General Mandate of the University
- Provide advanced education and instruction in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, environmental studies, information technology, arts and sciences, education, business, management, and health sciences.
- Conduct research and extension services supporting socioeconomic development of Oriental Mindoro.
- Provide leadership in specialized academic fields.
Academic Freedom and Autonomy
- The University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy as guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution.
Curricular Offerings
- Offers undergraduate and graduate courses in various fields aligned with community needs and institutional capability.
- Existing high school transferred to the Department of Education but allowed to operate until current students graduate.
- Possible operation of a laboratory school if the University has a College of Education.
Administration and Corporate Powers
- The University has general corporate powers under the Corporation Code of the Philippines.
- Administration vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the University President.
Composition and Role of the Board of Regents
- Board chaired by the CHED Chairperson with members including University President, Congressional Committee Chairpersons, regional directors of NEDA, DOST, DA, and representatives from faculty, students, alumni, and private sector.
- Two private sector members appointed for a two-year term.
- Terms for student, faculty, and alumni presidents coterminous with their respective offices.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Policy formulation aligned with State and CHED policies.
- Rule-making, budget appropriation, importation of key materials.
- Acceptance of donations and administration thereof.
- Setting and collecting tuition and school fees with provisions for socialized tuition.
- Authorization of expenditures, construction, appointments, salary fixing, student admission and discipline policies.
- Expansion via absorption of nonchartered institutions and setting up research centers.
- Authorization of audits and institutional reforms.
- Collaboration with other universities and industry, modernization of education delivery.
- Policies ensuring transparency, participative decision-making and optional privatization of some services.
- Extension of President’s term up to 70 years upon outstanding performance.
Board Meetings and Procedures
- Regular meetings every three months with provision for special meetings.
- Quorum requires majority including Chairperson or University President.
- Provisions for designation of representatives in absence of principal members.
- Members serve without salary but entitled to expense reimbursements.
University President
- Appointed for a four-year term, eligible for reappointment.
- Incumbent MINSCAT President to be first University President.
- Search committee to be constituted prior to term expiration.
- Officer-in-Charge to be appointed during vacancy.
- President’s duties include usual powers of university heads plus delegated powers.
- Compensation subject to existing standards.
- Assisted by appointed Vice Presidents.
Campus Directors
- Full-time heads of campuses appointed by the Board.
- Current college administrators to serve as initial campus directors.
University Secretary and Treasurer
- Secretary appointed by the Board to maintain records and notices.
- Treasurer of the Philippines serves ex officio as University Treasurer.
Administrative and Academic Councils
- Administrative Council reviews and recommends policies on management and development.
- Academic Council composed of President and academic staff, handles curricula, rules, student admission, graduation, and discipline.
Faculty Appointment Guidelines
- Prohibition against discrimination based on political beliefs, gender, ethnicity, religion.
- Faculty appointments subject to Board criteria.
- Prohibition on teaching for or against any religious sect.
Scholarship and Admission
- Scholarship and affirmative programs for poor but deserving students.
- No admission denial based on sex, religion, ethnicity, or culture.
Authority to Loan or Transfer Government Property and Personnel
- Government agencies may loan apparatus, equipment, supplies, and detail personnel as needed by the University without detriment to public service.
Transfer of Assets, Liabilities, Personnel
- All MINSCAT assets, liabilities, personnel, and records transferred to the University.
- Security of tenure for existing faculty and employees maintained.
- Land titled to the University; reversion to the Province if University ceases to exist or land is no longer needed.
Tax Exemptions
- Importation of specified books exempt from customs duties upon CHED certification.
- Donations to the University exempt from donor’s tax and deductible for income tax purposes.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial funding from MINSCAT's current appropriations.
- Future funding included in the General Appropriations Act.
Development Plan and Management Audit
- Within 120 days, the University must submit a 5-year development plan, undergo a management audit, and establish organizational and academic structure.
Reporting Requirements
- Annual report filed by the Board with the President of the Philippines, CHED, and Congress on progress and needs.
Governing Laws and Policies
- RA 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997) applies as part of the University charter.
- Powers and functions similar to other state universities apply to the University and its officials.
Implementation and Compliance
- Board in consultation with CHED to formulate implementing guidelines.
- Conversion into a state university effective only upon CHED’s certification of compliance with university requirements.
- Operational requirements include Level III accreditation for programs, qualified faculty ratios, adequate facilities, research output, community linkages, and academic policies.
- Institution retains prior status until compliance or January 1, 2016 deadline.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Separability: invalidity of any provision does not affect the rest.
- Repealing clause: laws inconsistent with the Act are repealed or modified.
- Effectivity: takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers.