QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 9519)
The Mindanao Polytechnic State College in Cagayan de Oro City was converted into a state university to be known as the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST).
The satellite campuses in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental; Alubijid, Misamis Oriental; Panaon, Misamis Occidental; and Oroquita City were integrated into MUST.
The main campus is in Cagayan de Oro City.
To primarily provide advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction, advanced instruction in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, and advanced research and extension work in human resource development for global competitiveness.
Undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematics, science and technology, and engineering.
The existing high school shall be transferred to the jurisdiction and supervision of DepEd, but it may remain and operate within the campus until currently enrolled students complete high school.
Administration and the exercise of corporate powers are vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the President of the University.
The Board includes CHED Chairperson (Chairperson), MUST President (Vice Chairperson), Senate education committee chair, House higher/technical education committee chair, NEDA regional director, DOST regional director, presidents of faculty federation, student councils federation, alumni federation, and two (2) prominent private-sector citizens appointed by the Board.
The Board appoints them from at least five (5) qualified persons recommended by a search committee constituted by the University President, in consultation with the CHED Chairperson and other Board members, based on normal standards and qualifications.
The President has a four (4)-year term and is eligible for reappointment. The incumbent President of the Mindanao Polytechnic State College serves a new first term as the first President of the University to ensure smooth transition.
The Board designates an Officer-in-Charge within six (6) months from the vacancy, pending appointment of a new President; the designated successor/Officer-in-Charge serves only the unexpired portion of the term.
Quorum is majority of all members holding office at the time of the meeting, with the condition that the Chairperson or the President of the University must be present. The CHED Chairperson may be represented by a duly designated CHED Commissioner with full rights and responsibilities.
The Board may fix tuition fees and other necessary school charges after due consultations. Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and other income, constitute special trust funds deposited in an authorized government depository bank; their interests form part of the same funds.
No political beliefs, gender preference, cultural/community affiliation, ethnic origin, or religious opinion/affiliation shall be a matter of inquiry in appointing faculty, subject to Board guidelines; and no faculty member shall teach for or against any particular church or religious sect.
The University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution.
Revenues and assets used exclusively and solely for educational purposes are exempt from taxes and duties. Donations are exempt from donor’s tax and are allowable deductions (with specified treatment). Importation of certified educational/scientific/cultural materials is exempt from customs duties. MUST pays zero percent (0%) VAT for transactions subject to VAT. Educational monetary awards are exempt from taxes.
All assets, real and personal properties, personnel and records, as well as liabilities/obligations of the former Mindanao Polytechnic State College are transferred to MUST, with respect to security of tenure and positions under existing laws. Government parcels of land occupied by the college become property of the University and shall be titled in its name; if the University ceases or lands are no longer needed, they revert to the State.
Within 120 days, MUST must submit a five-year development plan (with program budget) to CHED for recommendation to DBM, undergo a management audit with CHED, and set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including appointment of key officials.