Law Summary
General Mandate
- BSAU shall provide advanced instruction and professional training in fields such as agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine, agricultural and geodetic engineering, fisheries, education, science and technology, arts and humanities, ICT, and other relevant areas.
- It shall also conduct research, extension services, and production activities supporting socioeconomic development in Bulacan and Region III.
Curricular Offerings
- BSAU will offer undergraduate and graduate programs aligned with its competencies and regional human resource needs.
- A senior high school laboratory will continue under the College of Education's supervision.
Administration
- BSAU has corporate powers similar to those in the Revised Corporation Code.
- These powers are vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the President.
Board of Regents Composition
- Chaired by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson, co-chaired by the BSAU President.
- Members include Senate and House Education Committee Chairpersons, regional directors from NEDA, DOST, DA, presidents of faculty, student, alumni federations, and two distinguished private sector citizens.
- Private sector members appointed for two-year terms, selected from qualified Bulacan residents via a search committee.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Policy formulation in line with state educational policies and CHED standards.
- Approves curricula, instructional programs, and student discipline rules.
- Appoints key officials and faculty upon President’s recommendation.
- Sets salaries, grants leaves, and may remove personnel with due process.
- Fixes tuition and fees; these funds form special trust funds to be used for the university’s purposes.
- Adopts socialized tuition schemes per the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
- Establishes professorial chairs, scholarships, and fellowships.
- Receives and manages appropriations and donations.
- Sets policies on student admission and graduation.
- Awards honorary degrees and nondegree certifications.
- Can establish research/extension centers, collaborate with local and foreign institutions, adopt innovative teaching methods, and manage branches or extensions.
- Conducts external audits and implements reforms.
- May enter joint ventures, receive donations, and privatize nonacademic services.
- Authorized to manage properties, facilities construction, and promulgate necessary rules.
Board Meetings
- Convened quarterly; special meetings can be called with three days’ notice.
- Quorum requires majority including either the CHED Chairperson or BSAU President.
- Members receive no salary but are reimbursed for actual expenses.
University President
- Appointed for a 4-year term, re-appointable, recommended by a search committee.
- The incumbent BASC President, if qualified, serves as first BSAU President.
- President must render full-time service and is assisted by three Vice Presidents.
- Salary follows the Salary Standardization Law and comparable to presidents of similar institutions.
- An Officer-in-Charge will serve temporarily in case of vacancy.
University Secretary and Treasurer
- Secretary appointed by Board to keep records and notify members.
- Treasurer of the Philippines serves ex officio as BSAU Treasurer.
Administrative and Academic Councils
- Administrative Council reviews policies on management and development.
- Academic Council, headed by the President, formulates academic policies, sets admission/graduation requirements, and disciplinary rules, subject to Board approval.
Heads of University Campuses
- Campus Directors appointed by the Board to manage campuses; incumbents continue service upon conversion.
Faculty Appointment Policies
- No discrimination based on political belief, gender, culture, ethnicity, or religion.
- Faculty appointments subject to Board qualifications.
- Faculty prohibited from teaching for or against any religious sect.
Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
- BSAU enjoys academic freedom and autonomy as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Scholarships and Admission
- Provides scholarships to poor but deserving students.
- Admission policies prohibit discrimination based on gender, religion, culture, or ethnicity.
Loan or Transfer of Resources and Personnel
- National government agencies may loan equipment and detail personnel to BSAU upon request.
- Detailed personnel perform duties under BSAU President's supervision.
Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel Transition
- All BASC assets, liabilities, personnel, and records transfer to BSAU.
- Existing faculty and personnel retain positions and tenure.
- Government lands occupied by BASC are vested in BSAU and titled accordingly.
- Property reverts to LGU or Republic if BSAU ceases operations.
Tax Exemptions
- Importation of educational books/publications for economic, technical, or cultural purposes exempt from customs duties with CHED certification.
- Donations and grants to BSAU for educational use exempt from donor’s tax.
Compliance with CHED University Requirements
- Conversion effective only upon CHED declaration confirming compliance with CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, series 2012 standards.
- Requirements include qualified permanent faculty, comprehensive degree programs, viable research outputs, learning resources, international linkages, and community outreach.
- CHED will provide technical assistance and monitor compliance.
- BASC retains prior status until compliance is achieved.
Initial Development and Structural Setup
- Within 120 days of the Act, BSAU must:
- Submit a 5-year development plan and budget to CHED and DBM.
- Establish organizational, administrative, and academic structures.
- Undergo a management audit with CHED.
Annual Reporting
- Board must submit an annual detailed report on BSAU's needs, conditions, and progress to the President of the Philippines via CHED and to Congress.
Governance Principles
- Republic Act No. 8292 applies as supplemental governance provisions.
- All appropriate powers and responsibilities from existing law apply to BSAU and its officials.
Appropriations
- Funds for initial implementation charged to BASC’s current appropriations.
- Ongoing funding included in the General Appropriations Act.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Board, with CHED, has 60 days after approval to formulate necessary rules and regulations.
Separability and Repealing Clauses
- Invalid provisions do not affect remaining parts of the law.
- Inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The law takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.