Graphics by Catherina Capili
Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus welcomed its first-year students through a two-day Student Onboarding Program aimed at familiarizing them with university resources, academic standards and student services, held August 17-18 at the Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium.
On the first day, freshmen from the School of Education (SED) and School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) were oriented on their respective departments, faculty members and university organizations.
On the second day, first-year students from the School of Engineering (SOE) and School of Architecture and Allied Disciplines (SAAD) attended the morning session, while freshmen from the School of Accountancy, Management and Entrepreneurship (SAME) and School of Technology (SOT) attended the afternoon session.
In his welcome message, Vice President for Students, Internationalization and External Affairs Dr. Benedicto Militante Jr. underscored the importance of familiarizing themselves with the policies outlined in the 2017 Revised Student Handbook and encouraged freshmen to abide by the rules throughout their stay at the university.
“Every student upon enrollment voluntarily agrees to abide by the 2017 revision to this handbook and related university rules. This policy exists not to restrict you, but to create an environment of order, respect, and excellence where everyone can thrive. Ignorance of these excuses is not an excuse,” Dr. Militante said.
Moreover, the program also featured discussions on campus rules and regulations, including uniform and dress code policies, haircut regulations and student ID requirements, as well as the possible consequences of violating university policies.
Representatives from the Student Publications Office, Office of the University Registrar, Accounting Office, Cashier’s Unit, Scholarship Office, Student Affairs Office and Student Affairs and Services Office also provided information on their respective services and processes.
Furthermore, various scholarship opportunities were also presented, with discussions covering their qualifications, benefits, requirements and application eligibility.
In an interview, Student Scholarship Office Head Professor Prof. Milbren Bato explained that introducing external scholarship opportunities could help students address their financial needs.
“We don’t have institutional scholarships but the scholarships I mentioned are externally funded scholarships for them. Even though we have Free Higher Education, still the students need financial assistance in terms of their living allowances, their books, transportation, and other needs,” Prof. Bato said.
Meanwhile, Angelica Mae Lucenario, a freshman Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science student, said the onboarding program helped her become more familiar with the university’s processes and services.
“I feel happy nga nag-attend ako hini nga onboarding kay maaram ako kun hin-o ’tak kakadtuan whenever I need help ngan informed na ako han mga services nga gin-o-offer dinhi ha EVSU,” Lucenario said.
The program concluded with video presentations highlighting services and facilities offered by the Institutional Planning and Development Services, Medical Unit, Dental Unit, Security Office, Printing Press Office, Gender and Development Office, Library, Sports Development Office, and Culture and the Arts Office.
The onboarding program was held as freshmen began their first week at EVSU following the opening of classes for Academic Year 2026-2027 on August 17.
Article by Niña Mae Marañon