Title
Conversion of Don Severino Agricultural College to Cavite State University
Law
Republic Act No. 8468
Decision Date
Jan 22, 1998
Republic Act No. 8468 converts Don Severino Agricultural College into Cavite State University, focusing on agriculture, science, technology, education, and related fields, with a Board of Regents overseeing its administration and powers, and emphasizing non-discrimination and academic freedom.
A

Primary Functions and Academic Focus

  • Advance instruction and professional training in agriculture, science, technology, education, and related fields.
  • Engage in research, extension services, and provide progressive leadership.

Academic Programs and Jurisdiction

  • Offer undergraduate, graduate, and short-term technical courses within specialization and capacity.
  • Board of Regents determines courses to meet provincial/regional needs.
  • Existing high school transferred to Department of Education but allowed operation on university campus until students graduate.
  • University may operate a laboratory school if it has a college of education.

Corporate Powers and Administration

  • University holds general corporate powers under Corporation Law.
  • Administration and exercise of corporate powers exclusively vested in the Board of Regents.

Board of Regents Composition and Terms

  • Chairman: CHED Chairman.
  • Vice-Chairman: University President.
  • Members include Senate and House Education Committee Chairmen, NEDA regional director, presidents of faculty, student councils, alumni, and two prominent citizens from Cavite.
  • Terms of faculty, student council, and alumni presidents coterminous with their office.
  • Prominent citizens serve two-year terms.
  • Multi-campus representation by federation presidents.
  • Officer-in-charge serves unexpired presidential term if vacancy occurs.
  • University President entitled to full retirement benefits.

Board of Regents Policy-Making and Oversight

  • Promulgate policies aligned with constitutional and CHED education policies.
  • Enact rules and regulations for University functions.
  • Manage University funding and appropriations.
  • Receive and administer donations, which are tax-exempt and deductible for donors.
  • Fix tuition and fees; fees and income form special trust funds.
  • Retain generated income for University's use including instruction, research, extension, etc., with fiduciary fees disbursed for intended purposes.
  • Authorized to reallocate unused appropriated funds toward University objectives.
  • Adopt socialized tuition schemes for poor but deserving students.
  • Authorize construction, repair, and acquisition of properties and supplies; tax-exempt purchases.
  • Appoint university officials and fix/adjust salaries per applicable laws.
  • Approve curricula, admission, graduation, discipline policies, and degrees.
  • Establish and absorb tertiary institutions and research/extension centers in Cavite with CHED and DBM coordination.
  • Establish chairs, fellowships, scholarships.
  • Delegate powers to expedite administration.
  • Authorize external management audits funded by CHED.
  • Collaborate with other state university boards for restructuring.
  • Enter into business joint ventures for University assets.
  • Develop local/international linkages and academic arrangements.
  • Innovate education delivery modes (IT, open learning, etc.).
  • Establish participative decision-making and transparency policies.
  • Privatize nonacademic services if advantageous.
  • Extend University President’s term beyond retirement age to 70 upon unanimous outstanding performance recommendation.

Board Meetings and Member Compensation

  • Board meets at least quarterly; special meetings with three-day notice.
  • Quorum requires majority including CHED Chairman or designated representative.
  • Board members receive no salary but are reimbursed for necessary expenses.

University President

  • Appointed by Board from search committee recommendation.
  • Full-time position, four-year term renewable once.
  • Officer-in-charge appointed during vacancies.
  • Duties include usual presidential functions and delegated powers.
  • Salary aligned with compensation system and comparable institutions.

Administrative Council

  • Composed of University President (Chairman), vice-presidents, deans, directors, and equivalent officials.
  • Implements policies approved by the Board.

Academic Council

  • President chairs; includes instructional staff ranking assistant professor or above.
  • Prescribes curricula subject to Board approval.
  • Sets admission, graduation requirements; subject to Board review.
  • Has disciplinary power over students.
  • Formulates academic policies and discipline rules for Board approval.

Board Secretary and Treasurer

  • Secretary appointed by Board; keeps records, notifies members.
  • Treasurer of the Philippines is ex-officio University Treasurer.

Religious Neutrality in Faculty Appointment

  • No discrimination or inquiry into religious affiliations for faculty appointments.
  • Faculty prohibited from promoting sectarian teachings.

Continuity and Transfer of Assets

  • Incumbent College President may serve as first University President if qualified.
  • Assets, personnel, liabilities of the College transferred to the University.
  • Employment rights and tenure preserved under existing laws.
  • Government lands occupied by College transferred to University; revert to Province if University ceases to exist or no longer needs the lands.

Cooperation with Government and Resource Sharing

  • Heads of national bureaus/offices may loan apparatus, equipment, supplies, and detail employees to the University when possible.
  • Detailed employees' service counted as regular service.

Access and Non-Discrimination

  • Scholarship and affirmative action programs for poor but deserving students.
  • Admission shall not be denied on sex, religion, cultural, community, or ethnic grounds.

Academic Freedom

  • The University shall enjoy academic freedom.

Annual Report Requirements

  • Board must submit detailed annual report to both Houses of Congress within 15 days after the second month of regular classes.

Affiliation and Integration of Schools

  • May accept integration of existing national schools in the province with transferred funds, assets, and obligations.

Funding and Appropriations

  • Initial funds charged against existing College appropriations except for high school operations.
  • Subsequent funding in annual General Appropriations Act.

Transition Requirements Within 120 Days

  • Submit a five-year development plan and budget to CHED and DBM.
  • Undergo management audit with CHED.
  • Establish organizational, administrative, and academic structures; appoint key officials.
  • Establish at least four separate degree granting units including arts and sciences and graduate-level.

Faculty Appointment Exemption

  • Faculty at tertiary level exempt from civil service exam for appointment.
  • Board may impose other professional qualifications.

Governing Charter Provisions

  • RA 8293 provisions on higher education modernization are integral and governing.

General Provisions

  • Other powers, functions, responsibilities pertinent to state universities apply.
  • Inconsistent laws repealed or amended.
  • Act effective upon approval; lapsed into law on Jan 22, 1998, per Constitution.

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