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) in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, into a state university to be known as the University of Northwestern Mindanao (UNM).
The University shall provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training primarily in agriculture, fisheries, engineering, arts and sciences, education, business administration and management, health sciences, and other relevant fields. It shall also undertake research, extension services, and production activities supporting socioeconomic development in Misamis Occidental.
Yes, the University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the Philippine Constitution.
The Board of Regents is chaired by the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and co-chaired by the University President. It includes the CHED Chairperson, University President, Chairpersons of the Senate and House Committees on Education, Regional Directors of NEDA, Department of Agriculture, and DOST, Federation Presidents of faculty, student, alumni associations, and two prominent citizens from the private sector.
The Board has general administrative powers including policy-making consistent with state educational laws, approving curricula, fixing fees, entering contracts, appropriating funds, establishing centers and branches, appointing officials, and the authority to hear cases against employees among others.
The Board may fix tuition and other fees, which constitute a special trust fund. Income generated from these fees and other sources shall be retained and disbursed by the Board for instruction, research, extension, and other university programs, with fiduciary fees used only for their specific purposes.
The University President is appointed by the Board for a term of four years, eligible for reappointment for another term. The incumbent president of NMSCST serves as the first President. The Board may extend the term beyond retirement age (up to 70 years) if the President’s performance is unanimously rated outstanding.
The President administers the University, supervises all operations, enforces discipline, prepares reports, executes contracts, appoints officials, and maintains academic standards. The President also communicates between faculty, staff, students, and the Board, and may delegate specific functions.
The appointment of faculty members shall not be influenced by political belief, gender, ethnicity, religion, or cultural affiliation. Faculty members cannot teach for or against any particular religious sect. Rights, positions, and security of tenure of existing faculty and personnel are respected.
The conversion will only be effective upon determination and declaration by CHED, through a panel of experts, that the institution complies with university standards per CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, regarding faculty qualifications, degree programs, research outputs, learning resources, linkages, and outreach activities.