Editorial: Server Overload, Student Overlooked: MSU IIT's Enrollment Saga

 

In this digital age, where technology is a necessity, not a luxury, the students of Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU IIT) are grappling with an unwelcome challenge. The online enrollment platform, MICA, which is designed to streamline the registration process, has instead become a source of frustration and anxiety.

Every semester, students eagerly await the opening of the enrollment period, only to be met with website crashes, error messages, and, for some, the inability to even access the website. This ordeal is far from the seamless experience one would expect from a higher education institution of MSU IIT’s caliber.

The present scenario at MSU IIT resembles more of a 'digital battleground' than an enrollment process. It should not feel like a contest, where only those with the fastest internet connections and sharpest reflexes can secure a spot in their desired schedules. Education, the great equalizer in society, should not be a prize for the few who can leap over digital hurdles.

Addressing capacity issues is paramount. At the heart of this issue is a clear capacity problem. The servers hosting My.IIT and MICA are clearly not equipped to handle the influx of students trying to enroll concurrently. This is not a new phenomenon. High traffic during enrollment periods is entirely predictable, and solutions, such as upgrading server capacity or optimizing website architecture, exist. It is high time for the administration to invest more heavily in digital infrastructure and security.

In terms of communication and transparency, the frustration stemming from website crashes is exacerbated by the lack of clear communication from the university. Students are often left in the dark about when the system will be up and running again. Regular updates, planned maintenance schedules, and transparent communication about what is being done to address these issues would go a long way in easing student anxieties.

Considering alternative enrollment methods is essential. In an era where ‘digital transformation’ is more than a buzzword, it is crucial that MSU IIT considers alternative and backup methods for enrollment. This could be through staggered enrollment periods based on year levels or programs, a mobile enrollment application that runs on a different server. While the in-person enrollment option was introduced, this approach is not accessible for students residing far from the campus. This makes the call for seamless online enrollment more urgent than ever.

Ensuring equity must be a priority. The digital divide is a stark reality, and in a situation where enrollment becomes a race against time and bandwidth, many students are left at a significant disadvantage. It is essential that MSU IIT takes this into account when crafting solutions, ensuring that all students, regardless of their internet connectivity, have a fair and equal opportunity to enroll.

Accountability and leadership are critical. Finally, it falls on the shoulders of MSU IIT's administration to own this issue and to lead assertively in resolving it. This is more than a technical problem; it is an issue of educational access and equity. The students deserve to hear from the university directly — about the problems, the solutions, and the timeline for when they can expect a more functional and reliable enrollment system.

To the administrators of MSU IIT, the message from your student body is loud and clear. They do not need a perfect system overnight, but they do need to see tangible steps being taken to address this critical issue. They deserve a system that works reliably and equitably—a system that matches the quality of education MSU IIT is known for.

It is time for MSU IIT to navigate out of this digital quagmire and set a higher standard for online enrollment systems. It is time to act, decisively and effectively.

About the Author

Jemylene Lico

Meet Jem, a dedicated BS Psychology student at MSU-IIT. She has excelled in journalism and visual arts since grade school. Starting as a radio broadcaster, she became a feature writer in grade 4. Recognizing a gap, she taught herself editorial cartooning and became the school's cartoonist. In high school, she added layout artist to her roles, winning contests along the way. Jem also thrived in visual arts, winning awards as a poster maker. Her skills in Adobe software helped her school publication succeed. Now a working student, she balances freelance work and school while aiming for excellence. Jem's talent and leadership led to her appointment as Editor-in-Chief for CASSayuran for the academic year 2023-2024.