UP Diliman to start classes in August

MANILA, Philippines - The University Council of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman approved on Monday the proposal to move the start of the academic calendar from June to August.

"Today, the UP Diliman University Council (composed of all assistant professor to full professors) by a vote of 284-164 decided to support the shift in the academic calendar of UP Diliman from June to August 2014. Chancellor Michael Tan will now bring this sentiment to the next UP Board of Regents meeting on March 28 for approval. With this development, all UP constituent units will start the school year in August 2014," the university announced in its Facebook page.

The decision to approve the proposal came amid protest from some students and professors. Issues raised include conflicts with internship programs, board and bar exams, and conducting classes during the summer months.

Earlier, a consultation was conducted among students and organizations in UP's flagship campus, and 1,834 out of 2,728 students said they approve of the calendar shift. A faculty referendum was also conducted, and 647 of the 954 regular faculty members who voted agreed with the shift.

The decision comes after the UP Board of Regents, the highest policy-making body in the university system, approved the implementation of the calendar change in all constituent universities of UP except Diliman. The decision was left to UP Diliman's University Council.

The shift in the academic calendar was proposed to synchronize UP's calendar with that of other universities from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.