Conversion of Camarines Sur State Agricultural College

General Mandate

CBSUA shall primarily provide advanced instruction and research in agriculture and allied technological sciences.
Additional focus includes education, arts, and related sciences.
The University shall engage in extension and development programs.
It shall provide leadership in agricultural, environmental, and technological development in the Bicol Region.

Curricular Offerings

The University may offer undergraduate and graduate courses in agriculture, environmental management, engineering, education, arts, sciences, and other related courses.
New degree programs require prior approval from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the University’s Board of Regents.
Existing high school under the State Agricultural College shall be transferred to the Department of Education (DepED).
The high school may remain on campus until current students graduate.
The University may operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education.

Administration and Corporate Powers

CBSUA shall possess the general corporate powers as prescribed under the Corporation Code of the Philippines (Batas Pambansa Blg. 68).
Administration and exercise of corporate powers are vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the University President.

Governing Board Composition

The Board of Regents constitutes the governing board.
Members include the CHED Chairperson (Chair), University President (Vice Chair), Congressional Committee Chairpersons on Education, regional directors of NEDA and Department of Agriculture, presidents of faculty, student council, alumni association, and two prominent private sector citizens.
Private sector members are appointed from a shortlist recommended by a search committee and serve for two years.
Terms of faculty, student, and alumni representatives coincide with their respective leadership terms.

Policy Promulgation and Implementation

The Board shall formulate policies aligned with State policies on education, agriculture, science and technology.
CHED standards and thrusts under Republic Act No. 7722 (Higher Education Act of 1994) shall guide these policies.

Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents

Promulgate rules and regulations to fulfill University functions.
Appropriate funds for University support and operations.
Import duty-free educational books/publications certified by CHED.
Receive and administer legacies, gifts, and donations exempt from donor’s tax.
Set tuition and fees after consultative process.
Operate fees and government subsidies as special trust funds.
Adopt socialized tuition schemes for poor but deserving students.
Approve construction, acquisitions, and repair of University properties.
Appoint officials including Vice Presidents, deans, faculty, and staff upon recommendation.
Fix and adjust salaries per applicable compensation laws and grant leaves.
Approve curricula, admission and graduation policies, and disciplinary rules.
Award honorary degrees and certificates of completion for nondegree courses.
Establish and absorb nonchartered tertiary institutions as branches/centers.
Create University research and extension centers.
Establish professional chairs and award fellowships, scholarships.
Delegate powers to the President or officials to expedite management.
Authorize external management audits and institute reforms.
Collaborate with other state universities for restructuring and efficiency.
Enter joint ventures with industries for University development.
Develop local and foreign academic partnerships.
Promote modern educational modes like ICT, distance education.
Ensure participatory governance and transparency.
Privatize nonacademic services if advantageous.
Extend University President’s term beyond retirement age under conditions.

Board Meeting Procedures

The Board meets quarterly and may hold up to two special meetings annually.
Quorum requires a majority including the CHED Chairperson or University President.
The CHED Chair may designate a Commissioner to act as Chair with full authority.
Congressional education committee chairs may send representatives.
Board members serve without salaries but may be reimbursed for expenses.

Office of the University President

The President is the full-time chief executive appointed for a 4-year term, renewable.
The incumbent president of the Agricultural College becomes the initial University President.
A Search Committee is constituted six months before the term ends.
Vacancies are filled by an Officer-in-Charge pending new appointment.
The President’s salary aligns with compensation for similar university presidents.
Vice Presidents are appointed upon the President’s recommendation.

Academic Council

Composed of the University President (Chair) and academic staff at or above assistant professor rank.
Reviews and recommends curricula, disciplinary rules.
Fixes admission and graduation requirements subject to Board approval.
Holds disciplinary power over students and formulates academic policies.

University Secretary and Treasurer

The Board appoints a Secretary who serves both Board and University, maintaining records and notices.
The Treasurer of the Philippines is the ex officio Treasurer of the University.

Faculty Employment Principles

Hiring is free from inquiry into political beliefs, gender, culture, religion, or ethnicity.
Appointment subject to Board-set standards.
Faculty shall not promote or oppose any religious sect in teaching.

Scholarship and Admissions

The University shall provide scholarships and affirmative action to assist deserving poor students.
Admission cannot be denied on account of sex, religion, cultural or ethnic background.

Academic Freedom and Autonomy

The University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy guaranteed by the Constitution (Article XIV, Section 5(2)).

Authority to Loan Government Equipment and Personnel

National government agencies may loan apparatus, equipment, and detail employees to the University.
Such services count as part of regular employment service.

Transfer of Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel

All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of the former Agricultural College transfer to the University.
Faculty and personnel rights and tenure are respected.
Government land occupied by the former College is titled to the University.
Land reverts to government if the University ceases or no longer needs it.

Appropriations for University Operations

Initial funding charged to the current Agricultural College’s appropriations, excluding high school operations.
Subsequent funding included in the General Appropriations Act.

Development Plan and Organizational Setup

Within 120 days, the University shall:
- Submit a 5-year development plan and budget to CHED for DBM recommendation.
- Undergo a management audit with CHED.
- Establish organizational, administrative, and academic structures including key official appointments.

CHED Monitoring and Compliance

CHED regularly monitors the University’s compliance with requirements for university status.
Noncompliance can lead to recommendations for revocation of status to Congressional committees.

Annual Reporting

The Board must file an annual report by the 15th day of the second month after regular classes start.
Report submitted to the President, CHED Chairperson, and both houses of Congress.

Supplementary Provisions

The Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8292) applies as part of the University’s governing charter.

Parity Clause

Powers, functions, responsibilities, and limitations applicable to other state universities are granted or imposed on this University as appropriate.

Rulemaking and Implementation

The Board, in consultation with CHED, shall formulate implementing rules and regulations.

Separability and Repealing Clauses

Any invalid or unconstitutional provisions do not affect the remaining parts of the Act.
Conflicting laws, decrees, or regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity

The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.