Primary Functions and Objectives
- Provision of higher professional and special instruction.
- Promotion of research, extension services, and advanced studies.
- Focus on education and relevant fields like geology and oil exploration.
Academic Programs
- Offers undergraduate and graduate courses in education, arts, sciences, and other needed degree courses.
- Provides short-term technical or vocational courses in specialized areas to address national needs.
Corporate Powers and Administration
- The University possesses general corporate powers under corporation law.
- Administration and corporate powers are vested in the Board of Regents and the University President as authorized.
Governance Structure - Board of Regents
- Governing body composed of:
- Chairman, Commission on Higher Education (Chairman)
- University President (Vice-chairman)
- Chairmen or representatives of Senate and House Education Committees
- Representative from National Economic and Development Authority
- Presidents of faculty association and supreme student council
- Optional members: Presidents of alumni and employee associations, education committee chairmen from local government units
- Ex officio members serve by position; others serve fixed terms.
Policy Formulation and Compliance
- Board to enact and implement policies aligning with state education policies and constitutional mandates on education, science, technology, arts, culture, and sports.
Specific Powers and Duties of the Board
- Enact necessary rules and regulations consistent with law.
- Import duty-free essential educational commodities if unavailable locally.
- Receive and administer legacies, donations, and gifts, tax-exempt and deductible for donors.
- Fix tuition and school fees; such fees constitute special trust funds.
- Authorize infrastructure projects and property acquisitions, exempt from taxes and duties.
- Confirm key administrative appointments.
- Approve curricula, programs, and disciplinary rules.
- Confer academic degrees and honorary degrees; authorize certificates for non-degree courses.
- Establish branches within Palawan when necessary for equitable access.
- Establish academic chairs, fellowships, and scholarships.
Board Meetings and Members' Compensation
- A quorum requires majority including the Chair or University President.
- Regular meetings every two months; special meetings called as necessary.
- Board members receive no salary but may be reimbursed for legitimate expenses.
University President
- Appointed by the President of the Philippines upon Board recommendation.
- Six-year term without reappointment unless retired or removed for cause.
- President serves as chief executive with usual powers.
- Incumbent college president continues as university president until term ends.
- Salary fixed by the Board, comparable to similar institutions.
Retirement Benefits for the President
- Entitled to full retirement benefits according to existing laws.
Administrative Council
- Composed of University President, vice presidents, deans, directors, and equivalents.
- Implements policies on administration, management, and development as approved.
Academic Council
- Composed of the University President and instructional staff ranking assistant professor or higher.
- Prescribes curricular offerings subject to Board approval.
- Sets admission and graduation requirements, subject to Board review.
- Exercises disciplinary powers over students within rules approved by the Board.
University Secretary
- Appointed by the Board upon President's recommendation.
- Acts as Board secretary and maintains University records.
University Treasurer
- The Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex officio treasurer.
Non-Discrimination in Faculty Appointment
- Religious opinion or affiliation shall not influence faculty appointments.
- Faculty must not teach for or against any particular religion.
Non-Discrimination in Student Admission
- No student shall be denied admission based on sex, nationality, religion, or political affiliation.
Academic Freedom
- The University shall enjoy academic freedom.
Reporting Requirements
- Board must submit annual detailed report on University’s progress, conditions, and needs to the Office of the President, Commission on Higher Education, and both Houses of Congress.
Auditing
- University accounts and expenses audited by Commission on Audit or authorized representative.
Government Support
- National government agencies authorized to loan apparatus, equipment, supplies, and detail employees to the University upon request, with time counted as regular service.
Affiliation and Integration of Schools
- University may accept affiliation or integration of existing national schools contributing to its objectives.
- Commission on Higher Education Chairman determines which schools to integrate.
- All assets and obligations of integrated schools transfer to the University.
Transfer of Assets and Personnel
- All assets, records, personnel, and liabilities of the former Palawan State College transferred to the University.
- Positions and tenure rights of personnel preserved.
- Government-owned land used by the College becomes property of the University; reverts to the Province if the University ceases to exist.
Funding and Appropriations
- Initial implementation funded from Palawan State College appropriations.
- Subsequent funding included in the General Appropriations Act.
Repealing Clause
- Conflicting laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations are repealed or amended.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon approval.