Mandate and Objectives
- Primary function is to provide higher professional and special instruction.
- Emphasizes research, extension services, advanced studies, and leadership development.
- Focus on education and related fields to fulfill university objectives.
Academic Programs
- Authorized to offer undergraduate and graduate courses.
- Courses must be related to education or other related fields as determined by the Board of Regents.
High School Jurisdiction
- Existing high school transferred under Commission on Higher Education supervision.
- High school allowed to operate on campus temporarily until relocation or student relocation.
- University may operate a laboratory school with limited classes if teacher training programs are offered.
University Corporate Powers and Administration
- University has powers equivalent to a corporation under the Corporation Code.
- Administration vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the University President.
Composition and Terms of the Board of Regents
- Chairperson of Commission on Higher Education as chairman.
- University President as vice-chairman.
- Members include Education Committee chairs of Senate and House, NEDA representative, faculty and student representatives.
- Optionally, alumni president and two prominent citizens in education field.
- Members have specified term durations; ex officio or fixed terms.
Policy Formulation
- Board to enact policies consistent with state educational policies and the Philippine Constitution.
Specific Powers and Duties of the Board
- Enact necessary rules and regulations.
- Import duty-free materials and equipment not locally available.
- Receive gifts, legacies, and donations exempt from taxes.
- Fix tuition and other fees.
- Authorize construction, repair, and purchase of properties and supplies.
- Confirm appointments of university officials and employees.
- Approve curricula and rules of discipline.
- Confer academic and honorary degrees.
- Establish academic chairs, fellowships, and scholarships.
Board Meetings and Compensation
- Quorum requires majority including chairperson or University president.
- Regular meetings every two months; special meetings as needed.
- Members receive no salary but reimbursement for expenses.
University Presidency
- President appointed by Board for six-year term without reappointment unless retiring or removed for cause.
- Vacancy filled by Officer-in-Charge designated by Board.
- President’s duties include usual responsibilities of university chief executive.
- Salary fixed comparable to presidents of similar institutions.
Retirement Benefits
- University president entitled to full retirement benefits per existing laws.
Administrative Council
- Composed of president (chair), vice-presidents, deans, directors, and other key officials.
- Implements policies on administration, management, and development planning.
Academic Council
- Composed of president and instructional staff not lower than assistant professor.
- Prescribes curricular offerings subject to Board approval.
- Fixes admission and graduation requirements.
- Exercises disciplinary powers over students within approved rules.
University Secretary
- Appointed by Board upon president’s recommendation.
- Acts as Board’s secretary and keeper of university records.
University Treasurer
- Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex officio treasurer of the University.
Non-Discrimination in Faculty Appointment
- No inquiry into religious opinions or affiliations for faculty appointment.
- Faculty prohibited from teaching for or against any particular religious sect.
Student Admission
- No denial of admission based on sex, nationality, religion, or political affiliation.
Academic Freedom
- University enjoys academic freedom.
Automatic Appointment of University President
- Incumbent head of Leyte State College becomes first university president upon enactment.
Reporting Requirements
- Board must report annually to Office of the President, CHED Chairperson, and Congress on university progress and needs.
Board of Visitors
- Composed of President of the Philippines, Senate President, and House Speaker.
- Duties include attending commencements, inspection of university conditions, and reporting to Congress.
Transfer of Assets and Personnel
- All assets, personnel, liabilities, and records transferred from Leyte State College to University.
- Personnel rights and tenure protected.
- Government-owned land titles to be transferred to University.
- Reversion clause for land if University ceases to exist or land no longer needed.
Audit
- University accounts and expenses subject to audit by Commission on Audit.
Loan and Transfer of Equipment and Personnel
- Government agencies authorized to loan equipment and detail employees as requested by University President.
- Detailed employees’ service counted as official service.
Affiliation and Integration of Schools
- University may accept integration of national schools aligned with its objectives.
- CHED chairperson authorized to approve integrations.
- Assets and liabilities of integrated schools transferred to University.
Special Trust Funds and Income Use
- Fees, government subsidies, and other income constitute special trust funds.
- Deposited in government depository banks with accrued interest.
- Funds may be used for faculty development, student welfare, extension services, and university purposes.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial implementation funded from Leyte State College appropriations.
- Subsequent funding included in General Appropriations Act.
Repealing Clause
- All laws and regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect upon approval.