Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9854)
Republic Act No. 9854 establishes the Caraga State University in the Caraga Region by integrating the Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology and the Northern Mindanao College of Arts, Science and Technology, intending to provide advanced education, research, and extension services.
The main campus of Caraga State University shall be in Butuan City.
The University shall primarily provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in fields such as agriculture, environmental studies, fishery, engineering, forestry, industrial technology, education, law, medicine and health-related programs, information technology, arts and sciences, and other related courses.
The Board of Regents includes the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Chairperson, the University President as Vice Chairperson, chairpersons or their representatives of related Senate and House committees, regional directors of NEDA and DOST, presidents of university federations of faculty, students, and alumni, and two prominent citizens from the private sector appointed by the Board.
The Board can promulgate rules and regulations, receive and appropriate funds, fix tuition and fees, adopt a socialized tuition scheme, appoint officials and employees, approve curricula, award honorary degrees, establish branches, enter into joint ventures, and exercise other powers granted to corporate boards, among others.
The Board must convene at least once every quarter, with provisions for up to two special meetings called by the Chairperson with prior notice.
The Board appoints the University President based on guidelines and qualifications after a search committee's recommendation. The President serves a four-year term and is eligible for reappointment for another term.
Existing high schools shall be transferred to the Department of Education's jurisdiction, allowed to operate within the University campus until current students finish, and the University may operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education.
The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to the Constitution, particularly Article XIV, Section 5(2).
Donations in trust of real or personal property are administered by the University for its benefit, exempt from donor's tax, considered allowable deductions for the donor, cannot be disposed of, transferred, or sold, and used according to the donor's instructions if any.