General Mandate and Core Functions
- ADSSU shall provide advanced education, higher technological, professional, and advanced instruction primarily in agriculture, agribusiness management, science and technology, education, forestry, engineering, arts and sciences, and nontraditional courses.
- The university shall also undertake research, extension services, production activities, and provide leadership in these areas to support provincial development.
Curricular Offerings
- The university offers short-term technical-vocational courses and undergraduate and graduate programs aligned with its fields of specialization.
- It may operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education.
Governance and Administrative Structure
- The University has corporate powers under the Corporation Code of the Philippines.
- Administration and exercise of powers are vested in the Board of Regents and the University President.
Composition of the Governing Board
- The Board is chaired by CHED Chairperson with the University President as co-chair.
- Members include legislative committee chairs on education, regional directors from NEDA, DA, DOST, and federations of faculty, students, alumni.
- Two private sector prominent citizens are appointed from a list recommended by a search committee.
- Terms for citizen members are two years; federation presidents serve coterminously with their elected terms.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Policy formulation and implementation aligned with State and CHED policies.
- Approval of curricula, programs, appointments, salaries, and disciplinary rules.
- Fix tuition fees and other charges; fees form part of the university’s special trust funds.
- Adopt socialized tuition schemes per RA 10931.
- Establish professional chairs, scholarships, research and extension centers.
- Manage income, undertake institutional linkages, joint ventures, and receive and administer donations.
- Authorize construction, acquisition of properties, privatize non-academic services where advantageous.
- Delegate powers, authorize management audits and implement reforms.
Board Meetings
- Regular meetings held quarterly; special meetings may be called with appropriate notice.
- Quorum requires majority with either CHED Chairperson or University President present.
- Substitute representatives permitted for certain members.
- No salaries but reimbursement of necessary expenses is allowed.
University President
- The President is appointed by the Board for a 4-year term, eligible for reappointment.
- Incumbent ASSCAT President may serve as first ADSSU President if qualified.
- An Officer-in-Charge may be designated during vacancy.
- Responsibilities include usual presidential functions and additional powers delegated by the Board.
- Salary determined pursuant to the Salary Standardization Law, comparable to similar institutions.
- Assisted by three Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Administration, and Research, Development and Extension.
University Secretary and Treasurer
- Secretary appointed by Board serves both the Board and the University, responsible for records and meeting notices.
- Treasurer of the Philippines is ex officio Treasurer of the University.
Administrative and Academic Councils
- Administrative Council includes President (Chair) and key officials; reviews and recommends policies on administration and development.
- Academic Council composed of President (Chair) and academic staff; formulates academic policies, curricular reviews, student discipline, admission, and graduation requirements.
Campus Heads
- Campus Directors appointed or designated by the Board, full-time administrators of campuses.
- Incumbent ASSCAT campus directors continue upon conversion.
Faculty Appointment Policy
- Appointment without discrimination based on political belief, gender, cultural or community affiliation, ethnic origin or religion.
- Faculty must comply with Board standards and are prohibited from promoting any particular religious sect.
Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
- ADSSU enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Scholarships and Admission Policies
- Scholarships and affirmative action for poor but deserving students.
- No admission discrimination on gender, religion, culture, physical disability, or ethnicity.
Authority to Loan or Transfer Equipment and Personnel
- National government bureaus may loan or transfer apparatus, equipment, supplies, and employees.
- Detailed employees serve as per University needs and service counted as regular.
Transfer of Assets, Personnel, and Liabilities
- All ASSCAT assets, liabilities, personnel, and records transferred to ADSSU.
- Employment rights and tenure respected; positions maintained until changed by the Board.
- Government land occupied deemed University property; reverts if University ceases to exist or no longer needs it.
Tax Exemptions
- Importation of educational and cultural books exempt from customs duties upon CHED certification.
- Grants, donations, bequests to the University exempt from donor’s tax and deductible for donors.
Compliance With CHED University Standards
- Conversion effective only after CHED certifies compliance with university status requirements per CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, s. 2012.
- Standards include qualified faculty, comprehensive degree offerings, viable research programs, learning resources, linkages with research institutions, and outreach activities.
- CHED provides technical assistance and monitoring.
- Institution retains previous status until compliance is achieved.
Development Plan, Management Audit, Organizational Structure
- Within 120 days post-approval, University must submit a 5-year development plan and budget, undergo management audit, and establish organizational/academic structure.
Annual Reporting Requirement
- Board must file an annual report on University progress, condition, and needs to the President, CHED, and Congress.
Application of Higher Education Modernization Law
- Republic Act No. 8292 applies as integral part of the University’s governing charter.
Parity Clause
- Other powers, privileges, and responsibilities under existing laws applicable to the University and officials.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial funding charged against ASSCAT’s current appropriations.
- Future funding included in the General Appropriations Act.
- Municipality of Trento continues prior campus funding until full university requirements met.
Rulemaking Authority
- Board shall formulate implementing rules and regulations within 60 days in consultation with CHED.
Separability and Repealing Clauses
- Invalid provisions of the Act do not affect others.
- Conflicting laws, decrees, orders, and regulations repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.