Conversion of Aklan State College to University

ASU shall provide advanced instruction and professional training primarily in agriculture, science and technology, education, and other related fields.
The University shall undertake research, extension services, and provide progressive leadership in its mandate areas.
The original agricultural mandate of the institution must be retained.
The existing high school is transferred to the Department of Education, Culture and Sports but may operate until current students graduate; a laboratory school may be operated if a college of education exists.

ASU will offer undergraduate, graduate, and short-term technical courses within its specialties.
Master and doctoral programs, particularly in agricultural courses, are to be strengthened.
Course offerings and programs shall respond to the needs of Aklan province and the region.

Members include the CHED Chairman (chairperson), University President (vice chair), key government and legislative officials, representatives of faculty, students, alumni, and two prominent citizens from Aklan.
Terms vary; the two prominent citizens serve two-year terms.
In cases of multiple campuses, federated presidents represent respective groups.

Formulation and implementation of policies consistent with constitutional and CHED educational mandates.
Enact rules and regulations necessary for university operation.
Approve budgets, receive and manage donations, and oversee tuition and fees, including socialized tuition schemes.
Authorize construction, repair, acquisitions, faculty appointments, salary settings, and disciplinary actions.
Approve curricula, awards, admission policies, and manage academic and non-academic services.
Establish branches, research centers, academic chairs, and scholarships.
Delegate powers to expedite operations and authorize audits.
Facilitate collaboration, joint ventures, and linkages with various institutions.
Authorize privatization of non-academic services where advantageous.
Extend the University President's term under specific conditions.

The Board shall meet at least quarterly, with special meetings upon notice.
A quorum requires majority presence including CHED Chairman or designee and University President.
Members receive no salary but may be reimbursed for expenses.

The President serves full-time, appointed by the Board for a four-year term, extendible by four more years.
Vacancies are filled by an officer-in-charge or successor holding the unexpired term.
The President’s salary aligns with the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System.
Powers include usual presidential duties and those delegated by the Board.

An Administrative Council, chaired by the President, includes vice presidents and other officials to advise on administration and planning.
An Academic Council, also chaired by the President, includes instructional staff and oversees curricular offerings, admissions, graduations, discipline, and academic policies subject to Board approval.

A Board-appointed secretary handles records, meetings, and communications.
The Treasurer of the Philippines acts as the University’s ex officio treasurer.
Faculty appointments shall not consider religious affiliation; faculty may not promote or oppose any religious sect.

The incumbent College President becomes the first University President.
Assets, personnel, liabilities, and records transfer from the College to the University without impairing positions or security of tenure.
Land owned by the government for the College becomes University property; unused property reverts to Aklan Province.

National government agencies may loan equipment or detail employees to the University upon request.

At least 20% of annual enrollees must come from families below the poverty line.
Admission shall not discriminate on sex, religion, cultural or ethnic origin.

The Board must submit an annual detailed report on the University's progress, condition, and needs to both Houses of Congress.

Initial funding comes from the former College’s appropriations, except for the high school’s operations.
Subsequent funding to be included in the General Appropriations Act.

Within 120 days post-approval, the University must:
- Submit a five-year development plan and budget to CHED and DBM.
- Undergo a management audit with CHED.
- Establish organizational, administrative, and academic structures.
- Establish at least four separate degree-granting units, including arts and sciences and graduate-level units.

Faculty at the tertiary level are exempt from civil service examinations but may be subject to board-imposed professional examinations to maintain academic standards.

Republic Act No. 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997) applies concurrently as part of the University’s governing charter.

All relevant powers, functions, and responsibilities granted or imposed on state universities apply to ASU.