SPTOPICS COVENANT

INTRODUCTION:
This document offers the terms and conditions for the subject SPTOPICS under the attention of the Civil
Engineering department of Holy Angel University. This document states the purpose, objectives and goals of the
subject SPTOPICS, all the specific details with regards to the subject itself and the scope and limitations of the
said matter. This subject is to be undertaken by the 5th year Civil Engineering students of Holy Angel University
as part of their curriculum and is therefore required to be passed for the said students to graduate.

Table of Contents
Coverage
Subject Requirements
Classroom Do’s and Don’ts
Grading System
Attendance
Agreements
COVERAGE
The subject is divided into three main topics mainly MATHEMATICS SURVEYING AND
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING, HYDRAULICS and GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING and
DESIGN. These three topics are further subdivided into the following subtopics.
1. ALGEBRA 15.
2. TRIGONOMETRY 16. GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
3. PLANE GEOMETRY 17. FLUID MECHANICS
4. SOLID GEOMETRY 18. HYDRAULICS
5. ANALYTIC GEOMETRY 19. ENGINEERING MECHANICS (STATICS
6. DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS AND DYNAMICS)
7. INTEGRAL CALCULUS 20. STRENGTH OF MATERIALS
8. DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 21. THEORY OF STRUCTURES
9. PROBABILITY 22. VECTOR MECHANICS
10. ENGINEERING ECONOMY 23. REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN
11. SURVEYING 24. STEEL DESIGN
12. TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING 25. FOUNDATION ENGINEERING
13. ADVANCED MATHEMATICS 26. PRESTRESSED CONCRETE DESIGN
14. SOIL MECHANICS 27. EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING

SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
The students are required to accomplish the following requirements and fulfill them in the specified amount of
time.
1. 2 quizzes and 2 major exams
Each quiz is scheduled by the professor of each section as per his/her discretion. Each quiz is composed
of 60 Multiple Choice type of questions which should be accomplished within an hour.
Each Major Examination is composed of 3 main parts namely MATHEMATICS, HYDRAULICS and
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING and DESIGN. Each part has 75, 50 and 75 items respectively, based on the
actual PRC licensure examinations for Civil Engineers. Each part also has 35%, 30% and 35% weight for a total
of 100%. Each part is given a 4-5 hour time limit depending on the subject.
2. Printed and Signed Copy of the Covenant. Simply have this document printed and signed by the responsible
signatories needed.
3. Examination Materials
The students are required to produce their own materials for the examination such as Calculators and
writing tools. Failure to have such tools during examinations may result to the student failing the said examination.
4. A dress code is to be followed during the examinations. This dress code will be presented at a certain time
before the examination itself and should be STRICTLY followed.
CLASSROOM DO’s and DON’Ts
POLICY ON SCHOOL UNIFORMS
HAU ID card must be worn at all times while inside the University. All students shall wear the complete uniform
every time they enter the classroom. Students not wearing a complete uniform will not be allowed to enter the
classroom except for some special cases.
CALCULATORS AND CELL PHONES
To prepare you for the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) and Profession Licensure exams the following
calculators are recommended:
1. Casio fx-570ES
It is your responsibility to get acquainted with the features of the calculator you decide to use. It is recommend
that you use this calculator for all your work (including other courses) since this will help you learn how to use
all the features of your calculator.
It is a very good manner to turn off your cell phones during the class lectures and lab sessions. However, please
make sure that you do not have a cell phone or any other electronic item with you during the exams.
The mere possession of a disallowed calculator, any cell phone or any other electronic item on or near you during
tests is the ground for dismissing you from the exam with a grade of zero.
POLICY ON CHEATING
Students are expected to be above reproach in all scholastic activities. Students who engage in scholastic
dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and dismissal
from the university. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the
submission for credit any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an
examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student, or the attempt to commit
such acts Scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students, and the integrity of the university. Policies on
scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced.
POLICY ON SPECIAL EXAM
No Special Quiz will be given to the students who fail to take any type of examination during the semester.
Exceptions to this rule will be made only on a carefully considered individual basis and only if the student contacts
the instructor before the exam. If you know in advance that you are going to miss an exam, it is your responsibility
to inform the instructor before the exam. Only one (1) Special Quiz is to be given to a student who fails to take a
quiz due to valid reasons. This quiz would be administered at the end of the teaching sessions during the finals.
See ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES for more details.
CLASSROOM ETIQUTTE

1. Take responsibility for your education

There is a common myth among students that because they pay tuition they deserve to receive credit for the class.
This is not true. Instructors are here to create a learning environment. Whether you learn depends on your
willingness to listen, ask appropriate questions, and do the work necessary to pass the course. If your academic
preparation from previous subject is weak or if you have been out of school for a period of time, you may have
to work harder and seek more help in order to succeed.
2. Get to class on time - Students who walk into the classroom late or leave early distract other students and
disrupt the learning environment.
3. Do not have private conversations - The noise is distracting to other students.
4. Turn cellular phones off - It is very distracting to hear someone’s phone go off in class. Texting in class
is prohibited.
5. Do not dominate other students’ opportunities to learn by asking too many questions - It’s good to ask
questions and make comments, but if you dominate the class time with too many questions and/or comments, the
instructor and other students cannot participate in class discussions. When asking questions or making comments,
keep them related to the discussion at hand.
6. Respect your instructor - Openly challenging the instructor’s knowledge or authority in the classroom is
not proper. If you take issue with the instructor’s information or instructional methods, make sure that your
comments are made without confrontation or antagonism. You may want to discuss your issues with her/him
privately.
7. Instructors’ classroom policies, procedures and teaching styles vary - Some instructors enforce attendance
policies vigorously; other instructors are more lenient about attendance. Assignments and classroom activities are
at the prerogative of the instructor. Each instructor has the freedom and authority to set the guidelines and policies
for their classroom.
8. Your classmates deserve your respect and support - Others may have different ideas and opinions from
yours, they may ask questions you perceive to be “stupid,” but they deserve the same level of respect from you
as you wish from them.
9. Come to class prepared - Students who forget common classroom supplies such as a pencil, paper, books,
test materials, etc. usually waste class time. Students who have not completed their assigned homework many
times ask questions that could have been answered through their assignments.
10. Turn in your work on time - It is important to plan ahead. Students who wait until the last minute to do
their work usually make lower grades and are more likely to miss deadlines. Study and do your assignments every
day. If a problem occurs at the last minute such as a computer malfunction, you will still be prepared.
11. When having academic difficulty seek assistance - Your instructors are willing to assist you however,
there are other ways to get help. The Student Learning Center (SLC) has tutors available for many courses.

GRADING SYSTEM
Class standing (2 quizzes): (60%)
2 Major Exams: (40%)
TOTAL (100%)
Passing Grade: (50%)
Each quiz has a 50 % passing criteria and the major examinations have a 70% passing criteria based on the actual
PRC licensure examinations for Civil Engineers. The major examinations will be composed of 3 main parts
namely MATHEMATICS SURVEYING AND TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING, HYDRAULICS and
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING and DESIGN. Each part has 75, 50 and 75 items respectively, based on the
actual PRC licensure examinations for Civil Engineers. Each part also has 35%, 30% and 35% weight for a total
of 100%. The weighted average would be computed and transformed using the transmutation table included
below. This transmutation table was created by taking into account the 70% passing percentage.
 Actual Transmute Actual Transmute Actual Transmute
Grade d Grade Grade d Grade Grade d Grade
100 100 69 49 34 24
99 98 68 49 33 24
98 97 67 48 32 23
97 95 66 47 31 22
96 93 65 46 30 21
95 92 64 46 29 21
94 90 63 45 28 20
93 88 62 44 27 19
92 87 61 44 26 19
91 85 60 43 25 18
90 83 59 42 24 17
89 82 58 41 23 16
88 80 57 41 22 16
87 78 56 40 21 15
86 77 55 39 20 14
85 75 54 39 19 14
84 73 53 38 18 13
83 72 52 37 17 12
82 70 51 36 16 11
81 68 50 36 15 11
80 67 49 35 14 10
79 65 48 34 13 9
78 63 47 34 12 9
77 62 46 33 11 8
76 60 45 32 10 7
75 58 44 31 9 6
74 57 43 31 8 6
73 55 42 30 7 5
72 53 41 29 6 4
71 52 40 29 5 4
70 50 39 28 4 3
38 27 3 2
37 26 2 1
36 26 1 1
35 25 0 0

The transmuted grade would then be the one inputted in the C++ grading system. Class standing would still be
computed as per the regular computation of grades of a regular subject.
ATTENDANCE
ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
Students are expected to attend all lecture sessions. You will find that students who attend every class, listen to
the instructor and take good notes will be more likely to pass (with a higher grade). If you have an emergency or
illness, contact your instructor ahead of time to let her/him know that you will be absent. A local study showed
that students who missed the first class meeting were more likely later to withdraw or fail. Important note: if you
miss a class it is your responsibility to meet with the instructor, outside of regular class time, to determine a plan
to make up the missed work.
The maximum absences allowed per semester are:
1. For subjects held once a week, a maximum of 3 absences
2. For subjects held 2X a week, a maximum of 7 absences
3. For subjects held 3X a week, a maximum of 10 absences
4. For subjects held 4X a week, a maximum of 14 absences
5. For subjects held 2X a week, a maximum of 18 absences

Here is the list of VALID excuses

1. Personal serious illness. Rendering the student incapable of attending his/her class. All medical related issues
should be accompanied by medical certificates from both the University Clinic and a legitimate doctor.
2. Quarantine under the direction of a health officer.
3. Personal medical, dental, optometric or chiropractic appointment.
4. Funeral services for a member of the immediate family
5. Student serving on aide duty.
6. Exclusion for illness or medical appointment of a child of whom the pupil is the custodial parent.
7. Personal court appearance (requires verification).
8. Employment in the Entertainment Industry for a maximum of up to three absences per semester.
9. Observance of a religious holiday or ceremony (recommend three (3) days advance notice to instructor).
10. Religious retreat (limited to four hours per semester).
11. Prior Principal approval for reasons, which may not be included elsewhere, but are pursuant to uniform
standards established by the governing board (includes SPTOPICS Professors, CE Chairperson and any person
of higher authority).
12. For the purpose of serving as a member of a precinct board for an election.
13. Other reasons that are within the discretion of school administrators and, based on the factors of the pupil’s
circumstances, are deemed to constitute a valid excuse.
14. School sanctioned excuses such as sports events, musical and dancing events and other varsity activities are
valid excuses provided they have an official letter from their respective coaches.
Here is the list of INVALID excuses
Reasons NOT acceptable for being absent or tardy from school and are considered truancies or unexcused
absences during the regular school year. A truancy occurs if a student does the following:
1. Going to work with parent or other family member.
2. Going to the beach, lake, river, mountains or desert.
3. Going to a concert.
4. Getting ready for a date.
5. Babysitting, taking care of other family members.
6. Under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
7. Joyriding or partying.
8. Personal problems.
9. Repairing car or household items.
10. Waiting for service or repair people to arrive.
11. Shopping.
12. Camping.
13. Attending a sporting event.
14. Any other reason not included in “Acceptable Reason for Excused Student Absences.”
15. Bus not available/missing bus.
16. Participating in a student demonstration off campus.
17. TRAFFIC CONGESTION
18. Fetching a relative, direct or indirect, or any other person for that matter, from the airport, seaport or any other
transportation terminals.
19. Duties as an officer are not valid reasons unless otherwise approved by the governing board (includes
SPTOPICS Professors, CE Chairperson and any person of higher authority).
20. ALL other reasons not approved by the governing board (includes SPTOPICS Professors, CE Chairperson
and any person of higher authority).
All absences must be verified or the absence becomes an unexcused absence or truancy. A total of four (4)
truancies is enough reason to warrant the student a grade of 6 or FA (Failure due to absences)
 MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

This document serves as an agreement between the parties involved (Student, Parent/s of the Student, SPTOPICS
Instructor, Civil Engineering Department Chairperson) in relation to the subject SPTOPICS which is a required class for
5th year Civil Engineering students to take.

I. Purpose of the Agreement

This Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) sets out the terms by which all parties involved will work together to ensure that
the student undertaking this subject is fully-equipped with all the knowledge he/she needs in the PRC Licensure
Examinations for Civil Engineers.
Through this agreement, the CE Department agrees to provide intensive discussions regarding the subject matter limited
to what the time table permits. Since this is a review subject, it is taken into account that the student must already have
prior knowledge about the topics that would be discussed.

II. Roles and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of ALL
Everyone should accept that the subject “SPTOPICS” is part of the curriculum of becoming a full-pledged civil
engineering graduate and is thus required for the student to pass. With this, every party involved has the duty to accept
and respect the results that would be garnered by the students and not cause any ruckus if the results are not that good.
The CE Department is allowed to practice its own discretion on how to deal with students who did not meet the criteria to
pass the subject SPTOPICS and that the other parties involved (Student and Parent/Guardian) should respect the decision
of the CE Department on this matter.

Responsibilities of State Organization

Educational Assistance
CE Department will provide the student with additional knowledge, techniques and wisdom to help the student recall the
topics that have been discussed in the past years of his/her college life and supplement some if not all the lacking
knowledge that the student needs.
CE Department will provide the student with quizzes and examinations so as for the student to gauge his/her own
capabilities and know which topic he/she needs to improve.
CE Department will offer opportunities for the student to engage in intellectual discussion with his/her instructors
provided that it is scheduled ahead of time and that the instructor is well informed about the topic that the student wishes
to discuss.
CE Department will ensure that all outputs that the student produces are properly recorded and graded according to the
grading system included in this document.
Evaluation
CE Department will evaluate each student based on their performance on quizzes and examinations alone. This excludes
any personal attachment, authoritative figures, debts or any other matters that are not specified in this document. All
scores will be recorded as it is and without bias. After the computation of grades, there will be no adjustment whatsoever
with the passing scores except if sanctioned by a figure of higher authority (of higher position than the CE Department
Chairperson)

Responsibilities of Student
In return for the above, student agrees to all the details included in this document. Specifically, student agrees to:
Study his/her lessons even if a certain topic has not yet been discussed in the class of SPTOPICS. This is due to the fact
that the subject is of a review in nature and the student must have prior knowledge of the topics at hand. If in any case the
student does not have any knowledge of the topic, he/she must learn it by him/herself or he/she may seek the help of
his/her instructors provided that he/she follows the proper procedure in seeking for assistance. He/she must schedule the
meeting based on the availability of the instructor and inform him/her of the topic he/she wishes to discuss. He/she must
adhere to the schedule that the instructor provides in consideration of the number of students that are currently taking up
the subject and the personal schedule of the instructor.
Arrive on time or before the schedule during classes and examinations. He/she accepts that there will be consequences for
his/her tardiness such as but not limited to, being considered absent after two instances of being late for class. This is also
included in the scenario when the student accumulates more than three absences wherein he/she will already be given a
grade of 6 or FA which stands for failure due to absences. He/she accepts that there are valid and invalid reasons for being
absent and he/she will follow what has been discussed in the attendance guidelines.
Being aware that SPTOPICS is an independent subject from all other CE subjects and that his/her grade will not be
influenced in any way by the other subjects he/she is currently taking. He/she accepts that passing every other subject
does not mean that he/she is automatically entitled to a passing grade in SPTOPICS.
Participate in discussions and ask the instructor about the topic in class if he/she does not understand or if there is
something unclear. If he/she does not ask anything, it is assumed that he/she already understands the topic at hand.
Acquire the signature of his/her parent/guardian after each quiz or examination to signify that his/her parent has full
knowledge of his/her status in class.

Responsibilities of Parent/s or Guardian

Monitoring
Parent/Guardian is responsible to read all the contents of this document and understand them. If he/she has any questions
about the contents, he/she may ask his/her son/daughter (student) to ask for clarifications from the instructors or he/she
may go directly to the instructors or the CE Department Chairperson. After all concerns have been clarified, he/she signs
this document indicating that he/she accepts its contents and has no further complaints.
Parent/Guardian is to update whether or not his/her son/daughter (student) has already taken his/her quizzes.
Parent/Guardian needs to sign the quiz/exam paper of his/her son/daughter (student) to signify that he/she has full
knowledge of his/her status in class.
Parent/Guardian is responsible for constantly reminding his/her son/daughter (student) of the consequences of not
studying his/her lessons. This is for the benefit of all the parties involved.
Support
Parent/Guardian is to understand that this is a critical part of his/her son/daughter (student) ‘s college life and is therefore
asked to support his/her son/daughter (student) to his/her utmost capabilities. Encouragement is a critical factor in
promoting the self-esteem of the student which is important in studying his/her lessons.
Parent/Guardian must reprimand his/her son/daughter (student) during times of tardiness and laziness. This kind of
attitude must not be tolerated both in the house and at school.

III. Duration of the Agreement

This agreement will remain in effect from the start of the semester ______________ to the time that grades will be
finalized _______________. _________________________________ will be the key contact for the CE Department for
this matter. ________________________________, the student, will be the key contact representing him/herself in this
matter. These individuals are responsible for ensuring the conduct of the activities and implementation of the matters
listed above.
IV. Signatures of Parties’ Principals
If the terms of this Memorandum of Agreement are acceptable, please sign and date both copies of this covenant. Keep
one copy for your records and return the other to CE Department. Once CE Department has received the signed MOA, the
covenant is already in effect. Thank you and God Bless.

Student Parent/Guardian
Signature over printed name and Date signed Signature over printed name and Date signed

SPTOPICS Instructor SPTOPICS Instructor

Signature over printed name Signature over printed name
and Date signed and Date signed

SPTOPICS Instructor
Signature over printed name
and Date signed

Civil Engineering Department Program Coordinator

Signature over printed name and Date signed