Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8468)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 8468 is to convert the Don Severino Agricultural College in the Municipality of Indang, Province of Cavite into a state university known as Cavite State University, providing advanced instruction, professional training, research, and extension services primarily in agriculture, science and technology, education, and related fields.
The University is authorized to offer undergraduate, graduate, and short-term technical courses within its areas of specialization and according to its capabilities, particularly catering to the needs of the Province of Cavite and the surrounding region. The high school previously under the college is transferred to the Department of Education, Culture and Sports but allowed to operate within the university campus until the students graduate.
The Board of Regents has general powers of a corporation including administrative powers, enacting rules and regulations, appropriating funds, accepting donations, fixing tuition fees and other charges, appointing key officials, approving curricula, and setting policies on student admission and graduation. They can also establish branches, research centers, chairs, and collaborations with public and private agencies, among other powers.
The Board consists of the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Chairman, the University President as Vice-Chairman, chairpersons of education committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, Regional Director of NEDA where the main campus is located, Presidents of the faculty association federation, student council federation, alumni association, and two prominent citizens from Cavite appointed from a qualified list.
The University President is appointed by the Board for a term of four years, extendible for another four years. The term can be extended beyond retirement age but not later than age 70 if performance is unanimously rated as outstanding, upon recommendation of the search committee.
The University is authorized to fix tuition fees and other charges which, along with government subsidies and income generated by the University, constitute special trust funds for the University's use. Income generated from tuition fees, auxiliary services, and land grants are retained, exempt from taxes, and may be used for instruction, research, extension, or other University programs.
Yes, the University can receive legacies, gifts, and donations of real and personal properties to be administered and disposed of for its benefit, subject to donor conditions. Donations are tax-exempt and deductible from the donor's income tax.
All personnel employed prior to the conversion retain their positions, rights, and security of tenure which are not impaired. Incumbents will remain under the same status until the Board provides otherwise.
The academic council, chaired by the University President, includes all instructional staff of assistant professor rank or higher. It prescribes curricular offerings, fixes admission and graduation requirements, formulates academic policies and student discipline rules, all subject to Board approval.
No inquiry on religious opinion or affiliation shall be made in appointing faculty members. Additionally, no faculty member shall teach for or against any particular church or religious sect, ensuring separation of religion and academic duties.