Experiences of discipline officers during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Main Authors: Asiatico, Ma. Dinah Espartero, Layag, Diana Genevive H., Panganiban, Janice D., Alerta, Jocelyn R.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Subjects: College discipline—Philippines; Universities and colleges—Philippines—Employees; COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- —Influence; Educational Administration and Supervision
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/11636
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study aimed to understand the lived experiences of discipline officers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this research is to shed light on the experiences of discipline officers, primarily those handling discipline cases during the time of the pandemic. This qualitative research serves as an avenue to understand the nature of work-family life management that explores work-life imbalance and coping styles of our discipline officers. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) formed higher-order themes of the findings presented from four case individuals. Findings show that individuals expressed their challenges and opportunities in providing service and accompaniment (e.g., students, peers). The pandemic provided a new outlook and more ways to handle their tasks on the new platform. Strengthening relationships (e.g., clients, peers, supervisors), creating opportunities (e.g., work, family, social), and addressing platform challenges (e.g.communication, technology, infrastructure) were apparent. Most of the participants sought alternative ways and even equipped themselves with new skills to address the needs of the programs, the services, and their clients. As self-seeking individuals, the DOs were able to seek room for improvement by finding alternative resources and forming relationships, which helped provide areas for them to accentuate their own beliefs and actions relatively as the situation unfolded. These experiences showed that being autonomous in performing work functions is as essential as being competent and working effectively with colleagues. Word Count: 222 Keywords: challenges, opportunities, relationships, discipline officers, pandemic experiences