CAS Freshies' Orientation (Academic Year 2014 – 2015)

The annual CAS Freshies' Orientation (Academic Year 2014 – 2015) was held at the UPMASA – PGH Science Hall on August 7, 2014, 8:00 AM to noon.

As students waited for the commencement of the program, various AVPs, prepared by the CAS Student Council, were played. The uniqueness of student culture at CAS was stressed in the AVPs.

After Biorhythm led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and doxology, “You Raise Me Up”, Dean Alex Gonzaga gave the welcome remarks. He enthused, “You, the freshies, are the cream of the crop. You are very fortunate to be accepted in CAS. Among thousands who applied for UPCAT and wished to enroll in CAS, only a minimal percentage was accepted. Do your best to survive the academic requirements and be assets of your respective programs... Rest assured that we, the administrative heads and faculty members, have done our best to provide you the best learning conditions and environment to make your experience at CAS a truly remarkable and enjoyable one. Mabuhay tayong lahat!”

A 5-minute AVP, prepared by the Dean's Office staff, was shown. An overview on CAS vision and mission, academic programs, and administrative offices were highlighted in the video. Photos of Dean's Management Team; hallways, lobbies, and laboratories in Rizal Hall and Gusaling Andres Bonifacio; CAS Oblation garden; CAS library; and the newly renovated CAS Theater were depicted. Images of UP-PGH Health Service and UP-PGH Chaplaincy (Immaculate Conception Chapel) were also presented. The upbeat song, “UP Ang Galing Mo!”, accompanied the video.

Professor Jerome Ong discussed fhe functions of Office of Student Services and Gender Program (OSSGP). As Coordinator, he also gave a brief introduction about different student organizations in CAS and the gender issues that hounded the studentry. He detailed the precautionary measures as well.

College Secretary Alice Adeva talked about the academic matters. She clarified several matters on graduation with honors, underload, and shifting.

A break from information overload and too much seriousness, UP Manila Indayog and Sinag showcased their respective new dance moves.

CAS Student Council Chair, Rodel Cahiyang, came up with a challenge to the new “Iskolars ng Bayan”. He encouraged the freshies to “always fight for academic freedom. Never settle for mediocrity. Continue standing up for our rights...”

Alumni and Extension Services Coordinator, Professor Carolina Pulumbarit, headed the open forum, while Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rosario Rubite, delivered the closing remarks.

Biorhythm shared again its talent by leading the “UP Naming Mahal”.

Organization of Area Studies Majors' Roland Carlo Gatchalian and Angelica Lopez were the masters of ceremonies.