Last August 11, 2025, the BS Biology department welcomed the newly enrolled freshie students, shiftees and transferees to the BS Biology program.
The program began with the Department Chair, Associate Professor Liezel Magtoto, delivering the welcome remarks. She shared about what would be expected of the students during their four-year stint in the university. Additionally, she summarized what would be discussed during the rest of the program, subsequently introducing Assistant Professor Jeno Rey Pagaduan who gave an introduction about the BS Biology Program.
Asst. Prof. Pagaduan briefly talked about the Vision and Mission of the department, highlighting it is a BS Biology student’s responsibility to give back to the community. Additionally, he talked about the program objectives, and the program learning outcomes (PLOs) of the BS Biology program.
Following Asst. Prof. Pagaduan, was Assistant Professor Kimberly Paglingayen who highlighted the expectations from a BS Biology Graduate. She then discussed details of the BS Biology Curriculum to familiarize the students of the courses they will be taking. This included different electives and concentration courses for each area of concentration (AoC). As early as their first year, they were also introduced to the requirements for the AoC application so they may prepare accordingly.
To further guide the students, Assistant Professor Julienne Alviar shared the program’s retention policy. To stay in good standing under the program, a student must have a Cumulative Weighted Average Grade (CWAG) of at least 2.75 at the end of their first year in their Biology, Zoology, Botany and Chemistry courses taken. . A grade below the retention grade will place the student under probation during the first semester of their second year. She also shared a sample of a grading sheet and how to compute for their own CWAG.
Assistant Professor Meijei Bagangao then talked about the guidelines on fieldwork activities . She highlighted that fieldworks are an essential part of the BS Biology program, listing courses where fieldworks are a major requirement.Different fieldwork documentary requirements, including the “Student Participation Agreement for Off-Campus Field Activities”form, the medical certificate, and insurance were presented.
Throughout the talks, Asst Prof Ailyn Fadriquela facilitated ice-breaker games to keep the students active and engaged.
Lastly, Professor Romeo Dizon introduced the faculty and staff members of the department.
The program ended with a photo-op including all the freshies and the faculty members of the department.