General Mandate
- Provide advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction.
- Fields covered: education, agricultural technology, agribusiness management, industrial technology, arts and sciences, forestry, health sciences, IT, and related areas.
- Engage in research, extension services, and leadership in Abra and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Curricular Programs
- Offer short-term technical vocational, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs.
- Fields include agricultural technology, forestry, IT, education, engineering, among others.
- Supervise a laboratory senior high school and elementary school under the College of Education.
Administration and Corporate Powers
- The university has corporate powers under the Corporation Code of the Philippines.
- Corporate powers vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the University President.
Board of Regents Composition
- Chaired by CHED Chairperson and co-chaired by University President.
- Members include Senate and House committee chairpersons on higher education, regional directors of NEDA, DOST, DA, presidents of faculty, student and alumni federations, and two prominent private sector citizens.
- Private sector members appointed for 2-year terms based on qualifications assessed by a search committee.
- Federation presidents serve coterminously with their respective terms.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Formulate policies aligned with constitutional and government education policies.
- Approve curricula and rules of discipline.
- Appoint university officials and employees.
- Fix salaries and grant leaves subject to law and due process.
- Set tuition and fees; create special trust funds with generated income to support university programs.
- Implement socialized tuition schemes for poor but deserving students.
- Establish professorial chairs, fellowships, scholarships.
- Receive and appropriate funding and donations.
- Regulate admissions, graduation, and award honorary degrees.
- Establish research and extension centers.
- Develop linkages and academic arrangements domestically and internationally.
- Adopt innovative education delivery methods.
- Collaborate with other state universities and absorb other institutions.
- Authorize external management audits and institute reforms.
- Engage in joint ventures and manage assets.
- Grant extensions for the University President, delegate powers, and privatize certain services when beneficial.
- Authorize construction, repairs, and property acquisition.
- Promulgate necessary rules and regulations.
Meetings of the Board
- Regular meetings every three months; special meetings may be called.
- Quorum requires majority presence including Chairperson or University President.
- Board members serve without salary but may be reimbursed for actual expenses.
- Authorized representatives may attend if primary members are absent.
University President
- Appointed full-time for a 4-year term, eligible for reappointment.
- First President shall be the incumbent ASIST President for 2 years transition plus possible reappointment for 4 years.
- President’s salary aligned with Salary Standardization Law and comparable institutions.
- Assisted by Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Administration, and Research, appointed by the Board.
Secretary and Treasurer
- Secretary appointed by the Board to serve both University and Board, handles records and notices.
- Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex officio Treasurer of the University.
Administrative and Academic Councils
- Administrative Council chaired by University President, includes Vice Presidents, Deans, and Directors.
- Academic Council includes President and academic staff (assistant professor rank and above).
- Academic Council formulates academic policies, curricular offerings, admission and graduation requirements, and exercises student disciplinary power.
Campus Directors
- Appointed full-time administrators of respective campuses.
- Incumbent Campus Directors of ASIST continue upon new law's effectivity.
Faculty Appointment
- No discrimination based on political belief, gender, culture, or religion.
- Appointments subject to Board guidelines.
- Faculty shall not promote or oppose any religious sect.
Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
- Guaranteed pursuant to the Philippine Constitution.
Scholarships and Admission
- Provide scholarships and affirmative action for poor deserving students.
- Admission shall not be denied due to gender, religion, disability, or ethnic origin.
Loan or Transfer of Government Resources
- Heads of bureaus may loan equipment, supplies, or detail personnel to University upon request.
- Detailed employees’ time counts as regular service.
Transfer of Assets, Personnel, and Records
- All ASIST assets, liabilities, personnel, and records transferred to the University.
- Positions and tenure of personnel respected; incumbents remain until Board decides.
- Government-owned lands occupied by ASIST now University property.
- Land reverts to government if University ceases to exist or no longer needs it.
Tax Exemptions
- Importation of economic, technical, and cultural books exempt from customs duties upon CHED certification.
- Donations and grants used exclusively by the University are exempt from donor’s tax and deductible from donor’s gross income.
Compliance with CHED University Status Requirements
- University status effective only upon CHED’s determination based on compliance with standards.
- Requirements include faculty qualifications, comprehensive degree programs, active research output, adequate learning resources, international research linkages, and outreach activities.
- ASIST retains prior status until compliance.
- CHED to provide technical assistance and monitor compliance.
Development Plan and Organizational Setup
- Within 120 days, submit 5-year development plan and budget to CHED and DBM.
- Establish organizational, administrative, and academic structure including appointments.
- Undergo management audit in coordination with CHED.
Reporting
- Annual report filed by the Board on university progress and needs to the Office of the President, CHED, and Congress.
Governing Law and Powers
- Republic Act No. 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act) applies as part of the governing charter.
- All applicable powers and responsibilities under existing laws are granted or imposed as appropriate.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial funding charged against ASIST’s current appropriations.
- Subsequent funding included in General Appropriations Act.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Board to formulate rules within 60 days of effectivity, in consultation with CHED.
Separability, Repealing, and Effectivity
- Invalid provisions do not affect remainder of Act.
- Conflicting laws and regulations repealed or modified.
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.