QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8650)
The Surigao del Norte School of Arts and Trades in Surigao City and the Malimono School of Fisheries in Malimono, Surigao del Norte are integrated and converted into a chartered college known as the Surigao State College of Technology.
To primarily provide higher vocational, professional and technological instruction and training in agriculture, fisheries, engineering, and sciences, as well as short-term technical courses, with primary consideration to integrating research/studies for development in Surigao del Norte.
The existing high school is transferred to the jurisdiction and supervision of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, and may remain operating within the State College campus until it is transferred elsewhere or until students are accommodated in other public/private high schools.
Undergraduate, graduate, and short-term technical courses within its area of specialization as the Board of Trustees may deem necessary.
The Board is composed of: the CHED Chairman (chairman); the College President (vice-chairman); chairmen of the Congressional Committees on Education and Culture; the Regional Director of NEDA; Regional Director of DOST; presidents of the faculty association and student council (student regent/representative); president of the alumni association; and two prominent citizens. The CHED Chairman serves as the Board’s chairman.
The College schedules one (1) week for campaigning and election of a student representative.
From a list of at least five (5) persons qualified in the city/province where the school is located, as recommended by a search committee constituted by the President in consultation with the CHED Chairman. The private sector representatives are appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the duly constituted search committee.
Prominent citizens serve for two (2) years. Presidents of faculty and alumni associations and the student regent/trustee sit in the Board until expiration of their respective terms in those capacities.
A majority of all members holding office constitutes quorum, but the chairman of the CHED (or his designated commissioner in absence) must be present for quorum. In the absence of the CHED chairman, a CHED commissioner duly designated represents him with all rights and responsibilities of a regular member.
Regular meetings at least once every quarter. Special meetings may be called whenever necessary, with written notification to members at least three (3) days prior.
Examples include: enacting implementing rules; receiving and appropriating sums for the College; receiving in trust donations/legacies; fixing tuition and school charges after due consultation; adopting a socialized scheme of tuition and fees; authorizing construction/repair and purchases with tax/duty exemptions for transactions through the Board; appointing key officials and employees; fixing salaries subject to existing compensation laws; setting admission and graduation policies; awarding honorary degrees; delegating powers to the president/other officials; authorizing external management audits.
Income generated by the College from tuition fees and other charges, as well as from auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the College and may be disbursed by the Board for instruction, research, extension, or other programs/projects—subject to the proviso that fiduciary fees are disbursed for their specific purposes.
Tuition fees and other necessary school charges, including government subsidies and other income generated by the College, constitute special trust funds and must be deposited in any authorized government depository bank; interests accrue to the same fund for the use of the College.
The Board of Trustees appoints the President upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. The term is four (4) years, and the President is eligible for reappointment for another term (provided it does not adversely affect the term of the incumbent).
The Board may designate an officer-in-charge pending the appointment of a new President.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) makes the appointment of the officer-in-charge pending the appointment of the President by the Board upon its composition.
Positions, rights, and security of tenure of personnel employed under existing laws prior to absorption are not impaired. Incumbents remain in the same status until otherwise provided for by the Board.
They are declared property of the Surigao State College of Technology and shall be titled under that name, but if the State College ceases to exist, is abolished, or the land is no longer needed, the parcels shall revert to the Province of Surigao del Norte.
On or before June 15 of each year, the Board must file with the Office of the President a detailed report setting forth the program, conditions, and needs of the State College.