QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11186)
The Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST) in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental was converted into a state university known as the University of Northwestern Mindanao (UNM).
To primarily provide advance education, higher technological and professional instruction and training in specified fields; and to undertake research, extension services, and production activities supporting socioeconomic development of Misamis Occidental, with progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.
It grants the University academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the Constitution.
It may offer undergraduate, graduate, and short-term courses within its areas of specialization and according to its capabilities; the Board of Regents determines what is necessary to carry out the objectives.
The existing high school is transferred to the jurisdiction and supervision of the Department of Education (DepEd), but it may remain and operate within the University campus until the currently enrolled students complete high school. The University may also operate a reasonably-sized laboratory school under its College of Education.
The Board of Regents and the President of the University, with the Board exercising corporate governance and the President administering the University.
The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairs the Board; the President of the University is co-chair.
Examples include: (1) CHED Chairperson; (2) President of the University; (3) Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture Chairperson; (4) House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson; (5) NEDA Regional Director; and/or others such as Regional Directors of DA and DOST, faculty federation president, student council federation president, alumni federation president, and two private-sector prominent citizens.
The Board appoints them from among at least five (5) qualified persons recommended by a search committee constituted by the University President (in consultation with CHED Chairperson and other Board members). Their term is two (2) years from appointment.
The President has a term of four (4) years and may be reappointed for another term. The incumbent NMSCST President serves as the first President of the University to ensure smooth transition.
Carry out Board policies; exercise general supervision over the University including finances and offices; serve as liaison between university stakeholders and the Board; present the annual budget and annual accomplishments; execute contracts/deeds unless otherwise provided; and enforce discipline and academic standards.
It consists of the President (as Chairperson) and vice presidents, deans, directors and other officials. It reviews and recommends to the Board policies governing administration, management, and development plans.
It is chaired by the President and includes all academic staff with at least assistant professor rank. It reviews and recommends curricular offerings and student discipline rules (subject to Board approval), fixes requirements for admission and graduation and conferral of degrees (subject to Board review), and formulates academic discipline rules (subject to Board approval).
No political belief, gender preference, cultural or community affiliation, ethnic origin, or religious opinion/affiliation may be inquired into in appointing faculty members. Appointments are subject to Board guidelines, qualifications and standards; and faculty may not teach for or against any particular church or religious sect.
It must provide scholarship/affirmative action programs for poor but deserving qualified students and cannot deny admission due to gender, religion, cultural/community affiliation, or ethnic origin.
All assets (real/personal), personnel, and records are transferred to the University, along with liabilities/obligations. Existing positions, rights, and security of tenure of faculty and personnel under existing laws are respected.
All such parcels, including extension campuses, are transferred to the University and titled under the University’s name. If the University ceases to exist/gets abolished or the lands are no longer needed, they revert to the concerned LGUs.
The conversion becomes effective only upon CHED’s determination and declaration (based on a panel of experts) that the institution complied with university status requirements under CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, series of 2012 (QA standards). The institution retains its prior status until it substantially complies.
Yes. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of RA 11186, the Board shall, in consultation with CHED, formulate the IRR to implement the Act.
It provides constitutional academic freedom and autonomy, establishes governance through the Board and President consistent with state university principles, and requires CHED quality assurance compliance (and IRR formulation) before the conversion becomes effective, with separability and repealing clauses to address unconstitutional/inconsistent provisions.