This is CASS: Freshies Get to Know Home College in Orientation

By Bea Faye Eumague

The College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) opened its doors to its newest members during the freshman orientation on Tuesday, August 12—a gathering aimed at guiding first-year students through the programs, services, and support systems of CASS.


College Dean Dr. Marie Joy Banawa began the program with a heartfelt message, welcoming the freshmen into what she proudly called the “most nurturing college” in MSU-IIT. She noted that CASS maintains an impressive 80 to 90 percent graduation rate, with very few students shifting or leaving their programs.


Reflecting on this year’s competitive admission process, Dr. Banawa underscored how fortunate the students were to be among the 2,370 accepted into MSU-IIT out of 53,550 SASE takers; likening the odds to “winning the lottery.”


She encouraged them to value this opportunity, stay true to their purpose, and make the most of the support and services available in the institute.


“The college is willing to help you all the way. That is a promise, but you need to help yourselves,” Dr. Banawa reminded, expressing her hope to see them walk the graduation stage after four years.


The orientation also featured a video presentation showcasing the different offices and services available to students. Among these were the College of Arts and Social Sciences, University Clinic, Office of Guidance and Counselling (OGC), MSU-IIT Career Center, MSU-IIT Office of Sports Development, Office of Student Development Services (OSDS), Office of Student Residences and Food Services, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services.


Romel Sencio from the Office of the CASS Dean took the stage to give an overview of the college’s academic offerings, which include ten undergraduate programs and four graduate programs. He discussed CASS’ mission and vision, introduced the executive committee along with the college’s support staff, and highlighted the facilities available to students, giving the freshmen a clearer picture of the environment and resources that will support their academic journey.


CASS’ student organizations were also introduced, with CASSayuran Editor-in-Chief John Vincent Balustre inviting aspiring writers and creatives to join the official college publication; and Freed Turtosa, Officer-in-Charge of the CASS Executive Council, presenting the college’s student government and its committees.


For some freshmen, the orientation reshaped their understanding of the CASS experience. “It helped me realize that CASS is more than just writing and creating art, it’s also about speaking up, being a leader, and actively helping our society,” said Joelle Jia Roa, a first-year Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies student.


Others emphasized how the event clarified the range of support available to students. Yna Natividad, also a first-year Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies student, shared, “The orientation was a big help in identifying the services available and offered for the students. The speakers explained everything clearly; ginaexplain nila ug tarong kung kinsa amo maduolan ug asa mi muadto kung naa mi kinahanglan in certain situations.”