General Mandate
- Provide advanced education and professional training in maritime education, shipping, administration, science and technology, environmental education, sports management, engineering, and allied fields.
- Conduct research, extension, and production services supporting the development of Leyte province.
- Serve as a progressive leader in its specialization areas.
Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
- The University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy under the Philippine Constitution (Article XIV, Section 5(2)).
Curricular Offerings
- Offer undergraduate and graduate programs in maritime education, shipping administration, philosophy, arts and sciences, teacher education, agriculture, forestry, engineering, architecture, industrial and technological education, ICT, hotel and restaurant management, trades, and nontraditional courses.
- May establish a laboratory school if it has a College of Education.
Administration and Governing Board
- The University has corporate powers under the Corporation Code of the Philippines.
- Administered by a Board of Regents and the University President.
- Board composition includes:
- CHED Chairperson (Chair)
- University President (Vice Chair)
- Senate and House Education Committee Chairpersons
- Regional Directors of NEDA and DOST
- Presidents of faculty, student, and alumni federations
- Two distinguished private-sector citizens appointed by the Board for two-year terms.
Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents
- Formulate policies consistent with state and CHED mandates.
- Enact necessary rules and regulations.
- Manage finances, including tuition fees, donations, and government subsidies.
- Authorize construction, repair, purchase of property, appointment of officials, salary fixes, academic program approvals, and set admission and graduation policies.
- Award honorary degrees and certificates for non-degree programs.
- Establish branches, research centers, professorial chairs, scholarships, and linkages with government and private entities.
- Delegate powers to expedite governance and authorize management audits.
- Collaborate with other state universities and enter joint ventures for asset development.
- Promote modern educational methods such as ICT and distance learning.
- Implement policies for transparency and privatize nonacademic services when beneficial.
- Extend the University President's term up to age 70 upon outstanding performance.
Meetings of the Board
- Regular meetings every three months.
- Chair may call up to two special meetings within this period.
- Quorum requires majority including either the Chairperson of CHED or the University President.
- CHED Chairperson may designate a Commissioner as representative or regular Chair.
- Compensation limited to reimbursement for expenses.
University President
- Appointed by the Board, serves a four-year term, eligible for one reappointment.
- Incumbent PIT President serves as interim President, appointment of new President within three months.
- In case of vacancy, Board appoints Officer-in-Charge for remaining term.
- Assisted by Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Administration, and Research, Extension, and External Affairs.
- Salary conforms to existing compensation guidelines.
Secretary and Treasurer
- Secretary appointed by Board serves both Board and University, term coterminous with President.
- Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex officio University Treasurer.
Councils: Administrative and Academic
- Administrative Council includes key officials and assists in policy recommendations for management.
- Academic Council comprises the President and academic staff ranks assistant professor or higher authority over curricular and disciplinary matters.
Faculty Appointment
- Selection free from discrimination relating to political beliefs, gender, cultural or religious affiliations.
- Faculty must comply with Board guidelines.
- No teaching for or against any religious sect.
Heads of University Campuses
- Campus Directors appointed by the Board upon the President's recommendation.
- Incumbent external campus director may continue for a term determined by the Board.
Scholarship and Admission Policies
- Scholarship programs and affirmative actions for deserving poor students.
- Admission free from discrimination by gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, political beliefs, cultural affiliation, or physical disability.
Authority to Loan or Transfer Equipment and Personnel
- Heads of bureaus and offices authorized to loan apparatus, equipment, supplies, and detail employees to the University upon request.
- Time served by detailed employees counted as regular service.
Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel Transfer
- All assets, records, liabilities, and personnel from PIT and MRVNPC transferred to the University.
- Faculty members' tenure and rights preserved.
- Government lands belonging to PIT and MRVNPC transferred to University; reverts to Leyte province if University ceases to exist or land is not needed.
Tax Exemptions
- Importation of specified books and publications by the University exempt from customs duties upon CHED certification.
- Donations exempt from donor’s tax and deductible from donor’s gross income.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial funding charged against PIT and MRVNPC budgets.
- Subsequent funding included in annual General Appropriations Act.
Development Planning and Audit
- Within 120 days post-approval, the University must:
- Submit a 5-year development plan and budget to CHED and DBM.
- Undergo a management audit with CHED cooperation.
- Establish organizational, administrative, and academic structures.
Reporting
- Annual detailed report on progress, condition, and needs filed with Office of the President, CHED, and Congress.
Supplatory Application and Parity Clause
- RA 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act) applies to PPSU.
- University enjoys the same powers and responsibilities as other state universities.
Compliance with CHED University Requirements
- PPSU status effective only after CHED panel determines compliance based on:
- At least four Level III accredited undergraduate programs (including liberal arts and sciences) and two graduate programs.
- Qualified faculty-student ratio.
- Adequate library and laboratories.
- Practical, commercial research output.
- Effective linkages and community outreach.
- Relevant academic policies and processes.
- Transition period allowed until January 1, 2016.
Rulemaking and Implementation
- Board to formulate implementing rules and regulations in consultation with CHED.
Severability and Repealing Clauses
- Invalid provisions do not affect the rest of the Act.
- Inconsistent laws and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.