aldric de ocampo,
Among the many inquiries and amendments asked for in the student handbook by the UPIS community, there is a certain rule that has been the talk of varsity students in recent years. This issue refers to the rules of admissions in UPIS.
For some people, the system and rules of admissions seem to be clear and work just fine for the students. The general policies on “Chapter 2: Admissions” of the Student Handbook states that (1) the UPIS maintains a student population of 100 students per grade level, (2) the only entry points to UPIS are Kindergarten and Grade 7, both via admissions tests, (3) no one shall be admitted via Presidential discretion, and that (4) UPIS accepts 100 students at Kindergarten. Grade 7 admission on the other hand is dependent upon the number of vacated slots by UPIS Grade 6 students. However, the current issue under fire now is directed towards the second provision.
Though it is clearly stated in the policy and procedures that only incoming Kindergarten and Grade 7 students are eligible for admissions in UPIS, there have been some cases where this rule was not strictly implemented. Specifically, there have been cases where varsity students were admitted into UPIS through the VAAS (Varsity Athletic Admission System) program, even if they were not incoming Grade 7 students.
As to why these happen and serve as exceptions in the school, gathered information points to the appeals of various varsity teams to admit student athletes in UPIS. This is due to the fact that extra members are necessary for them to play in their respective sports, such as basketball, which relies on team players.
Also, according to Assistant Principal for Academic Programs (APAP) Prof. Rachel Ramirez, some of the recent non-grade 7 entrant exceptions occured due to how these appeals were brought up by their respective team managers to the UP administration itself after being denied approval from the UPIS administration.
In addition, Prof. Ramirez explained that there is also a VAAS committee consisting of members of the UPIS administration and faculty of the Health and PE Department which deliberates incoming grade 7 student athlete applicants to consider their admission in accordance to the UPIS school rules.
There are a few issues that arise here when the current situation of admissions is analyzed. First, the exceptions do not follow the policies set up in the rules of the school. Second, there is the issue of the non-grade 7 entrant varsity students’ performance in relation to their entry point. Third, and the much more resonant concern of varsity teams who lacked the opportunity to receive non-grade 7 entrants, is that these exceptions are unfair to them.
The first issue is quite obvious. It is clearly stated in phrasing of the UPIS Student Handbook that Kindergarten and Grade 7 are the only entry points. This means there should be no exceptions, whether the entrant may be lateral or varsity. There are indeed transferee entrant exceptions, however these apply only to the following: (1) children of UP personnel who are returning to the university after a study leave or special detail abroad, provided that the study leave or special detail of the parent/s was the reason for the children's failure to be enrolled at UPIS, (2) children of visiting professors enrolling as special students, and (3) participants in exchange program of the university enrolling as special students.
Under the aforementioned exceptions, the case in which a varsity entrant is admitted to UPIS for athletic reasons does not apply. If the policies were followed to the letter, the varsity entrants from years other than Grade 7 should be impossible.
It is best to clarify at this point that, according to Prof. Ramirez, the UPIS administration does follow the rules of admissions. Recall the denial of the team managers’ appeal in UPIS in the earlier paragraphs. This is because the school denies all similar appeals in accordance to the rules.
The exception cases mostly occurred because of the presidential discretion response by the UP administration, which affirmed the raised appeals. Going back to the third of the general policies in UPIS admissions, it can be said that this is in fact anomalous.
The second issue, with regards to the admitted non-grade 7 varsity students, is their relative ability to adapt and adjust to the environment of UPIS. This is because they may experience difficulty in adapting to their situation based on observation, evaluation, and feedback from students, parents, and teachers. Specifically, the difference in culture, curriculum, and educational practices between UPIS and other schools could possibly be overwhelming for them. This results in the possibility of underperformance in both their academics and athletics.
This is also the reason why the only levels for admissions are in Kindergarten and Grade 7. Prof. Ramirez said these are the “transition grade levels” in UPIS, so logically, accepting admissions here would make adjustments smoother.
On the other hand, the third and final issue roots deeply in the perspective of varsity teams who did not get the chance to have extra team members from higher grade levels due to the current UPIS policy. Adding insult to injury, the apparent disparity in the admissions via presidential discretion from UP also makes it more unfair to these other teams in need of players.
One such case is that of the UPIS Table Tennis Team. The girls team of the sport was already lacking members and, to be eligible to play in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), they needed and planned to recruit a non-Grade 7 player. This was rejected by the UPIS administration though because of the policy.
The UPIS Table Tennis Team is merely one among the many other varsity teams who would benefit from non-grade 7 transferees. Teams such as the UPIS Track and Field Team and UPIS Swimming Team are among the other examples of varsities who express approval of gaining extra team members.
In fact, many sports in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) are reliant on its team members. To win the championship, the overall scores of the varsity teams are based off of the accumulation of individual points among team players. With the increase in diversity and variety among the roster of team players, the chances of winning the championship may also possibly increase, assuming that this diversity is due to the addition of trained athletes in the sport of the corresponding teams.
Recruiting trained players, that are usually non-Grade 7, is also very beneficial to the varsity teams of the school since they are already experienced in the sport that they practice. Grade 7 students are usually rookies in their sport when they are recruited, so being able to obtain players that are from the levels higher than Grade 7 creates and expedites opportunities for the varsities to plan and play better for competitions sooner. Not having the option to recruit non-Grade 7 players viable thus hinders the potential of the UPIS varsity teams to excel in their respective athletic fields.
In this sense, UPIS varsity teams may want to push for non-grade 7 transferees in the school. And if they really wish to achieve this, the only way is just through the loophole of the presidential discretion in the higher offices of UP Diliman.
However, there still should be a stress on the anomaly of this method as the overarching issue. The UPIS administration is clear with its stance and arguments for maintaining the current policies so, as the authority in this issue, there must be an action from them to prevent any presidential discretion cases from happening again to maintain the validity of the school rules. This can be done by deliberation between UPIS and UP administrations regarding existing policies, so there would be a clarification of what rules are to be followed by everyone.
To follow the previous statements, if the school’s policies were to be respected, initiatives from team managers and coaches in raising an appeal to the UP administration must be discouraged. Since the method of admission is anomalous and contradictory to the policy of UPIS as the direct constituent, it must be understood that the consequence of presenting such an appeal may create more problems than solve them.
Also, if presidential discretions are indeed to be honored anyway, then it would be best to formalize this as an amendment in the Student Handbook despite the current stance of the UPIS administration. Since previous cases are difficult to reverse, a proper revision in policy can smoothen out tensions in this aspect.
The only concern left now is when this issue can be addressed. "The sooner, the better" is a general mindset for the situation; however, a clear and comprehensive review for discussion must be put into place for this to be truly resolved by the admins.
As for the varsity teams, rest assured that there is an initiative to maintain the balance in the rules of admissions. As with any sector of the UPIS community, it is inevitable for everyone to experience loopholes in the implementation of policies if things are left unchecked. Luckily, through the vocal expression of appeals, the response to such complaints can be addressed. Like calling out a foul, administrative officials will be able to judge, cross-check, and analyze the situation to properly make their verdict. The rules then must be well-grounded and valid for the game to proceed accordingly, and for it to be played fairly by everyone. //by Aldric de Ocampo, Keio Guzman, and Cj Herrero
Opinion: A Fair Game for Admissions
Among the many inquiries and amendments asked for in the student handbook by the UPIS community, there is a certain rule that has been the talk of varsity students in recent years. This issue refers to the rules of admissions in UPIS.
For some people, the system and rules of admissions seem to be clear and work just fine for the students. The general policies on “Chapter 2: Admissions” of the Student Handbook states that (1) the UPIS maintains a student population of 100 students per grade level, (2) the only entry points to UPIS are Kindergarten and Grade 7, both via admissions tests, (3) no one shall be admitted via Presidential discretion, and that (4) UPIS accepts 100 students at Kindergarten. Grade 7 admission on the other hand is dependent upon the number of vacated slots by UPIS Grade 6 students. However, the current issue under fire now is directed towards the second provision.
Though it is clearly stated in the policy and procedures that only incoming Kindergarten and Grade 7 students are eligible for admissions in UPIS, there have been some cases where this rule was not strictly implemented. Specifically, there have been cases where varsity students were admitted into UPIS through the VAAS (Varsity Athletic Admission System) program, even if they were not incoming Grade 7 students.
As to why these happen and serve as exceptions in the school, gathered information points to the appeals of various varsity teams to admit student athletes in UPIS. This is due to the fact that extra members are necessary for them to play in their respective sports, such as basketball, which relies on team players.
Also, according to Assistant Principal for Academic Programs (APAP) Prof. Rachel Ramirez, some of the recent non-grade 7 entrant exceptions occured due to how these appeals were brought up by their respective team managers to the UP administration itself after being denied approval from the UPIS administration.
In addition, Prof. Ramirez explained that there is also a VAAS committee consisting of members of the UPIS administration and faculty of the Health and PE Department which deliberates incoming grade 7 student athlete applicants to consider their admission in accordance to the UPIS school rules.
There are a few issues that arise here when the current situation of admissions is analyzed. First, the exceptions do not follow the policies set up in the rules of the school. Second, there is the issue of the non-grade 7 entrant varsity students’ performance in relation to their entry point. Third, and the much more resonant concern of varsity teams who lacked the opportunity to receive non-grade 7 entrants, is that these exceptions are unfair to them.
The first issue is quite obvious. It is clearly stated in phrasing of the UPIS Student Handbook that Kindergarten and Grade 7 are the only entry points. This means there should be no exceptions, whether the entrant may be lateral or varsity. There are indeed transferee entrant exceptions, however these apply only to the following: (1) children of UP personnel who are returning to the university after a study leave or special detail abroad, provided that the study leave or special detail of the parent/s was the reason for the children's failure to be enrolled at UPIS, (2) children of visiting professors enrolling as special students, and (3) participants in exchange program of the university enrolling as special students.
Under the aforementioned exceptions, the case in which a varsity entrant is admitted to UPIS for athletic reasons does not apply. If the policies were followed to the letter, the varsity entrants from years other than Grade 7 should be impossible.
It is best to clarify at this point that, according to Prof. Ramirez, the UPIS administration does follow the rules of admissions. Recall the denial of the team managers’ appeal in UPIS in the earlier paragraphs. This is because the school denies all similar appeals in accordance to the rules.
The exception cases mostly occurred because of the presidential discretion response by the UP administration, which affirmed the raised appeals. Going back to the third of the general policies in UPIS admissions, it can be said that this is in fact anomalous.
The second issue, with regards to the admitted non-grade 7 varsity students, is their relative ability to adapt and adjust to the environment of UPIS. This is because they may experience difficulty in adapting to their situation based on observation, evaluation, and feedback from students, parents, and teachers. Specifically, the difference in culture, curriculum, and educational practices between UPIS and other schools could possibly be overwhelming for them. This results in the possibility of underperformance in both their academics and athletics.
This is also the reason why the only levels for admissions are in Kindergarten and Grade 7. Prof. Ramirez said these are the “transition grade levels” in UPIS, so logically, accepting admissions here would make adjustments smoother.
On the other hand, the third and final issue roots deeply in the perspective of varsity teams who did not get the chance to have extra team members from higher grade levels due to the current UPIS policy. Adding insult to injury, the apparent disparity in the admissions via presidential discretion from UP also makes it more unfair to these other teams in need of players.
One such case is that of the UPIS Table Tennis Team. The girls team of the sport was already lacking members and, to be eligible to play in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), they needed and planned to recruit a non-Grade 7 player. This was rejected by the UPIS administration though because of the policy.
The UPIS Table Tennis Team is merely one among the many other varsity teams who would benefit from non-grade 7 transferees. Teams such as the UPIS Track and Field Team and UPIS Swimming Team are among the other examples of varsities who express approval of gaining extra team members.
In fact, many sports in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) are reliant on its team members. To win the championship, the overall scores of the varsity teams are based off of the accumulation of individual points among team players. With the increase in diversity and variety among the roster of team players, the chances of winning the championship may also possibly increase, assuming that this diversity is due to the addition of trained athletes in the sport of the corresponding teams.
Recruiting trained players, that are usually non-Grade 7, is also very beneficial to the varsity teams of the school since they are already experienced in the sport that they practice. Grade 7 students are usually rookies in their sport when they are recruited, so being able to obtain players that are from the levels higher than Grade 7 creates and expedites opportunities for the varsities to plan and play better for competitions sooner. Not having the option to recruit non-Grade 7 players viable thus hinders the potential of the UPIS varsity teams to excel in their respective athletic fields.
In this sense, UPIS varsity teams may want to push for non-grade 7 transferees in the school. And if they really wish to achieve this, the only way is just through the loophole of the presidential discretion in the higher offices of UP Diliman.
However, there still should be a stress on the anomaly of this method as the overarching issue. The UPIS administration is clear with its stance and arguments for maintaining the current policies so, as the authority in this issue, there must be an action from them to prevent any presidential discretion cases from happening again to maintain the validity of the school rules. This can be done by deliberation between UPIS and UP administrations regarding existing policies, so there would be a clarification of what rules are to be followed by everyone.
To follow the previous statements, if the school’s policies were to be respected, initiatives from team managers and coaches in raising an appeal to the UP administration must be discouraged. Since the method of admission is anomalous and contradictory to the policy of UPIS as the direct constituent, it must be understood that the consequence of presenting such an appeal may create more problems than solve them.
Also, if presidential discretions are indeed to be honored anyway, then it would be best to formalize this as an amendment in the Student Handbook despite the current stance of the UPIS administration. Since previous cases are difficult to reverse, a proper revision in policy can smoothen out tensions in this aspect.
The only concern left now is when this issue can be addressed. "The sooner, the better" is a general mindset for the situation; however, a clear and comprehensive review for discussion must be put into place for this to be truly resolved by the admins.
As for the varsity teams, rest assured that there is an initiative to maintain the balance in the rules of admissions. As with any sector of the UPIS community, it is inevitable for everyone to experience loopholes in the implementation of policies if things are left unchecked. Luckily, through the vocal expression of appeals, the response to such complaints can be addressed. Like calling out a foul, administrative officials will be able to judge, cross-check, and analyze the situation to properly make their verdict. The rules then must be well-grounded and valid for the game to proceed accordingly, and for it to be played fairly by everyone. //by Aldric de Ocampo, Keio Guzman, and Cj Herrero
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