CAS welcomes freshmen through First Week Hi! Assembly

Through inspiring messages, interactive activities and student empowerment, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) officially welcomed more than 8000 freshmen during the First Week Hi! CAS Assembly held July 7 and 9 at the PHINMA University of Pangasinan (UPang) Gymnasium, marking the start of Academic Year 2026–2027.

Designed to ease students' transition into college, the assembly introduced freshmen to the university's culture, support systems, and core values while preparing them for the academic challenges ahead.

Leading the welcome address, Center for Student Development and Leadership Director Adele Traspe encouraged CAS Tigers to embrace their identity as UPang Flames by upholding the values of “Walang Imposible,” “Sasamahan Kita,” and “Making Lives of Others Better.”

“Show up, even when life doesn't go according to your plans, because every time you show up, you are choosing your future,” Director Traspe said, emphasizing that perseverance and consistency are essential to succeeding in college.

Meanwhile, CAS Dean Franklin De Guzman reminded students that entering college is only the beginning of their journey and challenged them to remain committed until they graduate.

“Success is not measured by how you start... you will be measured by how you persist and in the end by how you will finish,” Dean Franklin said, assuring freshmen that the university would continue to guide and support them throughout their stay.

Additionally, the program featured special performances, interactive games, parade of uniforms, and solidarity activities that allowed freshmen to interact with fellow CAS students.

“After the assembly, parang mas na-feel ko na belong ako sa UPang. Super excited na ako sa college life ko and I'm looking forward na makakilala pa ng new people and experiencing everything college has to offer,” said by Jerish Lance Cachapero, a first-year Architecture student.

Furthermore, First Week Hi! activities continued on to Friday with the much-anticipated Kalutan, where CAS freshmen are expected to strengthen camaraderie through shared meals and team-building activities.