By Sofia Baldonado
De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology Student Government (CEATSG) launched a virtual version of the University library’s commons section on Saturday, Sept. 18, giving CEAT students a space to study and collaborate online.
Available on the popular messaging platform Discord, the “Virtual Commons” took inspiration from the online community “StudyStream” as it mirrors the collaborative platform’s feature of using servers to create virtual spaces for interaction among students.
CEATSG Governor Sean Punongbayan claimed that the college’s student government is set on creating a welcoming environment for students amidst the new mode of learning.
“We want to help them (CEAT students) to gain new study habits in this new online set up… majority of them (CEAT-SG) gusto nila [gumawa] ng platform where CEAT students can bond and interact freely… naging addition ito sa goal ng Virtual Commons na makapag-bonding ‘yung CEAT students, lalo na [ang] mga frosh and second year… since hindi nila [naranasan] ‘yung face-to-face,” Punongbayan said.
Lasallians are quick to share their two cents.
Some express their admiration for CEATSG’s initiative.
“It’s truly undeniable that it’s a big help para sa lahat”, an architecture student said.
Others are concerned about the server’s laxity once it gains popularity among other colleges.
“Ang downside lang nito, since we’re in a virtual setup… anything can happen especially if hindi strictly monitored ang Virtual Commons”, College of Education (CoEd) Governor Roxanne Delgado explained.
Punongbayan assured that rules are in place to ensure the safe collaboration on the platform.
“Merong rules and regulations kaming (CEATSG) nilagay, [the] rules [are] to treat everyone with respect, absolutely no harassment, witch-hunting, sexism, racism or hate speech. [Those] will not be tolerated”, said the CEATSG Governor.
As of writing, while the server is launched exclusively for CEAT students, CEATSG is welcome to the idea of organizing partnerships with other DLSU-D student governments or organizations to expand Virtual Commons for all colleges.
For more details on how to participate in the Virtual Commons, visit the CEATSG official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ceatsg.
