General Mandate of the University
- CSU shall provide advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction.
- Areas of focus include trade, commerce, fishery, agriculture, arts and sciences, industrial technology, nursing, midwifery, education, engineering, public administration, information technology, and other relevant fields.
- The university will also undertake research, extension services, and provide progressive leadership within its specialization.
Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
- CSU enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to the Philippine Constitution (Article XIV, Section 5(2)).
Curricular Offerings
- The university offers undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with its specialization and capabilities.
- Existing high school under CSC shall be transferred to the Department of Education but may operate temporarily within the campus until current students graduate.
- The university may operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education.
Administration and Legal Personality
- CSU has the general powers of a corporation according to the Corporation Code of the Philippines.
- The administration is vested in the Board of Regents and the University President.
Composition of the Board of Regents
- Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Chairperson.
- President of the University as Vice Chairperson.
- Chairpersons of the Senate and House Education Committees.
- Regional Directors of NEDA and DOST.
- Presidents of the university’s federations for faculty, students, and alumni.
- Two prominent citizens appointed for 2-year terms.
- Appointments of prominent citizens are through a search committee and consultation with CHED.
Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents
- Promulgate policies consistent with State educational policies and CHED standards.
- Enact rules and regulations necessary to carry out CSU’s purposes.
- Manage and appropriate funds for university operations.
- Import educational materials exempt from customs duties.
- Receive and administer donations and legacies.
- Fix tuition and school fees, including socialized schemes for poor but deserving students.
- Authorize infrastructure and equipment procurement.
- Appoint and remove university officials and faculty with due process.
- Approve curricula, rules on student discipline and policies on admission/graduation.
- Award honorary degrees and certificates.
- Establish branches, research centers, professorial chairs, scholarships.
- Delegate powers to expedite administration.
- Conduct external management audits and institute reforms.
- Collaborate with other educational institutions and enter into joint ventures for economic assets.
- Develop institutional linkages locally and internationally.
- Implement innovative educational modes including IT and distance education.
- Promote transparency and participative decision-making.
- Privatize nonacademic services when beneficial.
- Extend term of President beyond mandatory retirement under certain conditions.
Board Meetings
- Regular meetings every three (3) months, with special meetings as necessary.
- Quorum is a majority including the Chairperson or University President.
- Allow proxy attendance under specified conditions.
- Board members serve without salary but receive reimbursement for expenses.
The University President
- Full-time head appointed by the Board for a 4-year term, eligible for reappointment.
- In case of vacancy, Officer-in-Charge appointed pending new President.
- Duties include administrative leadership and implementation of Board directives.
- Supported by Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and Administration.
Campus Directors
- Heads of university campuses appointed by the Board upon recommendation.
- Incumbent college administrators of extension campuses serve as Campus Directors.
University Secretary and Treasurer
- Secretary appointed by the Board, responsible for record-keeping and notices.
- Treasurer of the Philippines acts as ex officio Treasurer of the University.
Administrative and Academic Councils
- Administrative Council reviews and recommends policies on administration and development.
- Academic Council composed of President and academic staff with powers to review curricula, discipline rules, admission/graduation policies subject to Board approval.
- Has disciplinary authority over students.
Faculty Appointment Policy
- Appointment free from discrimination based on political beliefs, gender, cultural/ethnic origin, religion.
- Faculty prohibited from teaching in support or opposition to any church or sect.
Scholarship and Admission
- University shall provide scholarships/affirmative actions for poor but deserving students.
- Admission cannot be denied based on sex, religion, cultural/ethnic origin.
Authority to Loan or Transfer Resources
- National government agencies authorized to loan/transfer apparatus, equipment, supplies, or detail personnel to CSU upon request.
- Detailed employees perform duties under University President’s supervision; time counted as regular service.
Transfer of Assets, Liabilities and Personnel
- All assets, personnel and liabilities of CSC transferred to the University.
- Tenure and rights of employees under existing laws respected.
- Land titles under CSU name; lands revert to local government if CSU ceases to exist or no longer needs them.
Tax Exemptions
- Importation of educational books/publications certified by CHED exempt from customs duties.
- Donations to CSU exempt from donor’s tax and deductible from donor’s income tax.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial funding charged against Catanduanes State Colleges’ appropriations.
- Future operational funds included in annual General Appropriations Act.
Development Plan and Audit
- Within 120 days of enactment, CSU shall submit a 5-year development plan and program budget to CHED and DBM.
- Undergo management audit with CHED cooperation.
- Establish organizational, administrative and academic structures.
Reporting Requirements
- Board must file detailed annual reports on the University’s progress, needs and conditions with the Office of the President, CHED, and Congress.
Application of Higher Education Modernization Act
- Republic Act No. 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997) applies as part of the governing charter.
Parity Clause
- Powers, functions, privileges, responsibilities and limitations applicable to state universities under existing laws apply to CSU and its officials.
Implementation and Rules
- Board, with CHED, tasked to formulate guidelines to implement the Act fully.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the rest remains unaffected and in full force.
Repealing Clause
- Laws or regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.