General Mandate of the University
- Provides advanced education, professional instruction, and training particularly in agriculture/fisheries, animal science, forestry, education, computer studies, engineering, arts and sciences.
- Promotes research, extension services, and leadership in its areas of specialization.
Curricular Offerings
- Offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in specialized fields.
- Provides short-term technical or diploma courses in agricultural technology.
- Maintains a laboratory school under the College of Education at the main campus.
University Administration
- Holds corporate powers analogous to a corporation under the Corporation Code of the Philippines.
- Administration vested in the Board of Regents and University President.
Governing Board Composition
- Board of Regents composed of CHED Chairperson (Chair), University President (Vice Chair), congressional education committee chairpersons, regional directors of NEDA and DA, and selected representatives from faculty, student councils, alumni, and private citizens.
- Private sector members appointed from a recommended list; terms vary by position.
Policy Promulgation and Compliance
- Board issues policies respecting constitutional mandates, state education policies, and CHED standards.
Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents
- Promulgate rules and regulations; manage finances and appropriations.
- Import books; receive and administer donations.
- Fix tuition and fees; adopt socialized tuition schemes.
- Authorize construction and acquisition of properties.
- Appoint university officials and employees.
- Approve curricula and academic policies; set admission and graduation requirements.
- Award honorary degrees and certificates; establish branches and research centers.
- Delegate powers to expedite operations.
- Conduct management audits and institute reforms.
- Collaborate with other universities and enter joint ventures.
- Promote academic innovation and participative governance.
- Privatize nonacademic services where beneficial.
- Extend University President's term beyond retirement age under conditions.
Board Meetings
- Regular meetings quarterly; special meetings may be called with notice.
- Quorum requires majority including CHED Chair or designee and University President.
- Members serve without salary but may receive expense reimbursements.
University President
- Full-time appointment by Board; initial term four years, renewable once.
- Incumbent State College President may serve as first University President.
- Search committee constituted to recommend candidates.
- Powers include usual presidential functions and delegated duties.
- Salary aligned with similar positions under government compensation schemes.
- Assisted by Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and Administration.
Heads of University Campuses
- Each extension campus led by a Campus Administrator, appointed by the Board.
- Incumbent College Administrators to continue as Campus Administrators.
Administrative and Academic Councils
- Administrative Council: Reviews and recommends policies on administration and development.
- Academic Council: Composed of President and academic staff; responsible for curricular and disciplinary recommendations and academic policies.
University Secretary and Treasurer
- Secretary appointed by Board to handle records and proceedings.
- Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex officio University Treasurer.
Faculty Appointments
- Appointment free from discrimination on political, gender, cultural, ethnic, or religious grounds.
- Faculty prohibited from promoting or opposing any particular religion.
Scholarship and Admission Policies
- Scholarship and affirmative action programs for poor but deserving students.
- No admission discrimination based on gender, religion, culture, or ethnicity.
Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
- University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy as mandated by the Constitution.
Loan or Transfer of Government Apparatus and Personnel
- National government agencies authorized to loan equipment and detail employees to the University as needed.
- Time worked counted as regular service.
Transfer of Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel
- All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of the former State College transferred to the University.
- Rights and security of tenure of current employees preserved.
- University holds government-owned land parcels; reversion rules apply if land is no longer needed.
Tax Exemptions on Importations and Donations
- Importation of books and publications for economic, technical, scientific, or cultural purposes exempt from customs duties with CHED certification.
- Donations to the University exempt from donor’s tax and deductible in income tax computations.
Appropriations
- Necessary funds charged initially against the current college appropriation.
- Future funding included in annual General Appropriations Act.
Development Plan and Management Audit
- Within 120 days post-approval, University to submit a five-year development plan.
- To undergo management audit and establish organizational and academic structure accordingly.
Reporting Requirements
- Annual report on progress and needs submitted to the Office of the President, CHED Chairperson, and Congress.
Supplemental Application
- Higher Education Modernization Act provisions apply integrally to the University.
Parity Clause
- Powers and functions granted to other state universities apply to the University as appropriate.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Board, in consultation with CHED, charged with guideline formulation for law implementation.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is invalidated, remaining provisions remain effective.
Repealing Clause
- Conflicting laws, orders, and regulations repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity Clause
- Act effective 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.