VOX ATENEO | Mandatory Drug Testing of Students in All HEIs

A consultation regarding the implementation of the Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) Higher Education Drug-Free Campus Program, Policy, and Guidelines was conducted last 7-8 May 2024. It was spearheaded by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and attended by representatives from various organizations and interested students.

VOX ATENEO: TOFI A/Y 2024-2025

As Region V’s inflation rate rises, a 5.9% tuition increase for the academic year 2024 to 2025 has been proposed by the Ateneo de Naga University’s (AdNU) administration on 15 March, 2024 during a consultation at the Instructional Media Center (IMC). This follows the previous academic year’s 7% increase as it transitioned back to face-to-face classes and activities. However, despite the suggested significant hike, only an insignificant amount of students received an invite to the consultation and less even were aware that a tuition and other fees increase (TOFI) consultation was to take place. In view thereof, ThePILLARS Publication collated responses from Ateneans to be informed of their opinions and takes regarding the issue.

VOX Ateneo | On Ateneo de Naga University and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression

With an increasingly diverse student population, Ateneo de Naga University has formulated policies and launched programs in an attempt to better cater to such diversity. The recent Crossdressing Policy, gender awareness webinars, and gender neutral bathrooms are part of the university’s movement towards cultivating a safe and accepting environment for students with various Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE). However, these were met with varying opinions from the student body and a larger discussion was opened on how SOGIE is treated in the university. In an article by ThePILLARS last January, it was reported that students feel that the mentioned Crossdressing Policy was limited, and questioned the need for the standardization of gender identity and expression. The discussion surrounding SOGIE is one that is vital for its more effective accommodation by the university, and for the voices of the students at stake to be heard. For this VOX ATENEO, ThePILLARS conducted interviews with five AdNU college students from different colleges on their thoughts and experiences in relation to SOGIE in the university for the past academic years, and whether AdNU has the best approach in mind in their molding of an inclusive and student-centered institution.