Tabloid Issue Vol XL No 3
By Mary Ann Suing, Irvin Pacheco, and Julianne Siscar
DEANS’s LISTERS.
They are the blessed of the earth, the crème dela crème, the brightest of the bright and the best of the best that this state university might offer.
Indeed they are seen as having scaled the paramount of the academic mountain and are the most likely to succeed. Having passed the 2.0-benchmark of grades that is a requirement for aspirants, they are pretty much seen as the epitome of the student population, role models for students who are also aspiring for greatness. But not all should be role models, though. Not all are clean, pure. Some are brighter than the rest, even brighter than their professors who fell for their tricks.
Here is a story of scorn and disgust. Of deceit that is so vile that it questions the very foundation of this academic institution. A story of good boys and girls gone bad for the sake of grades. Of Dean’s Listers begging for reconsiderations.
According to Dr. Nicanor Dela Rama, Dean of Student Affairs and Services of Bulacan State University (BulSU), 30% of the students in BulSU are Deans’ Listers. A rare occurrence for such a large state university and a fact that begs for the question: Which of those DLs are real…
For want of flying colors
In order to qualify on the on the dean’s list, a student must have no mark lower than 2.0. No one who doesn’t meet such requirement makes it to the list. Well, at least no one who has not had his or her grades raised to the standards.
From the College of Engineering, Alvin, not his real name, shared his experience on how he was able to surpass four years of being on the cream of the crop although one of his first recorded grades did not qualify the standard.
“Pinakiusapan ko talaga ‘yong isang prof namin sa minor subject ko para i-upgrade ng 1.75 kasi sayang talaga kung mawawala ‘yon ang hirap din sa pakiramdam na mababalewala lang lahat ng pinaghirapan ko kaya naging desperado nako para maging consistent DL na ako,” the senior student narrated.
It was the second semester during second year college when Alvin got a grade of 2.75 in his Environmental Science subject. His general weighted average that time was 1.67, but his grade in that subject prevents him from being on the dean’s list. And Alvin did not want to put an end to his Laude dream just like that.
“Una pa lang intensyon ko na talagang maging Cum Laude, sabi ko nga sa sarili ko kailangan kong maging Laude kasi ever since elementary ako hanggang high school consistent honor student ako at gusto ko talagang ma- achieve ‘yon hindi lang para sa’kin kung hindi sa parents kong malaki ang expectation sa’kin,” said Alvin.
Admittedly, he had somehow lost focus on his studies during that semester. A situation he partly attributed on his addiction to computer gaming those times. Still, Alvin decided to try and talk to his professor to see if there is something he can do about his grade that barely missed a mark of three, with the price of his pride, “S’yempre nag-iba ‘yong tingin ng prof ko sa’kin at ‘yong mga konting pinagsabihan ko at naisip ko rin na sobrang kahihiyan ‘yon kung uulitin ko pa.”
He made a special project, handed his class card to the professor, then his unwanted mark was upgraded into an easy 2.0. Alvin did not lose his Laude dream, but a part of him died that day.
“Ayoko na ring gawin kasi nahihiya ako di lang do’n sa mga nag- iisip na unfair ‘yong nagawa ko kung hindi pati na rin sa sarili ko kasi alam ko na ngang pangarap kong maging DL at dapat gustuhin ko ring maging deserving para do’n,” said Alvin.
Nobody pays tuition fee with pride
From the perspective of those who are not in the shoes of students like Alvin, the negative implication of his actions will never be overlooked. Black is black especially when one put it under glaring light. But for those Deans’ Listers who resorted to turn a little left to maintain their standing, pride doesn’t give them a gate pass into the university. It is the money that gives everyone the opportunity to be in school, and this is also the reason why a lot of students are trying to avail different scholarships.
“Mahirap lang po kasi kami, lima kaming magkakapatid at pangalawa po ako tapos wala namang trabaho si Mama at si Ate suma- sideline lang minsan sa mga pataihan, 800 kada linggo. Tapos si papa lang ‘yong talagang inaasahan namin at 5,000 lang ‘yong sinasahod niya sa pabrika ng kanton every month… Kung wala talagang scholarship ‘di rin kakayanin ni Papa at Ate na pag-aralin ako,” Darlene said, not her real name, a junior Mass Communication Student.
A benefit of being on the dean’s list is the scholarship grant. A student can avail a full institutional scholarship if he/she obtains a general average of at least 1.50 with no grade lower than 2.0 in all subject. While a student with a general average of at least 1.75 and no grade lower than 2.0 may avail a partial institutional scholarship.
“Since first year ako DL na ako at naranasan ko nang kausapin ‘yong prof ko para kumuha ng special project ma- maintain ko lang ‘yong pagiging DL ko kasi sobrang kailangan ko talaga ‘yong institutional scholarship ko na ‘yon,” admitted Darlene. Like Alvin, Darlene met the heartbreaking news of being out of the roster of their college’s enduring best students during the second semester. She got a 2.25 mark on her Physical Science subject. Admittedly, this is one of her weak points.
“Dahil nga po mas prefer ko talaga ‘yong english and literature, hindi ako ganoon kagaling sa math at scientific formulas kaya ‘yong mga exams ko po talaga do’n mababa lalo no’ng finals namin kahit anong review ko ‘di ko talaga makuha ‘yong tamang conversion at formula pero nagsisikap naman talaga akong matutunan ‘yon kasi alam kong kailangan ko rin ‘yon.”
During that time, Darlene is only concerned with the probability of losing her financial support from the school. With a GWA of 1.64, she takes it to heart that all her hard work will just be put to waste. Swallowing her pride, Darlene talked with her professor, and got a 2.0 mark the way Alvin got his. Scholarship secured, Darlene vows that that would be the first and last time she will do such thing.
“No’ng nakita ko ‘yong mga kaklase ko na halos wala nang tulog makapasa lang sa mga exams namin, na-realize ko na hindi ko na dapat ulitin ‘yong ginawa ko ‘wag lang maalis sa pagiging DL kasi alam ko namang mali talaga ‘yon eh at saka pare-parehas lang kaming nag-aaral,” she ended.
However, not all the time is Christmas season for those students who really wanted their grade be manipulated by their instructors of professors because not all instructors give such consideration, not all of them consider such excuses.
“Hindi ko kasi tino-tolerate ‘yong pagpapataas ng grade ng mga estudyante kasi unfair ‘yon sa other students who are also striving. Not necessarily because DL sila pagbibigyan ko na, kasi paano naman ‘yong ibang nag-aaral din ng mabuti ‘yun ang kino- consider ko saka ang binibigay ko talagang grades depende kung karapat-dapat talaga para sa kanila ‘yon,” said Romulo Maturingan from the College of Arts and Letters.
Haven’t signed up yet
But if for the 30% of the student population the battle for a space on the list is already on, some students who are very qualified to join the ranks of DL’s aren’t even aware or conscious on being on the list. One of them is Erika Castro of BSBA 3B. For some reason, Erika had just found out that her grades qualify for a dean’s lister’s just recently.
“Hindi ko po kasi talaga alam na hanggang 1.75 pala po pasok ‘yong DL tapos hindi naman po ako sumubok sa institutional scholarship nalaman ko lang po no’ng recognition day kaya nga po next sem i-push ko po talaga kasi hanggang ngayon wala pa po akong mababa sa dos,” said Erika Castro of BSBA 3B.
During second year college, Erika’s GWA is 1.59, and since first year she has never had any mark lower than the set standard for a DL.
“Time Management lang talaga ‘yong ginagawa ko kasi ‘di lang naman ‘yong acads ang may hawak ng oras nating mga estudyante kaya sinisigurado ko talagang priority ko ‘yong uunahin ko at dinidisiplina ko talaga ‘yong sarili ko na mag-focus sa pag-aaral, kaunting oras lang sa ‘di mahalagang bagay kasi alam ko sa huli may patutunguhan ‘yuong pagsisikap ko,” said Erika.
With her family having a stable income, and with Erika focusing on her studies without the pressure of achieving anything, Erika doesn’t want to say that she would not think of doing the same thing as Alvin and Darlene, “Siguro maiiisip ko rin ‘yon pero hindi ko pa rin gagawin dahil mas gugustuhin ko pang tanggapin na may mababa ako sa dos at least alam kong deserved ko ‘yon, saka ko lang naman ipapataas ang grade ko kung alam kong ‘di ko talaga worth ‘yong grade na ‘yon.”
“Hanga ako sa mga deserving Dean’s Lister ng university natin na walang humpay sa pagsisikap sa pag-aaral, ang akin lang sana ay magkaroon din ng lakas ‘yong ibang estudyante na ayusin ‘yong requirements kung ‘yong mga grades nila pang-Dean’s Lister din kasi sayang e, dagdag points din ‘yon ‘pag naghanap sila ng trabaho,” said BulSU President Mariano De Jesus.
According to the Student Conduct and Discipline section of the Student Handbook, cheating, plagiarism, or making false representation of academic performance are academic misconducts punishable with a lower grade or a failing grade at first offense. On the second offense, a failing grade and suspension for at least one month meets the student, and on the third offense, the student can be subjected to a failing grade, at least one year suspension, or dismissal even.
“Hindi porke’t DL sila ng College makakalusot na sila sa punishment ng university, estudyante pa rin sila at dapat alam nilang may consequence na kalakip ‘yong actions na ginagawa nila kagaya na lamang ng one month suspension at kung inulit nilang makiusap para lang maipasa, puwede silang ma-kick out at damay ‘yong trabaho ng prof na kinausap nila,” said Dela Rama. The university president also has something to say regarding the actions of these students.
“Well, may mga reports na ring nakakaabot sa ’kin na gano’n kaya nga hangga’t maari sa bawat college talaga i-assure na na-discipline talaga ‘yong mga professors at estudyante na ‘di magandang habit ‘yong tino- tolerate ‘yong gano’n kasi in time na kailangan na nilang ‘di umasa sa grades sila rin ‘yong mahihirapan ‘pag gano’n,”
Blessed are the poor in grades, for they have not cheated.
Cliché as it may be, but grades do not measure excellence, more so who and what the person is. Maybe it does single out and identify one person from the rest in the academy, maybe it gives certain privileges. However, looking at the bigger picture, the advantages of those digits in your transcript end when your battle in the arena of life begins. Maybe it does determine sometimes who will have a first single step ahead, but after the single step in the professional ladder, the remaining steps will be yours to take.
Repeating the cliché, grades do not measure excellence. Especially when you get what you don’t deserve to get. Justifications vary, each has his or her reasons for having to be in the prestigious list no matter what. These students who are academically above the others but have fallen off roster of the best have managed to make their way back into the ranks where they have once belonged.
One thing, though. Being good and being better are never equal and will never be equal to being the best.
By Mary Ann Suing, Irvin Pacheco, and Julianne Siscar
DEANS’s LISTERS.
They are the blessed of the earth, the crème dela crème, the brightest of the bright and the best of the best that this state university might offer.
Indeed they are seen as having scaled the paramount of the academic mountain and are the most likely to succeed. Having passed the 2.0-benchmark of grades that is a requirement for aspirants, they are pretty much seen as the epitome of the student population, role models for students who are also aspiring for greatness. But not all should be role models, though. Not all are clean, pure. Some are brighter than the rest, even brighter than their professors who fell for their tricks.
Here is a story of scorn and disgust. Of deceit that is so vile that it questions the very foundation of this academic institution. A story of good boys and girls gone bad for the sake of grades. Of Dean’s Listers begging for reconsiderations.
According to Dr. Nicanor Dela Rama, Dean of Student Affairs and Services of Bulacan State University (BulSU), 30% of the students in BulSU are Deans’ Listers. A rare occurrence for such a large state university and a fact that begs for the question: Which of those DLs are real…
For want of flying colors
In order to qualify on the on the dean’s list, a student must have no mark lower than 2.0. No one who doesn’t meet such requirement makes it to the list. Well, at least no one who has not had his or her grades raised to the standards.
From the College of Engineering, Alvin, not his real name, shared his experience on how he was able to surpass four years of being on the cream of the crop although one of his first recorded grades did not qualify the standard.
“Pinakiusapan ko talaga ‘yong isang prof namin sa minor subject ko para i-upgrade ng 1.75 kasi sayang talaga kung mawawala ‘yon ang hirap din sa pakiramdam na mababalewala lang lahat ng pinaghirapan ko kaya naging desperado nako para maging consistent DL na ako,” the senior student narrated.
It was the second semester during second year college when Alvin got a grade of 2.75 in his Environmental Science subject. His general weighted average that time was 1.67, but his grade in that subject prevents him from being on the dean’s list. And Alvin did not want to put an end to his Laude dream just like that.
“Una pa lang intensyon ko na talagang maging Cum Laude, sabi ko nga sa sarili ko kailangan kong maging Laude kasi ever since elementary ako hanggang high school consistent honor student ako at gusto ko talagang ma- achieve ‘yon hindi lang para sa’kin kung hindi sa parents kong malaki ang expectation sa’kin,” said Alvin.
Admittedly, he had somehow lost focus on his studies during that semester. A situation he partly attributed on his addiction to computer gaming those times. Still, Alvin decided to try and talk to his professor to see if there is something he can do about his grade that barely missed a mark of three, with the price of his pride, “S’yempre nag-iba ‘yong tingin ng prof ko sa’kin at ‘yong mga konting pinagsabihan ko at naisip ko rin na sobrang kahihiyan ‘yon kung uulitin ko pa.”
He made a special project, handed his class card to the professor, then his unwanted mark was upgraded into an easy 2.0. Alvin did not lose his Laude dream, but a part of him died that day.
“Ayoko na ring gawin kasi nahihiya ako di lang do’n sa mga nag- iisip na unfair ‘yong nagawa ko kung hindi pati na rin sa sarili ko kasi alam ko na ngang pangarap kong maging DL at dapat gustuhin ko ring maging deserving para do’n,” said Alvin.
Nobody pays tuition fee with pride
From the perspective of those who are not in the shoes of students like Alvin, the negative implication of his actions will never be overlooked. Black is black especially when one put it under glaring light. But for those Deans’ Listers who resorted to turn a little left to maintain their standing, pride doesn’t give them a gate pass into the university. It is the money that gives everyone the opportunity to be in school, and this is also the reason why a lot of students are trying to avail different scholarships.
“Mahirap lang po kasi kami, lima kaming magkakapatid at pangalawa po ako tapos wala namang trabaho si Mama at si Ate suma- sideline lang minsan sa mga pataihan, 800 kada linggo. Tapos si papa lang ‘yong talagang inaasahan namin at 5,000 lang ‘yong sinasahod niya sa pabrika ng kanton every month… Kung wala talagang scholarship ‘di rin kakayanin ni Papa at Ate na pag-aralin ako,” Darlene said, not her real name, a junior Mass Communication Student.
A benefit of being on the dean’s list is the scholarship grant. A student can avail a full institutional scholarship if he/she obtains a general average of at least 1.50 with no grade lower than 2.0 in all subject. While a student with a general average of at least 1.75 and no grade lower than 2.0 may avail a partial institutional scholarship.
“Since first year ako DL na ako at naranasan ko nang kausapin ‘yong prof ko para kumuha ng special project ma- maintain ko lang ‘yong pagiging DL ko kasi sobrang kailangan ko talaga ‘yong institutional scholarship ko na ‘yon,” admitted Darlene. Like Alvin, Darlene met the heartbreaking news of being out of the roster of their college’s enduring best students during the second semester. She got a 2.25 mark on her Physical Science subject. Admittedly, this is one of her weak points.
“Dahil nga po mas prefer ko talaga ‘yong english and literature, hindi ako ganoon kagaling sa math at scientific formulas kaya ‘yong mga exams ko po talaga do’n mababa lalo no’ng finals namin kahit anong review ko ‘di ko talaga makuha ‘yong tamang conversion at formula pero nagsisikap naman talaga akong matutunan ‘yon kasi alam kong kailangan ko rin ‘yon.”
During that time, Darlene is only concerned with the probability of losing her financial support from the school. With a GWA of 1.64, she takes it to heart that all her hard work will just be put to waste. Swallowing her pride, Darlene talked with her professor, and got a 2.0 mark the way Alvin got his. Scholarship secured, Darlene vows that that would be the first and last time she will do such thing.
“No’ng nakita ko ‘yong mga kaklase ko na halos wala nang tulog makapasa lang sa mga exams namin, na-realize ko na hindi ko na dapat ulitin ‘yong ginawa ko ‘wag lang maalis sa pagiging DL kasi alam ko namang mali talaga ‘yon eh at saka pare-parehas lang kaming nag-aaral,” she ended.
However, not all the time is Christmas season for those students who really wanted their grade be manipulated by their instructors of professors because not all instructors give such consideration, not all of them consider such excuses.
“Hindi ko kasi tino-tolerate ‘yong pagpapataas ng grade ng mga estudyante kasi unfair ‘yon sa other students who are also striving. Not necessarily because DL sila pagbibigyan ko na, kasi paano naman ‘yong ibang nag-aaral din ng mabuti ‘yun ang kino- consider ko saka ang binibigay ko talagang grades depende kung karapat-dapat talaga para sa kanila ‘yon,” said Romulo Maturingan from the College of Arts and Letters.
Haven’t signed up yet
But if for the 30% of the student population the battle for a space on the list is already on, some students who are very qualified to join the ranks of DL’s aren’t even aware or conscious on being on the list. One of them is Erika Castro of BSBA 3B. For some reason, Erika had just found out that her grades qualify for a dean’s lister’s just recently.
“Hindi ko po kasi talaga alam na hanggang 1.75 pala po pasok ‘yong DL tapos hindi naman po ako sumubok sa institutional scholarship nalaman ko lang po no’ng recognition day kaya nga po next sem i-push ko po talaga kasi hanggang ngayon wala pa po akong mababa sa dos,” said Erika Castro of BSBA 3B.
During second year college, Erika’s GWA is 1.59, and since first year she has never had any mark lower than the set standard for a DL.
“Time Management lang talaga ‘yong ginagawa ko kasi ‘di lang naman ‘yong acads ang may hawak ng oras nating mga estudyante kaya sinisigurado ko talagang priority ko ‘yong uunahin ko at dinidisiplina ko talaga ‘yong sarili ko na mag-focus sa pag-aaral, kaunting oras lang sa ‘di mahalagang bagay kasi alam ko sa huli may patutunguhan ‘yuong pagsisikap ko,” said Erika.
With her family having a stable income, and with Erika focusing on her studies without the pressure of achieving anything, Erika doesn’t want to say that she would not think of doing the same thing as Alvin and Darlene, “Siguro maiiisip ko rin ‘yon pero hindi ko pa rin gagawin dahil mas gugustuhin ko pang tanggapin na may mababa ako sa dos at least alam kong deserved ko ‘yon, saka ko lang naman ipapataas ang grade ko kung alam kong ‘di ko talaga worth ‘yong grade na ‘yon.”
“Hanga ako sa mga deserving Dean’s Lister ng university natin na walang humpay sa pagsisikap sa pag-aaral, ang akin lang sana ay magkaroon din ng lakas ‘yong ibang estudyante na ayusin ‘yong requirements kung ‘yong mga grades nila pang-Dean’s Lister din kasi sayang e, dagdag points din ‘yon ‘pag naghanap sila ng trabaho,” said BulSU President Mariano De Jesus.
According to the Student Conduct and Discipline section of the Student Handbook, cheating, plagiarism, or making false representation of academic performance are academic misconducts punishable with a lower grade or a failing grade at first offense. On the second offense, a failing grade and suspension for at least one month meets the student, and on the third offense, the student can be subjected to a failing grade, at least one year suspension, or dismissal even.
“Hindi porke’t DL sila ng College makakalusot na sila sa punishment ng university, estudyante pa rin sila at dapat alam nilang may consequence na kalakip ‘yong actions na ginagawa nila kagaya na lamang ng one month suspension at kung inulit nilang makiusap para lang maipasa, puwede silang ma-kick out at damay ‘yong trabaho ng prof na kinausap nila,” said Dela Rama. The university president also has something to say regarding the actions of these students.
“Well, may mga reports na ring nakakaabot sa ’kin na gano’n kaya nga hangga’t maari sa bawat college talaga i-assure na na-discipline talaga ‘yong mga professors at estudyante na ‘di magandang habit ‘yong tino- tolerate ‘yong gano’n kasi in time na kailangan na nilang ‘di umasa sa grades sila rin ‘yong mahihirapan ‘pag gano’n,”
Blessed are the poor in grades, for they have not cheated.
Cliché as it may be, but grades do not measure excellence, more so who and what the person is. Maybe it does single out and identify one person from the rest in the academy, maybe it gives certain privileges. However, looking at the bigger picture, the advantages of those digits in your transcript end when your battle in the arena of life begins. Maybe it does determine sometimes who will have a first single step ahead, but after the single step in the professional ladder, the remaining steps will be yours to take.
Repeating the cliché, grades do not measure excellence. Especially when you get what you don’t deserve to get. Justifications vary, each has his or her reasons for having to be in the prestigious list no matter what. These students who are academically above the others but have fallen off roster of the best have managed to make their way back into the ranks where they have once belonged.
One thing, though. Being good and being better are never equal and will never be equal to being the best.