UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

19 March 2020

To the 5th Year Students

Batch 2020
UST Architecture

To my dearest 5th Year Students,

Warm greetings of Peace!

I hope all is well with you and your family specially at this time.

At the outset, I would like to assure all of you that your best interest is always paramount in the decisions
we are making to address your concerns. I have discussed your letter with Ar. Manuel Noche, our Thesis
Coordinator, regarding its contents. In your letter, you essentially stated that due to the ongoing health
crisis confronting all of Us and the quarantine being implemented by the Government, both the students
and your respective advisers have been greatly affected. Thus, to cope with the current situation, you are
basically suggesting for our consideration the following, with our responses below each item:

1. Extension of the endorsement for at least a week;

While we would like to grant this suggestion, we ask for your understanding that in the absence
of any declaration coming from the University/CHED/the Office of the President, we are
constrained to follow the current schedule of, April 17, 2020 adviser endorsement and April 18,
2020 committee endorsement. Please know that the Dean’s Office together with the Thesis
Council will definitely consider a humane and supportive decision on the matter with due regard
to the strict standards and discipline required by the architecture profession. Hence, we will adapt
appropriately to the circumstances as needed.

2. If extension is not possible, to consider a digital copy submission for endorsement;

This is being highly considered. But, at this point, it would be premature to decide on this given
the amount of time before the endorsement.

3. Consider other modes of presentation to ease the struggles of printing; and

The Thesis Logbook have provisions on the different modes of presentation which may be
considered by the thesis students.

4. To adjust the defense week, if possible.

Same response with item 1.

I would like to assure everyone that depending on the developments and instructions coming from the
University/CHED/the Office of the President, we shall adjust accordingly. For now, let Us positively cope
with the challenges confronting all of Us. I am optimistic that everyone will be resourceful and resilient at
this time of crisis.

Thank you and please take good care of your health.

Sincerely,

Rodolfo P. Ventura
Dean