QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 9299)
RA 9299 converts the Central Visayas Polytechnic College (CVPC) into a state university known as the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU).
Integrated are: (1) Genaro GoAi Memorial College in the City of Bais, (2) Siaton Community College in the Municipality of Siaton, and (3) Mabinay Institute of Technology in the Municipality of Mabinay, all in the Province of Negros Oriental.
The main campus is in the City of Dumaguete.
The University shall primarily provide advanced education, higher technological/professional instruction and training in specified fields (arts, sciences, education, commerce, agriculture/forestry, fishery, and related fields), and promote research, extension services, and progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.
It must offer undergraduate and graduate studies in listed fields within its capabilities and according to needs. If it has a College of Education, it must maintain and operate the existing laboratory high school; otherwise, the existing laboratory high school is allowed to remain and operate until existing students complete high school.
It is composed of representatives including the CHED Chairperson (chairperson), University president (vice chairperson), Senate and House education committee chairs, NEDA Regional Director, DOST Regional Director, and presidents of faculty association, student council, alumni association, plus two prominent citizens.
They are appointed by the Board from among at least five qualified persons in Negros Oriental recommended by a search committee constituted by the University president in consultation with CHED and Board members. Their term is two (2) years from appointment.
The Board meets at least once every quarter; up to two special meetings may be called with three days’ prior written notice. Quorum is majority of members holding office at the time, and the Chairperson of the Board or the president of the University must be present.
Examples include: promulgating rules; receiving and appropriating funds; receiving donations in trust; fixing tuition and charges; adopting socialized tuition; authorizing construction/repair and acquisition of property; appointing key university officials and faculty; setting policies on admission and graduation; establishing research/extension centers; delegating powers to the president; conducting audits and implementing reforms; and other governance powers.
No political beliefs, gender preference, cultural/community affiliation, ethnic origin, or religious opinion/affiliation shall be a matter of inquiry in faculty appointment. Appointments remain subject to Board-set guidelines/standards.
The University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the Constitution (as stated in RA 9299).
The University must provide scholarship programs and affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students who qualify for admission, and no student shall be denied admission due to sex, religion, cultural/community affiliation, or ethnic origin.
All assets, personnel, records, and related liabilities/obligations of the CVPC (and included schools) are transferred to the University. Security of tenure and positions of faculty and personnel under existing laws are respected.
The parcels of land belonging to the government and occupied by CVPC and the integrated colleges are declared property of NORSU and must be titled under that name. If the University ceases to exist/abolished or the land is no longer needed, the land reverts to the concerned LGU.
Initial implementation costs are charged against current-year appropriations of CVPC and LGU funding. LGUs continue assistance corresponding to prior funding to the integrated colleges until full NORSU funding is included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Within 120 days: submit a five-year development plan including program budget to CHED for DBM recommendation; undergo a management audit with CHED; and set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure including appointment of key officials.
On or before the 15th day of the second month after the opening of regular classes each year, the Board files a detailed report on progress, conditions, and needs with the Office of the President of the Philippines through the CHED Chairperson, and with both Houses of Congress.