Question & AnswerQ&A (LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS No. 1461)
The principal objectives of state universities and colleges are tertiary education, research, and extension services. Institutions must establish clear goals and implementation programs for each objective.
State universities and colleges are autonomous institutions governed by their respective Boards of Regents, chaired by the Minister of Education, Culture and Sports, with members including the Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority and the President of the institution.
Each institution must formulate a development plan that supports the manpower goals of the region and the nation, identifying specialized areas within its charter and capabilities with minimal duplication of course offerings.
No. New branches or extensions or absorption of existing schools by state universities or colleges require authorization by the General Appropriations Act or other laws.
They must meet the minimum standards of faculty, equipment, and facilities established by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, equivalent to those required for private educational institutions.
State universities and colleges shall take steps to accredit their programs with FAAP or an equivalent body to improve standards. Successful accreditation influences budgetary recommendations by the Office of Budget and Management.
Institutions should rationalize government budget contributions aiming for fiscal autonomy, with national government support not exceeding 60% of total costs. They should increase income from land grants, concessions, alumni fundraising, and other sources.
They should pioneer in manpower development and technological advances that private schools cannot provide, and collaborate with private schools, smaller state colleges, universities, and the public school system.
Such institutions should gradually reduce secondary and elementary programs to minimum necessary for experimental education and staff/faculty children, with no further expansion allowed.
The Code contains policies, programs, rules, and regulations affecting academic and administrative processes. It should consider experiences of other established institutions and aim for consistency among state universities and colleges of similar size and category.