A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: “I am blind, please help.”
There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were.
The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, “Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?”
The man said, “I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way.”
What he had written was: “Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it.”
Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing?
Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
Invite others towards good with wisdom. Live life with no excuse and love with no regrets. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
Great men say, “Life has to be an incessant process of repair and reconstruction, of discarding evil and developing goodness…. In the journey of life, if you want to travel without fear, you must have the ticket of a good conscience.”
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling… And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!

Once a fisherman was sitting near seashore, under the shadow of a tree smoking his beedi. Suddenly a rich businessman passing by approached him and enquired as to why he was sitting under a tree smoking and not working. To this the poor fisherman replied that he had caught enough fishes for the day.
Hearing this the rich man got angry and said: Why don’t you catch more fishes instead of sitting in shadow wasting your time?
Fisherman asked: What would I do by catching more fishes?
Businessman: You could catch more fishes, sell them and earn more money, and buy a bigger boat.
Fisherman: What would I do then?
Businessman: You could go fishing in deep waters and catch even more fishes and earn even more money.
Fisherman: What would I do then?
Businessman: You could buy many boats and employ many people to work for you and earn even more money.
Fisherman: What would I do then?
Businessman: You could become a rich businessman like me.
Fisherman: What would I do then?
Businessman: You could then enjoy your life peacefully.
Fisherman: What do you think I’m doing right now?
MORAL – You don’t need to wait for tomorrow to be happy and enjoy your life. You don’t even need to be more rich, more powerful to enjoy life. LIFE is at this moment, enjoy it fully.
As some great men have said “My riches consist not in extent of my possessions but in the fewness of my wants”.

FACE DIFFICULTIES POSITIVELY
This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!

This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him . . . all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity.

There may be days when you get up in the morning and things aren’t the way you had hoped they would be.
That’s when you have to tell yourself that things will get better. There are times when people disappoint you and let you down.
But those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgments and opinions, to keep your life focused on believing in yourself.
There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life, and it is up to you to accept them.
Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you. It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you will find a stronger sense of who you are.
So when the days come that are filled with frustration and unexpected responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want your life to be.
Because the challenges and changes will only help you to find the goals that you know are meant to come true for you.

Keep Believing in Yourself!

Sally jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She said: “How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him?”
The surgeon said, “I’m sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn’t make it.”
Sally said, “Why do little children get cancer? Doesn’t God care any more? Where were you, God, when my son needed you?”
The surgeon asked, “Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he’s transported to the university.”
Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good-bye to son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair.
“Would you like a lock of his hair?” the nurse asked.
Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy’s hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally. The mother said, “It was Jimmy’s idea to donate his body to the university for study. He said it might help somebody else. “I said no at first, but Jimmy said, ‘Mom, I won’t be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom.” She went on, “My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could.”
Sally walked out of Children’s mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy’s belongings on the seat beside her in the car. The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy’s belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son’s room. She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.
It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said:
“Dear Mom,
I know you’re going to miss me; but don’t think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just ’cause I’m not around to say I LOVE YOU. I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won’t be so lonely, that’s okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn’t like the same things us boys do. You’ll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don’t be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn’t look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what, Mom? I got to sit on God’s knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That’s when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good-bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn’t allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him ‘Where was He when I needed him?’ “God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children.
Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I’ve written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn’t that cool? I have to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I’m, sure the food will be great.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don’t hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I’m glad because I couldn’t stand that pain anymore and God couldn’t stand to see me hurt so much, either. That’s when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?
Signed with Love from: God, Jesus & Me.”

Once upon a time all feelings and emotions went to a coastal island for a vacation. According to their nature, each was having a good time. Suddenly, a warning of an impending storm was announced and everyone was advised to evacuate the island.
The announcement caused sudden panic. All rushed to their boats. Even damaged boats were quickly repaired and commissioned for duty.
Yet, Love did not wish to flee quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realised it was time to leave. Alas, there were no boats to spare. Love looked around with hope.
Just then Prosperity passed by in a luxurious boat. Love shouted, “Prosperity, could you please take me in your boat?”
“No,” replied Prosperity, “my boat is full of precious possessions, gold and silver. There is no place for you.”
A little later Vanity came by in a beautiful boat. Again Love shouted, “Could you help me, Vanity? I am stranded and need a lift. Please take me with you.”
Vanity responded haughtily, “No, I cannot take you with me. My boat will get soiled with your muddy feet.”
Sorrow passed by after some time. Again, Love asked for help. But it was to no avail. “No, I cannot take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself.”
When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it did not look around, hardly concerned about anyone.
Love was growing restless and dejected. Just then somebody called out, “Come Love, I will take you with me.” Love did not know who was being so magnanimous, but jumped on to the boat, greatly relieved that she would reach a safe place.
On getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge. Puzzled, Love inquired, “Knowledge, do you know who so generously gave me a lift just when no one else wished to help?”
Knowledge smiled, “Oh, that was Time.”
“And why would Time stop to pick me and take me to safety?” Love wondered.
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and replied, “Because only Time knows your true greatness and what you are capable of. Only Love can bring peace and great happiness in this world.”
“The important message is that when we are prosperous, we overlook love. When we feel important, we forget love. Even in happiness and sorrow we forget love. Only with time do we realize the importance of love. Why wait that long? Why not make love a part of your life today?”

A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

Related Story: Life and Work

ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP

The University of Mindanao supports the government objective of building a strong republic through excellence in sports as mandated by the Constitution of the Philippines which provides that:

The state shall promote physical education and encourage sports program, league competition and amateur sports including training for international competition to foster self-discipline, teamwork and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry;

All educational institution shall undertake regular sports activities throughout the country in coordination with athletic clubs and other sectors.

On this basis the University of Mindanao shall establish and maintain a UM sports team that shall invite talented men and women as members and who shall be granted scholarship as incentive.

Purpose and Objective

• To promote the image of the University through excellence in sports by the competing in various local, national and international athletic meets/games.
• To train and develop athletes in the rudiments of their sports with extensive awareness in proper decorum as well as in specific rules and regulations for sports competitions
• To promote cooperation, camaraderie and harmony among higher educational institutions, here and abroad.
• To link with government and non government sports associations.
• To actualize the commitment of the University of Mindanao in democratizing access to quality education.

Scope and Coverage

• The UM Sports Team shall primarily consist of young men and women who have passed the criteria of membership and screening and who have favorably maintained their academic standing throughout their stay with the UM Sports Team and in the University.
• The UM sports Team shall consist of the following:
  • Team Sports
  • Individual Sports

Qualification for Membership

To qualify as a member of the UM Sports Team, he/she must

• be a Filipino Citizen
• a bonifade student of UM;
• posses potential/prowess in a specific sports and able to play in a team;
• carry a minimum academic load of 18 units in a semester
• be able to pass medical and drug test; and
• not have been charged with violation of the Student Code of Conduct

The Coach shall recommend to the UM Scholarship Committee; with proper endorsement by the Head Coach and Sports Director the qualified scholars for approval. Scholarship grant may be enjoyed for maximum period of five (5) playing years only.

After acceptance as a member of the UM sports Team the member should comply with the following conditions to retain membership:

• Attend trainings as a schedule by respective coachers;
• Not to be tardy during trainings ad competitions;
• Manifest proper attitude and decorum in an out of the University;
• Assist during the annual University Intramurals as maybe required; and
• Earn a passing grade in all subjects enrolled.

In the event that an athlete one (1) failing grade, his/her scholarship will still be renewed for the succeeding semester but on probation.  He/she has to immediately re-enroll the failed subject and pay the corresponding charges. Succeeding failure will automatically disqualify him/her for renewal.

Classification of membership

• Class 'A' Scholar - one who enjoys free 100% of the total assessment. To qualify, one must have qualified and won in the National competition;
• Class 'B' Scholar- one who enjoys free 100% of tuition fee privilege. To qualify, one must have qualified and won in the Regional competition; and
• Class 'C' Scholar- one who enjoys free 50% of tuition free privilege. To qualify, one must have passed the screening and recommended by the coach for acceptance.

Training and Participation in Athletic Competitions

• Trainings are held regularly as designated by respective coaches and duly approved by the Sports Director. Special practices may be scheduled as needed; and
• All members must attend athletic affairs, practices and official engagements as specified. In any case, they cannot be present; they must notify their coaches prior to the scheduled practiced. Unjustifiable absences shall be dealt with accordingly.

Code of Discipline

• The members of the UM sports Team shall be governed by the following Code of Conduct. Any violation of which may be ah ground for termination or demotion of the scholarship grant. Due process shall however be observed. The Scholarship Committee shall hear and decide on such cases.
• Habitual absences of at least three (3) absences from meetings, practices and engagements;
• Habitual tardiness of at least six (6) occasions of tardiness in meetings, practices and engagements;
• Misconduct during practices or engagements;
• Not wearing the prescribed uniform during engagements;
• Reporting under the influence of liquor during practices of engagement;
• Discourtesy to coach and sports director;
• Fighting with fellow athletes;
• Using prohibited drugs;
• Destroying UM owned sports equipments  

   BAND SCHOLARSHIP

• The University of Mindanao believes in maintaining a tradition of excellent band music as away of inculcating love of culture and the arts among students. UM shall there establish and maintain a UM Band and invite interested and talented young men and women as members who shall be awarded scholarship as incentive.
  Purposes and Objectives
  
• To help develop and train homegrown musicians in the city.
• To present fine performances with wide repertoire of band literature.
• To exert a positive influence on band performance standards in the region.
• To serve as marching band for ROTC functions and concert band for other official functions of the University and the community.
• To actualize the commitment of the University in democratizing access to quality education.

Scope and Coverage

• The UM Band shall primarily consist of young men and women who have passed the criteria for membership and screening and who have favorably maintained their membership in good standing throughout their stay with the UM Band and in the University. The UM Band shall serve the main campuses only during official functions. However, upon request and after due approval, the UM Band may be asked to play for other branches and functions outside of UM;
• The UM Band shall consist of a maximum for 40 members and a maximum of five (5) majorettes.

Qualification for Membership

• To qualify as a member of the UM Band, he/she must:
• be a bonafide student of UM;
• be able to read musical notes;
• be able to play musical instrument in a band;
• have an average grade of 3.0 with no failing grade;
• not have been charged with violation of the Student Code of Conduct; and own a musical instrument.
• The Bandmaster shall recommend to the UM Scholarship Committee the qualified scholars for approval. Scholarship grant may be enjoyed for a maximum period of four (4) years.
• After acceptance as a member, the member should comply with the following conditions to retain membership:
• Attend rehearsals and engagements faithfully;
• Demonstrate proficiency in playing a musical instrument in a band:
• Maintain instruments in top and good conditions;
• Manifest proper attitude and decorum;
• Memorize assigned marches and concert pieces;
• Wear prescribed uniform; and
• Earn a average grade of 3.0 with no failing grade.

Classification of Membership

• Full Scholar - one who enjoys free 100% of tuition privilege. To qualify, one must undergo training for at least one (1) semester, and has to get a rating of 'VERY GOOD' or 'SATISFACTORY' during the audition.
• Half Scholar - one who enjoys 50% of tuition fee privilege. To qualify, one must undergo training for at least one (1) semester, and has to get a rating of 'GOOD' or 'SATISFACTORY' during the audition.

This may be promoted to 'FULLSCHOLAR' if one demonstrates a very good performance in rehearsals and engagements in the previous semester. In the same vein, it shall also be understood that a full scholar may be 'DEMOTED' to a 'HALF SCHOLARSHIP' for fair or unsatisfactory performance or violation of the UMMAE's Code of Discipline as provided herein.
It shall also be understood that a 'FULL SCHOLAR' may be demoted to 'HALF SCHOLAR' for unsatisfactory performance or violation of the Band Code Discipline as provided herein.
Organization
The UM Band Members shall elect from among themselves the following set of officers who shall hold office for a term of one (1) year and who may be re-elected for another term:

• President
• Internal Vice President
• External Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Auditor
• Business Manager
• P.I.O.
• Property Custodian

Rehearsals and Engagements

• Band practices are held regularly on weekends to be designated by the Bandmaster. Sectional rehearsals will be held every Tuesday and Thursday. Additional meetings shall be scheduled at the discretions of the Bandmaster.
• All members must be available for practices and for official engagements provided however, due notice has been disseminated. Any unjustifiable absence shall be dealt with accordingly.
• The UM Band may be engaged for outside functions as well as enter into competition upon approval of the UM Administration. Fees and cash prizes shall be remitted to the UM Cashier. The member shall be given a talent fee for every engagement. All excess funds shall be held in trust by the University for future activities. The bandmaster is required to submit a financial report every end of the semester to the VP for Institutional Affairs.
• All members are not allowed to accept any activity or engagement that may affect their schooling and interest of the Band. If by any reason there has been any conflict on approved outside engagement and with UM official function, it shall always be understood that UM official function shall be given top priority.
• The members of the UM Band shall be governed by the following Code of Conduct. Any violation of which may be a ground for termination or demotion of the scholarship grant. Due proves shall however be observed. The Scholarship Committee shall hear and decide on such cases.
  • Habitual absences of at least three (3) absences from meetings, practices and engagements;
  • Habitual tardiness of at least six (6) occasions of tardiness in meetings, practices and engagements;
  • Misconduct during practices or engagement;
  • Not wearing the prescribed uniform during engagements;
  • Smoking during sessions;
  • Reporting under the influence of liquor during practices or engagements;
  • Discourtesy to Bandmaster and Officers;
  • Fighting with fellow members;
  • Using prohibited drugs; and
  • Destroying UM owned equipment and other properties.

•  
•  MAKABAYAN ARTIST EMSEMBLE SCHOLARSHIP The University of Mindanao supports preservation and propagation of the rich Filipino cultural heritage through performing arts. Awards and other related activities. UM shall therefore establish and maintain a UM Makabayan Artists Ensemble, that focuses on the fields of theater dance and music, and invite talented young men and women as members who shall be awarded with scholarships.
  Purpose and Objectives
  
• To develop and train performing artist with extensive awareness and understanding of the Filipino as well as world arts and culture .
• To exert a positive influence on performing arts repertoire standards in the region
• To provide an alternative venue to cultivate better relations with the local national and international communities and contribute to the world of culture and arts through the efficient and comprehensive implementation of international cultural exchange activities
• To conduct continuing researches in the promotion, preservation, and propagation of the Filipino as well as world arts and culture.
• To actualize the commitment of the University of Mindanao in democratizing access to quality education.

Scope and Coverage

• The UM Makabayan artist Ensemble (UMMAE) shall primarily consist of young men and women who have passed the criteria for membership and screening and who have favorably maintained theor scholarshiop in good standing throughout their stay with the UMMAE and in the university.
• The UMMAE shall serve the main campuses during official functions. However, upon request and after due approval by the University, the UMMAE may perform for other branches and outside of the university.
• The UMMAE shall consist of twenty(20) artist and five (5) rondalla players other instrumentalists.

Qualification for Membership
To qualify as a member of the UMMAE, he/she must:

• Be a bonafide student of UM;
• posssess basic knowledge in theather, dance or be able to play the bandoria and other musical and / or ethnic instruments;
• at least 5'5" tall for feamale artist and 5'7" tall for male and with pleasing personality;
• have an average grade of 3.0
• be able to pass the mental, medical and performing arts competencies check-up; and
• not have been charged with violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
• The Ensemble chief shall recommend to the UM Scholarship committee, the qualified scholars for approval. Scholarship grant may be enjoyed for a maximum period of four(4) years.

After acceptance as a member, the scholar should comply with the following conditions to retain membership.

• Attend rehearsals and engagements faithful;
• Demonstrate proficiency in theater, dance and music;
• not enroll subjects during rehearsals schedules ;
• not be tardy during rehearsals and presentation;
• Secure and maintain paraphernalia and other properties in good condition;
• Manifest proper attitude and decorum in and out of the university;
• Earn an average grade of 3.0 with no failing grade;
• Promote awareness and understanding of the Filipino culture; and
• Assist in the performing Arts program of the University.

Classification of Membership

• Full Scholar - one who enjoys free 100% of tuition privilege. To qualify, one must undergo training for at least one (1) semester, and has to get a rating of 'GOOD' or 'SATISFACTORY' during the audition;
• Half Scholar - one who enjoys 50% of tuition fee privilege. To qualify, one must undergo training for at least one (1) semester, and has to get a rating of 'GOOD' or 'SATISFACTORY' during the audition. This may be promoted to 'FULL SCHOLAR' if one demonstrates a very good performance in rehearsals and engagements in the previous semester. In the same vein, it shall also be understood that a full scholar may be 'DEMOTED' to a 'HALF SCHOLAR' for fair or unsatisfactory performance or violation of the UMMAE's Code of Discipline as provided herein.
• A new eligible member, who is recommended to avail either full or half scholarship, can only enjoy such privilege if there is an existing vacancy for the purpose. A member who has already enjoyed this privilege, but stopped schooling, may choose to re avail the scholarship. However, he/she shall be considered as a new member and must therefore observe the preceding provisions.

Organization
The ensemble members shall elect from among themselves the following set of officers who shall hold office for a term of one (1) year and who may be re-elected for another term:

• President
• Internal Vice President
• External Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Auditor
• Business Manager
• P.I.O
• Property Custodian 

Rehearsals and Engagements

• The practices of the ensemble are held regularly to be designated by the Ensemble Chief. Additional Meetings may be scheduled for new members.
• All members must be available for practices and for official engagements provided however, due notice has been disseminated by the Ensemble Chief.
• The UMMAE may be engaged for outside functions as well as enter into competition upon approval of the UM Administration. Fees and cash prizes shall be remitted to the UM Cashier. The members shall be given a talent fee approved by the president. All Excess funds shall be held in trust by the University for Fortune Activities.
• The Choir Chief is required to submit a financial report every end of the semester to the VP fro institutional Affairs.
• All members are not allowed to accept any activity or engagement that may affect their schooling and interest of the Choir. If by any reason there has been any conflict on approved outside engagement and with UM official function, it shall always understood that UM official function shall be given top priority. 

Code of Discipline
The members of the UM Choir shall be governed by the following Code of conduct. Any violation of which may be a ground for termination or demotion of the scholarship grant. Due process shall however be observed. The Scholarship Committee shall hear and decide on such cases.

• Habitual absences of at least three (3) absences from meetings, practices and engagements;
• Habitual tardiness of at least six (6) occasions of tardiness in meetings, practices and enagagements;
• Misconduct during practices or engagements;
• Not wearing the prescribed uniform during engagements;
• Smoking during sessions;
• Reporting under the influence of liquor during practices or engagements;
• Discourtesy to Choir Chief, Assistant Conductor and Officers;
• Fighting with fellow members;
• Using prohibited drugs; and
• Destroying UM owned equipment.

STUDENT TRAINING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (STAP)

The STAP was conceived with the following objectives in mind:

• To help deserving but financially deprived students earn a college degree in order for them to help themselves and their families.
• To help students acquire the necessary knowledge, appropriate skills and proper attitudes through work experiences needed for future employment.
• To promote self-reliance and self-confidence in one's ability to meet the challenges of the future.
• To develop students to be good citizen and potential leaders of the community.
• To contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
• To promote better understanding, efficient and effective implementation of the STA Program, the following policies, rules and regulation shall be observed:

The STA program shall be under the administration of the Office of the Human Resource Management & Development (HRMD) with the Head sitting in as the STAP Scholarship Committee Chair. Departments in the main and affiliates shall have their own STAP Coordinators. A Training Commitment Order (TCO) shall be issued to every trainee and no trainee shall be allowed to report to duty without the TCO.
Obligation of a Trainee

• To undergo an on-the-job training during the period specified on the TCO.
• To pay his/her tuition fee and all other charges.
• To enroll and pass in the Office Practice Training (OPT).
• To comply with all the rules and regulations of the STAP.
• To wear proper attire when reporting for work/training.
• To obtain at least satisfactory performance.
• To obtain an average grade of not less than 3.0 in all enrolled subjects, with no failing and/or dropped/NG marks.

Prohibition
STA shall not be asked to perform any of the following unofficial task as enumerated in the Code of Conduct on the assignment of students under the STAP issued by the SEVP and treasurer dated November 2, 1995, as follows:

• As household help performing domestic chores such as marketing, cooking, yaya, housekeeping and the like;
• As personal driver to bring officer's children to school and other destinations outside official business;
• As store helpers or clerks of establishments owned by immediate supervisor or officer; and
• As personal errand boys/girls outside of official business.

Children of UM employees may not be prioritized to become STA in order to give educational opportunity to others since the STAP is a community reach-out program of the University. Children of UM employees can avail of the tuition fee waiver as one of the benefits of the employees.
Admission Policies
Qualification - Applicants to the program must possess and pass the following criteria/qualifications:

• A high school graduate or a first year college student.
• PD 451/RA 6728
  • The University of Mindanao supports the government's objective of providing access to education to young men and women who are intellectually capable but financially deprived to pursue their studies as well as provide a learning opportunity and experience for future employment.
• Distribution of grants(at any point)
  • Indigent Assistance Program 285 slots
  • Indigenous People Support 80 slots

Qualification

• Must be a graduate of a government recognized secondary school and must have no grade below 80 in all subject.
• Family income does not exceed Ph60,000 a year
• Must pass the aptitude and personality test given by GSTC.
• Carry a minimum academic load of 18 units in a semester.

Indigenous People Support

• Belong to a recognized IP community. The applicant must submit a certification from the Barangay Captain as what tribal affiliation he/she belong.
• Must be a graduate of a government recognized secondary school and must have no grade below 80 in all subject.
• Must take the aptitude and personality test given at GSTC.
• Carry a minimum academic load of 18 units in a semester.

Disable Group

• There is a clear manifestation of the disabilities. The applicant must submit a medical certification clearly stating the diagnosed disability.
• Must be a graduate of a government recognized secondary school and must have no grade below 80 in all subject.
• Must take the aptitude and personality test given at GSTC
• Carry a minimum academic load of 18 units in a semester.

Retention of Scholarship

• Earn a passing grade in all subjects enrolled.
• Have not been charged with violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
• Attend meetings and special trainings as scheduled by the OSA Director.

HONORIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS

University Scholarship
Any undergraduate or graduate student who obtains at the end of the semester a weighted average of 1.45 or better, or 1.25 or better, respectively, is given this honorific scholarship. University scholars are listed in the Chancellor’s List of Scholars.

College Scholarship
Any undergraduate or graduate student who, not being classed as University scholar, obtains at end of the semester a weighted average of 1. 75 or better, or 1.5 or better, respectively, is given this honorific scholarship. College Scholars are listed in the Dean’s List of Scholars.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the general weighted average prescribed, a student:

1. must have taken during the previous semester at least 15 units of academic credit or the normal load prescribed (in the case of graduate students, not less than 8 units);

2. must be up-to-date with all the non-academic requirements;
3. must have no grade below 3 in any academic or nonacademic subject. Honorific scholarships do not entitle the holders to any tuition fee waiver, either partial or full.