Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11186)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 11186 is to convert the Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST) into a state university to be known as the University of Northwestern Mindanao (UNM).
The University shall primarily provide advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction and training in various fields including agriculture, fisheries, engineering, arts and sciences, education, business administration and management, health sciences, and other relevant fields. It will also undertake research, extension services, and production activities supporting the socioeconomic development of Misamis Occidental and provide progressive leadership in its specializations.
Section 3 states that the University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
The Board is chaired by the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education and co-chaired by the University President. Members include Chairpersons of relevant Senate and House Committees, regional directors of NEDA, Department of Agriculture and DOST, presidents of the federation of faculty associations, student councils, alumni associations, and two prominent private sector citizens.
The Board may promulgate and implement policies, fix tuition and school fees, enter into contracts, authorize building constructions and research centers, appoint officials, award honorary degrees, establish branches, conduct audits, collaborate with other institutions, and manage university assets, among others.
The President shall be appointed by the Board upon recommendation of a search committee, serve a four-year term, and be eligible for reappointment for another term. The incumbent NMSCST president serves as the first UNM President. In case of vacancy, an Officer-in-Charge may be designated to serve the unexpired term.
Composed of the University President and academic staff ranked at least assistant professor, the Academic Council reviews and recommends curricular offerings and rules of discipline, sets admission and graduation requirements, and has disciplinary power over students, subject to Board approval.
Faculty appointments shall not inquire into political beliefs, gender preference, cultural or ethnic origin, or religious affiliation. Students shall not be denied admission for reasons of gender, religion, cultural, community affiliation, or ethnic origin.
The University may fix tuition and other school fees, which along with government subsidies and income, form a special trust fund. Appropriations for the University shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. Income generated shall be retained and used for university programs and fiduciary fees used for their specific purposes.
The conversion takes effect fifteen days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation, and only after the CHED determines and declares that the institution has complied with the requirements for university status as per CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, series of 2012.