, the new students reconvened again with their fellow schoolmates through the SISFU Preparatory Programme. As they were convening, the engaging hosts, Bianca Dionaldo and Jeremiah Cristobal, started with a brief recap of yesterday’s event and their personal highlights.

To start off the event, on the final day of the programme, a short talk on academic rigour was given by Dr. Marjorie S. Gutierrez-Tangog, SGEN VP for Academic Affairs (VPAA) and SISFU Academic Consultant. This is key in the development of a student during their studies in the academe as SISFU takes pride in the ability of its learners to critically think and produce top quality work.

Giving focus on tertiary education, academic rigour in the university focuses on being critical, the presence of complex reasoning skills and writing skills, being output driven, and results-oriented. A student with academic rigour is expected to possess these qualities as this mindset enables them to constantly strive for excellence and the commitment to achieve.

After the short talk, students were sent to their breakout rooms for their online class orientation for the online classes and their expectations for this academic year with SOBM Programme Leader, Miss Kimberley L. Pedge; SGEN VPAA and SISFU Academic Consultant, Dr Marjorie S. Gutierrez-Tangog; Senior High School Principal, Mrs Maria Ailene Q. Fulgencio; and OBL Programme Director, Mr Leopoldo Anoche respectively.

A brief screen break was provided to the students to give them a chance to stretch and grab a snack before the start of the second part of the session.

After the break, for the second part of the session, the new students were given a more in-depth idea about SISFU through the talk given by SOBM Programme Leader, Miss Kimberley L Pedge; and SHS Principal, Mrs Ailene Fulgencio, on behalf of Dr. Jerry A. Aguilar, Vice-President for Academic Support and Marketing. Their talk centered on school pride that focuses on personal character development anchored in the culture of 5Cs: Character, Collaboration, Creativity, Competence and Commitment to Achieve, as well as the marvelous student life and culture of the university.

After this Mr Jovit John Troy Clutario, Student Council Adviser, discussed in a more in-depth manner on the SISFU Student Affairs and Services and the Student Life of the Paladins online—as well as the on and off-campus activities, prior to the pandemic. After this, the students were provided with a brief mentoring programme with Mrs Belen Mandin, Department Head for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), wherein she emphasised its importance in the student’s overall holistic development and in their overall well-being in the long run.

After the talks, the new Paladins were in for a treat! The Student Leaders—alongside Digital Alliance—created a virtual layout of the campus for students to tour in through the popular sandbox game, Minecraft.

Once the spectacular campus tour came to an end, more student testimonies were delivered by Grade 12-ABM Student, Alyanna Lacerna; Former Student Council President, Karol Josef Hojas; and SISFU-OBL Student, Marc Icy Bautista. Key takeaway: SISFU will help you break out of your shell and spread your wings through the means of immersing yourself in the warm, inviting, and tight-knit community—regardless of whether it would be on-campus or online. In addition to this, SISFU opens you to a wide range of opportunities and helps you level-up your career.

After this, the Student Council sent the new students, along with SISFU Student Leaders and Academic Scholars to their assigned breakout rooms so that they could spend some time with each other to chat, get to know each other better, and allow the students to find new friends along the way.

After a series of conversations, a few laughs, and getting to know each other better, announcements were given by the Student Council to those who won in their mini-game and other particulars before they start the opening of their classes on Monday.

At the end of it all, the Closing Remarks was delivered by Miss Michaela R. Campos, Education Marketing Specialist, on behalf of Dr Jerry A. Aguilar, SGEN VP for Academic Support and Marketing. In her speech, she thanked the new students for their attendance and participation. She also mentioned that the SPP was indeed an excellent opportunity for them to have an idea of how life at SISFU would be.

Indeed, the 2-day SPP was a huge success. New students appreciated how engaging and informative each session was. They found the right school in SISFU.

This year’s SPP may have been different as it was done virtually. But the unity, camaraderie, and friendship that were built prove the adaptability of SISFU’s students new and old amongst each other. We would like to thank the Management, Academic Scholars, Student Leaders, and of course: the Executive Committee of the Student Council for making things possible.

We look forward to hearing from you!