General Mandate
- Provide advanced instruction and research in agriculture and allied technological sciences.
- Also provide instruction in education, arts, and related sciences.
- Undertake extension and development programs.
- Provide research leadership in agriculture, environmental, and technological development in the Bicol Region.
Curricular Offerings
- Offer undergraduate and graduate courses in agriculture, environmental management, engineering, education, arts, and sciences.
- Expand programs based on Board of Regents' approval and CHED's consent.
- High school under the university transferred to Department of Education jurisdiction but may remain on campus until current students graduate.
- May operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education.
Administration
- University has corporate powers under Batas Pambansa Blg. 68 (Corporation Code).
- Administration vested in the Board of Regents and the University President.
Governing Board Composition
- Chaired by CHED Chairperson.
- Vice chair is the University President.
- Other members include congressional education committee chairs, regional directors of NEDA and DA, presidents of faculty association, student council, alumni association, and two prominent private sector citizens.
- Private sector members appointed from a recommended list by a search committee.
- Terms of representatives coterminous or two years for private citizens.
Policy Promulgation and Implementation
- Board shall enact policies consistent with State education policies, constitutional provisions on education, agriculture, and science & technology.
- Must also adhere to CHED policies under RA 7722.
Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents
- Promulgate rules and regulations for University purposes.
- Manage funds and appropriate resources.
- Import duty-free academic books and publications.
- Receive and handle donations and legacies, tax-exempt under NIRC provisions.
- Fix tuition and fees with due sector consultation.
- Retain and use income generated for university programs.
- Adopt socialized tuition schemes for poor but deserving students.
- Authorize construction, repair, and acquisition of facilities and property.
- Appoint and remove officials and staff with due process.
- Approve curricula, instructional programs, admission policies, and disciplinary rules.
- Award honorary degrees and certificates.
- Establish branches, research centers, professional chairs, scholarships.
- Delegate powers to university officials for efficient administration.
- Authorize management audits and implement reforms.
- Collaborate with other institutions in the region.
- Enter joint ventures for university asset development.
- Develop academic and economic linkages nationally and internationally.
- Promote modern teaching methods including distance education.
- Ensure participative decision-making and transparency.
- Privatize nonacademic services when advantageous.
- Extend President's term beyond retirement age under exceptional performance.
Board Meetings
- Must meet at least quarterly.
- Special meetings may be called with notice.
- Quorum requires majority including Chair or University President.
- CHED Chairperson may designate a commissioner as Chair.
- Congressional committee chairs may send designated representatives.
- Members receive no salary but are reimbursed for official expenses.
University President
- Appointed by the Board for a 4-year term, renewable once.
- Incumbent College President becomes first University President.
- Search Committee formed six months before term expiration.
- Vacancy filled by Officer-in-Charge serving remainder of term.
- Powers include usual presidential functions and those delegated by the Board.
- Salary follows Revised Compensation System, comparable with peer institutions.
- Assisted by Vice Presidents appointed upon recommendation.
Academic Council
- Composed of the University President (Chair) and academic staff (minimum assistant professor rank).
- Reviews and recommends curricular offerings and disciplinary rules.
- Sets admission and graduation requirements.
- Exercises disciplinary power over students.
Secretary and Treasurer of the University
- Secretary appointed by the Board, keeps records and serves notices.
- Treasurer of the Philippines is ex officio University Treasurer.
Faculty Appointment
- Appointment free from inquiry into political beliefs, gender, religion, ethnicity, or culture.
- Subject to Board-adopted standards.
- Faculty must not promote or oppose any religious sect.
Scholarship and Admission
- University provides scholarships and affirmative action to help poor but deserving students.
- No denial of admission based on sex, religion, culture, or ethnicity.
Academic Freedom and Autonomy
- University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy as constitutionally guaranteed.
Loan or Transfer of Apparatus, Equipment, Supplies, and Personnel
- National government agencies authorized to loan or transfer needed equipment and detail employees upon request.
- Time employed counts as regular service.
Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel
- All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of the former college transferred to the University.
- Faculty rights and tenure protected.
- University land titled in its name; revert to government if University abolished or no longer needs property.
Appropriations
- Initial funding charged to the College's current year appropriations.
- Subsequent funding included in the General Appropriations Act.
Development Plan and Management Audit
- Within 120 days, the University must submit a 5-year development plan to CHED.
- Must undergo management audit with CHED cooperation.
- Establish organizational, administrative, and academic structures and key official appointments.
CHED Monitoring and Recommendations
- CHED to conduct regular monitoring to ensure compliance with university status requirements.
- May recommend revocation of university status if requirements are not met.
Annual Reporting
- Board must file a detailed annual report on University progress and needs to the Office of the President and Congress.
Integrative Application of Existing Law
- RA 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997) applies as integral part of the University's governing charter.
Parity Clause
- University and officials entitled and subjected to rights and duties granted to state universities by existing laws.
Implementation and Separability
- Board with CHED formulates implementing guidelines.
- Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder of the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Conflicting laws, decrees, or orders repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- Act effective 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.