QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10919)
The short title is the "University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTSP) Act."
The Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) and the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT) were amalgamated to form the USTSP.
The declared policy of the State is to establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of higher education relevant to the needs of the people and society, with primary focus on research and development for science and technology.
Auxiliary services refer to all kinds of services rendered by the USTSP other than academic services, such as hospital, dental clinic, cafeteria, janitorial, printing press, and bookstore services.
The Board of Regents includes the CHED Chairperson (Chairperson), the University President (Vice Chairperson), Chancellors of the Cagayan de Oro and Claveria campuses, Chairpersons of relevant Senate and House Committees, Directors-General/Secretaries of NEDA and DOST, Presidents of faculty, student, and alumni federations, four prominent CEOs from national or multinational corporations, and two prominent academicians appointed by the President of the Philippines.
The Board exercises general administrative powers including promulgation of rules, appropriating funds, fixing tuition fees, appointing officials and faculty, approving curricula, setting admission and graduation policies, establishing research centers, entering joint ventures, developing partnerships, and other powers as enumerated in Section 17 of the Act.
The President is selected and appointed by the Board of Regents upon the recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. Vice Presidents and other officials are recommended by the University President and appointed by the Board.
Applicants must possess qualifications and standards set by the Board, although the specific qualifications are determined by the Board and not explicitly enumerated in the Act.
The President of the University shall serve a term of four years and is eligible for reappointment for one additional term only.
They have the right to be represented on the Board by the Presidents of their respective federations, who serve as members of the Board for the duration of their elected terms, as provided in the constitutions and bylaws of their organizations.
No student shall be discriminated against or denied admission due to sex, nationality, religion, political affiliation, or physical disability.
The University shall offer undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate courses specifically in mathematics, science and technology, engineering, and agriculture, and it may maintain high school education focused on science and technology serving as a feeder to its tertiary programs.
The total number of high school students in a given year shall not exceed five hundred (500).
Grants, donations, and contributions to the University are exempt from donor's tax and may be deducted from the donor's taxable income; importation of educational books and equipment is exempt from customs duties; and educational services rendered by the University are exempt from value-added tax.
The Board is required to hold regular meetings at least once every quarter, on the first week of every quarter.
The University shall engage in research partnerships with industry, receive royalties from commercialized technologies, establish Science and Technology Parks, and incorporate industry expertise in curriculum development, including dual training programs and faculty immersion programs.
The Treasurer of the Philippines serves as the ex officio Treasurer of the University.
The CHED Chairperson or Commissioner shall designate an Officer-in-Charge within fifteen (15) days from the occurrence of the vacancy, subject to confirmation by the Board.
The University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy as provided under Batas Pambansa Blg. 232, Republic Act No. 8292, and the 1987 Constitution, Article XIV, Section 5(2).