1st Semester Syllabus

Introduction to Ateneo Culture and Traditions (InTACT) Program

A. Program Description
The Introduction to Ateneo Culture and Traditions (InTACT) Program is a year-long
formation program for all first-year students of the Loyola Schools. It aims to assist them in
their transition and adjustment to Ateneo college life, provide opportunities for continuing
self-discovery and awareness, and introduce them to the school’s culture and traditions
which are rooted in Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit values.
Through weekly sessions and activities, the program aims to equip the first-year
students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that would enable them to navigate
through the challenges of college life while at the same time establishing a caring
community for them. They are also introduced to the life and spirituality of St. Ignatius
whose values define our university’s way of proceeding. Through efforts aimed at raising
students’ awareness of and involvement in socio-political issues, the program also provides
space for them to gain an understanding and appreciation of the Ateneo’s unique mission of
forming men and women for and with others.

B. Program Key Areas

 Student Transition, Adjustment and Support
 Self-discovery and Awareness
 Ignatian Spirituality
 Socio-political awareness and Involvement

C. Expected Learning Outcomes

After having gone through the InTACT Program, first-year students would be able to:
 make use of essential information about the Loyola Schools to facilitate student
transition and adjustment to college life
 recognize their rights and responsibilities as members of the Loyola Schools
community
 develop greater self-awareness
 discover the fundamental elements of Ignatian spirituality
 demonstrate greater awareness of and involvement in Socio-political issues

D. Program Content
Introduction / Housekeeping
Student Handbook & Student Support Systems
Academic Life: Grading System, Study Habits, Time Management
Ignacio Film Processing
Ignatian Values
Self-care: Managing Stress & Emotions
Self-care: Healthy & Unhealthy Ways of Coping
Managing Relationships: Promoting Communication & Respect
Gender: Boundaries & Consent
Mental Health Awareness
Resilience
Strengthening Block Relations
E. Activities

Rizal Library Tour (absence counts as 1 cut)

Designed to acquaint all first-year students with the facilities and services of the Rizal Library
for their academic, extracurricular, and recreational benefit. Individual sign-ups will be done
online so that freshmen can choose their schedule based on their availability. These tours will
be held within the months of August to September.

Ignacio Film Showing (absence counts as 1 cut)

First-year students will watch the film “Ignacio de Loyola” to introduce them to the very
spirituality that animates the University’s way of proceeding. Blocks will be assigned to a
specific screening date and venue across August to September (Mon/Wed/Fri, 5-7:30pm).
Specific details for each block will be announced via one’s InTACT class.

Coming Home Retreat / Recollection

(offered to students taking Theo 11; absence counts as 2 cuts)
The Coming Home Retreat and Recollection centers on the Parable of the Prodigal Son
inspired by the reflections of Henri Nouwen. It highlights the grace of the first week of the
Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: To allow one's self to be found, known, and loved by God. It
aims to provide an opportunity for students to spend an intimate time with the Lord through
rest, prayer, and reflection.
Students taking up Theo 11 for the semester may choose to go on retreat (limited slots only)
or the half day recollection. Specific details will be discussed during one’s InTACT class.

Binhi Area Engagements

(offered to students taking Soc Sci 11; In coordination with the Soc Sci 11 – Understanding
the Self faculty, absence to the said activity may incur cuts)
The Binhi Area Engagements are integral to both the Soc Sci 11 (Understanding the Self)
course and the InTACT Program. First-year students will be going on area engagements, in
the form of a whole-day or two half-day visits, to various marginalized communities and
institutions. The said experience will be reflected upon in both Soc Sci 11 and InTACT in an
effort to raise students’ awareness of social realities.

TALAB (absence counts as 1 cut)

TALAB or Talakayang Alay sa Bayan is a one-day event aimed at providing students an
opportunity to reflect on the various issues confronting the nation. Students will be given the
chance to sign-up for different talks, workshops, or activities of their choosing. The said
event will be held sometime within the month of October.

Electives (absence counts as 1 cut at the end of the school year)

Across both semesters, there will be an array of educational and formative activities outside
of class called InTACT Electives. First-year students are required to attend at least one (1)
elective of their choosing within the school year.
The different Elective topics fall within the following categories:
Personal Development, Socio-Political Awareness, Inclusivity, Ignatian Spirituality

Individual / Small Group Conversations (absence counts as 1 cut per semester)

All first-year students are to go through Individual/ Small group conversations with their
Homeroom Adviser and Student Facilitator at least once per semester.
F. Grading System

Students will be given either an S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) grade at the end of each
semester. The composition of the grade is as follows: 40% Completion and submission of
requirements and 60% Participation. Each student is allowed a maximum of three (3) cuts per
semester. Exceeding three (3) cuts will merit a U grade.

Students who do get a U (Unsatisfactory) grade at the end of a semester will have a permanent
Unsatisfactory mark reflected in their Official Transcript of Records in a subject considered to
be basic and essential to one’s Ateneo Formation. Furthermore, they will have to go through
procedures to be decided on and implemented by the program, wherein the grades for both
semesters are taken into consideration.