General Mandate
- The University shall provide advanced education and training in varied fields including education, agricultural technology, business, engineering, health sciences, IT, and more.
- It shall undertake research, extension services, and leadership in its specializations.
Academic Freedom and Autonomy
- The University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy as guaranteed under the Philippine Constitution.
Curricular Offerings
- Offers undergraduate to postgraduate programs and short courses in agriculture, sciences, social sciences, law, arts, tourism, maritime, technology, education, communication, health, management, and other relevant fields.
- Can operate a laboratory school under its College of Education.
University Administration
- Has general corporate powers under the Corporation Code.
- Administration and corporate powers are vested in the Board of Regents and University President.
Governing Board Composition
- Composed of CHED Chairperson (Chair), University President (Vice Chair), committee chairpersons from Senate and House, regional representatives from NEDA and DOST, federation presidents of faculty, students, alumni, and two prominent private citizens.
- Terms for federation presidents are coterminous; private citizens serve two years.
Powers and Duties of Board of Regents
- Policy-making in education, agriculture, science, technology respecting state policies and CHED standards.
- Rule-making, fund management, importing books, receiving donations.
- Setting tuition fees and charges, management of income as a special trust fund.
- Authorize construction, appoint officials and faculty, set salaries and leaves, approve curricula, admissions, and graduation policies.
- Award honorary degrees and certificates.
- Establish branches and research centers.
- Collaborate with other universities and enter joint ventures with business and LGUs.
- Adopt innovative education modes and privatize non-academic services.
- Extend President's term beyond retirement age if performance is outstanding.
Meetings of the Board
- Regular quarterly meetings; special meetings upon notice.
- Quorum requires majority including Chair or University President.
- CHED Chairperson may designate representative; committee chairpersons may also appoint representatives.
- Board members serve without salary but may be reimbursed for expenses.
University President
- Appointed by the Board for a 4-year term, renewable once.
- Incumbent college president may serve as first university president if qualified.
- Powers include those common to university presidents and those delegated by the Board.
- Assisted by Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and Administration.
Secretary and Treasurer
- Secretary appointed by Board to keep records and notify meetings.
- Treasurer of the Philippines acts as ex officio Treasurer of the University.
Administrative and Academic Councils
- Administrative Council: President as Chair; reviews policies on administration and management.
- Academic Council: President as Chair; composed of academic staff; reviews curricula, admission, graduation, and discipline policies.
Faculty Appointment
- No discrimination based on political, belief, gender, cultural, ethnic, or religious grounds.
- Faculty shall not teach for or against any religious sect.
Scholarship and Admission Policy
- Provides scholarships and affirmative action for deserving but poor students.
- No admission denial based on gender, religion, culture, or ethnicity.
Loan or Transfer of Government Resources
- Government agencies may loan or transfer apparatus, equipment, supplies, and detail personnel to the University.
Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel
- Transfer of all assets, liabilities, personnel, and records from the former college to the University.
- Security of tenure respected for existing employees.
- Government lands occupied are University property; reversion to LGUs if unused.
Regular Reporting
- Annual progressive report to the Office of the President, CHED, and Congress.
Application of Higher Education Modernization Act
- Republic Act No. 8292 applies supplementarily to this Act.
Compliance with CHED Requirements
- Conversion to university status effective only upon CHED declaration based on expert panel assessment.
- Must meet operational requirements including qualified faculty, comprehensive programs, viable research, learning resources, global linkages, and outreach.
- Institution retains prior status until compliance.
Parity Clause
- University and officials have powers, functions, privileges, and responsibilities as other state universities.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Board to formulate implementing rules within 60 days from effectivity.
Separability Clause
- Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder of the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Laws and regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.