Edwin P. SantiagoAssistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Services

and University Registrar

Maria Paz Isabel G. TrinidadDirector, College Admissions Offi ce

Brian O. CoDirector, Information Technology Center

Violeta C. ValladolidDirector, Institutional Testing

and Evaluation Offi ce

Jose Miguel LisbonaDirector, Graduate Admissions Offi ce

Ana Maria B. FresnidoDirector, University Library

Severina V. KikuchiDirector, Scholarship and Financial Assistance Offi ce

Roderick B.SalitaAssociate Registrar

Offi ce of the University Registrar

Editor-in-chief: Brian O. Co

Associate Editors: Conrado T. de los Reyes II

Jekyll Jona S. FranciaNews Writers:

Grichelle Menez-PradoRoderick B. Salita

Maria Lucila M. PamplonaPamela Eufemia L. Enriquez

Marita G. ValerioJekyll Jona S. Francia

Maria Paz Isabel G. TrinidadContributor: Rizelle Lian R. Rivera

Layout Artist/Graphics Designer: Mary Rose L. Geronimo

Information Technology Center Web Development and Documentation Group

Publisher

The Academic Services Chronicles is the offi cial newsletter of the Offi ce of the Assistant Vice

Chancellor for Academic Services of the De La Salle University, Manila. It is published every term by the Documentation Offi ce of the Information Technology Center (G-309, intercom 318). The Academic Services Chronicles may be accessed online through http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/.

ColumnRaising morale 3

Top 10 now-defunct food places in DLSU 4

NewsAVCAS introduces new TELE 3

University Librarysponsors training on SPOCUS 4

New GAO Director 4

FeatureITEO: Serving the DLSU Community since 1973 5

The Blessings of an opportunity 12

Special Events:The AVCAS units planning workshops

AVCAS Council 6

College Admissions Offi ce 7

Graduate Admissions Offi ce 7

Information Technology Center 8

Institutional Testing and Evaluation Offi ce 9

University Library 10

Offi ce of the University Registrar 11

Scholarship and Financial Assistance 12

The Information Technology Center (ITC), as part of the Technology-Enabled Learning Environment (TELE) Project of the Offi ce of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Services (AVCAS) has deployed 210 units of Dell’s Optifl ex FX160, more commonly known as the thin client, to all the classrooms in the University.

These slim and basic computers will make it more convenient for professors and students to conduct lectures and presentations in the classroom.

With the thin client already paired with an LCD projector, all users need to bring is a fl ash disk containing the fi les they will be presenting.

This eliminates the need to borrow laptops from the IMS or bring their own laptops and go through all the hassle of plugging it into the projector. The thin client facility only has 2GB capacity and use is limited to viewing purposes. Due to the limited space, creating, editing and saving of fi les on the thin client units are not allowed, but Network Folders can be accessed allowing them to save or even open their allowing them to open from, or even save, their fi les into personal folders in the DLSU Network.

Getting your subordinates to work hard is a challenge for any boss. But there is one simple method to get your people to come to work everyday and happy enough to be productive all day. It’s called The Offi ce Crush.

If you’ve worked for a number of years then you’re sure to have noticed this or even experienced it fi rsthand. There’s nothing like a refreshing face and a winning personality to brighten up someone’s day. And when people are happy, they are more effective as workers. So to help you boost your offi ce’s productivity, here are a few simple steps to getting this done without expensive workshops or those gimmicks that call center companies resort to.

First of all, you must have “crush-able” personnel. If you don’t have any right now, let this be a guide for your next hire. To be “crush-able”, the person must: (a) be pleasant to look at without being a turn-off; (b) be friendly and approachable; (c) have an interesting personality; (d) be unattached.

Second, assign these people so that they are working closely with your most indispensable personnel (i.e. the ones your offi ce can’t do without). Of course, they must be of the opposite sex.

Third, assign them desks that are near your most diffi cult personnel (i.e. the ones who are frequently late or absent or whose performance can still improve).

Within days or weeks, you’re sure to see results in the form of less absenteeism, more social activities, a more cheerful offi ce atmosphere, and better group dynamics. It could even lead to a decrease in employee turnover and an increase in job satisfaction. All this should translate to improved effectiveness and effi ciency in your offi ce.

Now, if I get relocated to another desk soon, I’ll know Brian read this article.

A step-by-step procedure can be found next to the computer to guide the users on how to operate this new facility. The thin clients are now ready for the academic community’s use.

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Megatext Inc., through the sponsorship of the University Library, conducted a training on SCOPUS, the largest abstract and citation database of research literature and quality web sources, last April 7, 2009 at the EDC

Multi-purpose Room. Present during the training were secretaries and faculty members

from different departments of the University.Among SCOPUS’ notable features that were presented during the

training are its search history function, which enables registered users to easily access previously viewed search results; its alert utility, which notifi es users when there are new articles available on the subject being researched; and the availability of information such as the number of times an article is viewed.

The most distinct feature of SCOPUS, however, is its journal analyzer, which presents journal citations through charts.

According to the fact sheet, SCOPUS covers 16,000 peer-reviewed journals from more than 4,000 publishers, of which 1,200 are Open Access, and 36 million records that include references going back to 1996 and pre-1996 records that go back as far as 1823.

SCOPUS also covers 431 million quality web sources, including 23 million patents, that can be searched via Scirus, and include author homepages, university sites and resources such as the preprint servers Cogprints and ArXiv.org, and OAI compliant resources.

For more details on SCOPUS, visit http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/library/electronic_databases.asp

1. Kaibigan (beside Gokongwei). Before it moved to EGI, had the best – and cheapest – sisig around. Palabok or beef mami at P10? Kuh-razy!

2. Bahay Fastfood (now a parking lot opposite DLSU). Started the sizzling sisig rage at La Salle.

3. Aristocrat (now Animo Canteen). The place where the coolest kids hung out.

4. Sir Art’s (beside Bahay Fastfood). Cheap but tasty food. Miss the chicken wings!

5. Peppermint Station/Carl’s Jr. (now Kenny Rogers Roasters). Great burgers but expensive.

6. Smokey’s/Magnolia Ice Cream House (now Tapa King). I remember eating here just before I took the CET.

7. Pupung’s (along Vito Cruz behind Jollibee). Cheap hot meals with comic strips on the walls to look at while you eat.

8. Garahe (along Leon Guinto). Cheap meals, bestsellers were pork bbq, sisig, and tapsilog.

9. Chowking (now Tokyo Tokyo). huhu why did you leave me?!?

10. Henry’s (started at UM then moved to current site of Yellow Cab). Best Korean beef stew around.

Outgoing Director of the Graduate Admissions Offi ce (GAO), Dr. Maria Aurora C. Bernardo (center) turns over the GAO Operations Manual to incoming Director Mr. Jose Miguel G. Lisbona in simple turn-over session. Also in picture are Mr. Edwin P. Santiago, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Services and University Registrar (far left), GAO staff Ms. Ma. Lucila Pamplona (2nd from left) and Ms. Danalyn Ileto (far right). Mr. Lisbona assumed the position on June 1, 2009.

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The Director of the three units of ITEO is Ms. Violeta C. Valladolid, who oversees the operations and functions of the whole offi ce. She is assisted by the three coordinators of each of the three units; Raymond Gonzales, Coordinator for Testing, Dr. Carmelita Valdez-Chua, Coordinator for Research, and Grichelle Menez-Prado, Coordinator for Evaluation.

The ITEO is located at the ground fl oor of the Br. Andrew Gonzales Hall (A101), right across the College Admissions Offi ce.

The Institutional Testing and Evaluation Offi ce (ITEO) was originally created in 1973 as the institutional center tasked to handle the testing and evaluation requirements of the entire academic community. It was likewise mandated to undertake commissioned studies like program evaluation, test development and instrument construction and validation.

For more than 35 years, ITEO has continuously and actively served the University by providing quality service to its specifi c clientele and the whole academic community. As of the moment, the offi ce conducts psychological testing, periodic performance evaluation, and research activities. It also serves graduate and undergraduate students by providing them psychometric and research assistance.

The ITEO is currently composed of three units: the Testing Unit, Evaluation Unit, and Research Unit. The Testing Unit is primarily tasked to administer, score and interpret test results for admission, placement and guidance purposes. It undertakes research for the validation and improvement of tests and other related instruments. The Evaluation Unit, on the other hand, conducts periodic performance evaluation of the DLSU-Manila administrators, faculty, academic service faculty, administrative service personnel and guidance counselors, providing feedback on the areas of their performance which need to be strengthened or improved. Lastly, evaluation and research of an institutional character are conducted by the offi ce through the Research Unit. These studies are undertaken upon the request and/or endorsement of the Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research, the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Services and the College Deans.

Ms. Violeta Valladolid Ms. Susan Gordola

Mr. Hever Berrina Mr. Raymond Gonzales Mr. Michael Mendoza

Dr. Carmelita Valdez-Chua

Ms. Mila Saturno

Ms. Marilou FresadoMs. Grichelle Menez-Prado

Ms. Connie Arevalo

The AVCAS Council Planning Workshop as chronicled by Director for ITC, Brian O. Co.

It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the bus ride was u n e v e n t f u l , and we had

immediately petted the dogs and Ipat even got a “special” lecture from Sonya. I have to confess that it was my fi rst time to experience getting a foot spa. Surprisingly enough, I enjoyed soaking my feet in warm water and having my toes, ankles, and legs “manipulated” by a licensed therapist. Lunch started off with a salad of fresh vegetables, fruits, and different dressings. This was followed by pasta dishes with assorted ingredients and fl avors capped off with a great slice of chocolate cake and crispy kamote fries for dessert. During lunch, the group talked about concerns/issues and plans. After our meal, quite a number of us explored the garden and toured the facilities. Some bought pasalubong from the bakery while others were satisfi ed with just relaxing and waiting for the rest to fi nish their activities. All in all, I can confi dently say that everyone had a very enjoyable day and that it was a much-needed breather from our daily offi ce routines. I for one am looking forward to next year’s AVCAS planning workshop.

a pleasant stop over at Paseo de Sta. Rosa before we proceeded towards Tagaytay. Although it wasn’t my fi rst time at Sonya’s Garden, the experience seemed new and exciting. After all, it has been several years since my last visit. The place was certainly different – the garden was bigger, there were more structures, and the product and service offerings have expanded.

Sonya’s now had a bed and breakfast. But the AVCAS group did not plan to stay overnight. Our planning workshop on that April day was one of relaxation, bonding, and some discussions regarding the group’s current and future projects. Right after getting off the bus, we were welcomed by Sonya herself and her three dogs. The dog lovers in the group

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The College Admissions Offi ce (CAd) had their much-anticipated workshop last June 26 at the Sanctuario Spa and Organic Food Restaurant in Ermita.

The workshop had two parts, the fi rst being a discussion about the operational highlights of the offi ce, evaluation and improvement of the present system, key targets for the academic year 2009-2010, and recovery plans in case of disaster or calamity.

The second part of the event, on the other hand, was all about bonding and teambuilding at the event location’s

The Graduate Admissions Offi ce (GAO) had a successful annual workshop at Bambang, Gasan Town in Marinduque Island last April 4 to 6, 2009.

During the three-day activity, the team, composed of its former director, Dr. Maya Bernardo, its offi ce and contractual staff discussed and evaluated the last academic year’s operations.

“Santuario”, which was a real haven to relax and unwind.

For a change of ambience, CAd ate lunch and merienda at the Culinary Cuisine and Razons at the Robinsons Place, Ermita.

The event served as a refuge even for a few hours to recharge ones battered senses from the everyday demands of work.

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Soon after, plans were made to make the GAO services more effi cient.

Highlights during the second day included the offi ce staff sharing of their learning during their Effective Customer Complaint Management Public Seminar.

The group also visited the local sights and came across locals practicing for the world famous and most colorful Moriones Festival which start on Holy Monday and ends on Easter Sunday.

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The Information Technology Center held its annual planning workshop last April 30 at the Dawal Beach Resort in Candelaria, Zambales. Despite the long drive that took fi ve hours for the ITPs to get to the location, the trip was well worth it brought about by exciting and fun-fi lled team building activities in which everyone participated.

In addition to that, Potipot Island was plainly visible on the horizon and served as an excellent backdrop during the planning workshop.

The morning was jumpstarted with games, followed by the actual planning session in the afternoon, which was headed by the Director for ITC, Brian Co.

During the planning session, groups were made to come up with an action plan for given general strategies which included improvement of communication with end-users, ensuring consistent delivery of services by improving/regularly updating of documentation and knowledge management, giving control to customers via self-service systems, and implementing cost-saving/environmental-friendly measures.

During their free time, ITPs got the chance to go to Potipot island by boat and experience its pristine, powdery white sand and clear blue water.

Dawal Resort served as a gracious host, providing six delicious meals throughout the day and into the night to sustain the employees’ spirits throughout their stay.

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The Institutional Testing and Evaluation Offi ce held its year-end evaluation and planning workshop last April 27 and 29, 2009.

The planning workshop consisted mostly of the assessment of all major activities conducted by the offi ce as well as the identifi cation of all unfi nished activities during the past academic year.

Problems encountered, and possible improvements to address these problems, were also identifi ed.

Lastly, the group brainstormed and came up with key targets for AY 2009-2010 based on the priorities and activities set by the University. After the serious and business-like atmosphere of the planning workshop, the group enjoyed a more relaxing state of mind as they headed to Zoobic Safari, the only tiger safari in the Philippines, the day after.

The offi ce chose the venue not only because of its accessibility but also because of the nature of the activities offered by Zoobic that encourage team spirit and camaraderie among the participants.

Though it was drizzling during the entire three-hour drive, Subic turned out to have perfectly sunny weather.

The blue skies and the immaculate green trees were picturesque, and the air was so fresh.

Part of the itinerary was a set lunch at the Zoobic restaurant and a tour of the entire zoo in the afternoon. Overall, the group enjoyed the activities and the day tour offered by Zoobic Safari.

Everyone agreed that it was a day well-spent, evidenced by their smiles and laughter as they brought home another fond memory of their togetherness.

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In the continuous quest for greater service and comprehensive resources, the Library Management Committee held its annual planning workshop at Balay Indang, Cavite on April 17, 2009. Major plans for the University Library for the Academic Year 2009-2010 include providing a virtual

library tour for orientation and visitors, coming up with a feedback mechanism for library orientation, developing a disaster recovery plan, providing a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) database for the library, bar coding of periodicals and library equipment, coming up with library’s services evaluation, mounting the library downloadable forms in the library web site, and mentoring and research partnering of LMC members.

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The Offi ce of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Services (AVCAS) and University Registrar, its staff and the staff under the Registrar’s Offi ce spent their summer team building activity at the La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City.

The participants enjoyed the fun of paintball at the Global Gutz battlefi eld.

The offi ces were divided into four teams, tagged as Black Team, Blue Team, Green Team and Yellow Team.

The fi rst game was a battle between Green Team and Yellow Team in which the Yellow Team won the game, while Black Team and Blue Team battled during the second game which was won by the Blue Team. The fi nal game was between the two winners, Blue Team and Yellow Team, where the Blue Team emerged victorious.

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I never imagined myself studying at De La Salle University because of my family’s fi nancial status. It was not in my agenda to take the entrance examination of the University because even if I get to pass the exam, I could not afford to study in DLSU.

The Scholarship and Financial Assistance offi ce held its planning and evaluation workshop last April 29 to 30, 2009. During the 1st day, the SFA Director, Ms. Severina Kikuchi, and staff met with the Assistant

Vice Chancellor for Academic Services and University Registrar, Mr. Edwin Santiago, on the issue of “Understanding SFA”.

During the discussion, the Academic Scholarship was renamed to the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Academic Scholarship.It was also decided that the fi nancial grant is to be called St. La Salle Financial Assistance Program.A new program called the Student Assistantship Program, wherein students who meet all criteria

for eligibility may be hired to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week in offi ces, was also established. Orientations will be conducted for St. La Salle freshman grantees and scholars, Star Scholars and Sophomores under the Research/Service Assistantship requirement and an SFA General Assembly for Undergraduate Grantees was scheduled for AY 2009-2010. During the second day, the SFA staff actively participated in a team building activity.

After a tiring but fruitful day, a relaxing hydrotherapy massage at Ace Water Spa capped the day.

But I think God had a plan for me. When I got home one afternoon, I was surprised to fi nd a DLSU application form waiting for me. Since it was already there, I decided to give it a shot. I completed the application form, with Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering as my fi rst choice, and the Scholarship and Financial Assistance Form, which I hoped would make it possible for me to go to DLSU should I be accepted. When the examination results came out, I learned that I passed my fi rst choice, but my fi nancial assistance application was still under evaluation. I still had to undergo an interview, which was was something entirely new to me then, but when it happened, it became a milestone in my education, and eventually, my career. DLSU was not my fi rst choice, but I was fi nally chosen as a recipient of fi nancial assistance, so it made me reconsider. I was given an opportunity not a lot of people are given and I told myself I cannot let this opportunity slip away. Because of this, I became part of the Lasallian community. I was able to excel in my fi rst year in DLSU with the prior knowledge I had in the general education subjects I was taking then. However, when I started taking major subjects, my studies got more challenging, especially sinceI had to satisfy the conditions given by SFA for me to continue my studies as a fi nancial assistance grantee. During my second year, I became a student assistant for various offi ces in the University. But being a student assistant gave me the chance to work and participate in various activities and operations of the University, which I enjoyed because not only was I able to give back to DLSU, but I also acquired work experience and new skills which prepared me for my future. Throughout my four years in DLSU, with the opportunity I was given by SFA, I have gained so much knowledge, experiences, memories shared with the friends I made along my journey, and overcame challenges that made me the person that I am today. The knowledge and lessons I have gained helped me excel in school and in my chosen career as well, and the challenges gave meaning to these lessons. Through the opportunity I was given by DLSU, I was able to determine the path to take, and create the future that is waiting for me.