Law Summary
Educational Scope and Objectives
- The University shall provide vocational, technical, industrial, technological, and professional education.
- Programs will lead to certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
- Role in applied research, technology transfer, and support for small and medium enterprises is emphasized.
Governing Body Composition
- The Board of Regents is the governing body.
- Composed of the Minister of Education and Culture (Chairman), University President (Vice-Chairman), a NEDA representative, two appointed prominent citizens (one from alumni), appointed by the President of the Philippines.
- Members serve staggered terms of two and four years initially, then four years subsequently.
Board of Regents Functions and Policy Alignment
- Must conform to national education policies from the National Board of Education and NEDA programs.
- The Minister of Education and Culture ensures policies are adopted and observed.
Specific Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents
- Enact rules and regulations consistent with law.
- Manage funds appropriated for the University.
- Import duty-free essential educational commodities unavailable locally.
- Accept and administer donations, legacies, and gifts exempt from taxes.
- Approve curricula, confer degrees, award honorary degrees and certificates.
- Confirm significant appointments and fix compensation and conditions.
- Establish chairs, fellowships, and scholarships.
- Fix tuition and impose fees, managing them as a special trust fund.
- Authorize construction, repair, and procurement.
Meeting Procedures and Legal Service
- Quorum requires majority including either the Minister of Education and Culture or the University President acting as presiding officer.
- Legal processes against the University served on the University President or representative.
Compensation of Regents
- Regents receive no compensation but are reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses.
University President
- Headed by a President appointed by the Philippine President for a six-year term, renewable once.
- Must be qualified and appointed after consultation with the Board of Regents and Minister of Education and Culture.
- Minister can designate an officer-in-charge during any vacancy.
- President possesses typical university president powers and those specified by the decree.
Administrative and Academic Councils
- Administrative Council composed of President, vice-president, deans, directors, and equivalent officials; responsible for administration and development planning.
- Academic Council includes the President and all professors; controls curricula, rules, discipline, admissions, and recommendations for degrees, subject to the Board of Regents.
- The Academic Council holds disciplinary power over students within approved regulations.
Faculty Appointment and Religious Neutrality
- Faculty exempt from civil service examination requirements.
- No religious tests or inquiries in appointment.
- Faculty prohibited from promoting religious beliefs or sects.
Non-Discrimination on Admission
- No student shall be denied admission based on sex, nationality, religion, or political affiliation.
Financial Management and Auditing
- The Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex-officio treasurer.
- Accounts and expenses audited by the Commission on Audit.
Reporting Requirements
- Annual detailed report on University’s progress, conditions, and needs submitted to the Office of the President through the Minister of Education and Culture.
Implementation and Property
- The Minister of Education and Culture tasked with implementation.
- Transfer of all physical properties, including buildings and land within designated boundaries, to the University.
- Additional ten hectares to be proclaimed for expansion.
Appropriations and Continuity
- Necessary funds for operation and expansion to be authorized under the General Appropriations Law.
- All college faculty and staff to be absorbed by the University.
- Incumbent college president to serve as first University president.
Repeal and Effectivity
- Laws and regulations inconsistent with this decree are repealed or modified.
- Decree takes effect immediately upon signing.