NORSU-Dumaguete logs 14,369 enrollees, 1,539 dropouts
Article by Jesus Miras
Negros Oriental State University (NORSU)-Dumaguete recorded a total population of 14,369 for the first semester of the academic year (AY) 2022-2023, a 1.96 percent decrease from the 14,657 first semester enrollees in AY 2021-2022.
Dumaguete Campus I logged a total of 11,300 enrollees, including in the Graduate School with 587 students, while Dumaguete Campus II had 3,069.
The data from the University Registrar also exposed dropouts reaching 1,539 for the Dumaguete Campuses – 1,260 (11.91 percent) in Campus I and 279 (8.88 percent) in Campus II.
University Registrar Reymil Cadapan noted that among the significant reasons for the dropout are students’ financial capability and readiness, technology to meet the requirements of blended learning (e.g., stable Internet connectivity), and personal and health reasons.
“However, the increase or decrease will be irrelevant because there is no change in the NORSU Enrolment Capacity. The decrease will only be attributed to dropout reasons. Increase in the higher years will be attributed to shifting and returnee/transfer of campus,” Cadapan said.
Ronalyn Encio, supposedly a BS in Hospitality Management junior, said she dropped out two years ago because of financial difficulties brought on by the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Encio added that she prefers in-person classes because students like her will learn more firsthand than in virtual courses, but she said she would return to school next academic year.
Ericka Lituanias, a BA in Communication sophomore, stopped her studies as she faced unique challenges as a student-parent, juggling school, and parenting.
“For me, I prefer online class for now kay aside sa maka-learn ko, makabantay sad kos akong baby while ga-class ko,” Lituanias added.
Classes in the University kicked off on August 22, as some of the colleges and departments had limited face-to-face classes already, especially for significant subjects that require laboratory-based learning experience, critical field study, and practicum.
