General Mandate
- The University shall provide advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction in agriculture, fisheries, engineering, arts and sciences, education, business, health sciences, and related fields.
- It shall conduct research, extension services, and production activities supporting socioeconomic development of Misamis Occidental.
- It shall provide progressive leadership in its specializations.
Academic Freedom and Autonomy
- UNM shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy as mandated by the Philippine Constitution.
Curricular Offerings
- The University shall offer undergraduate, graduate, and short-term courses aligned with its specialization and capabilities.
- The existing high school will be transferred to DepEd but may remain temporarily on campus until current students graduate.
- The University may operate a laboratory school under its College of Education.
Administration and Corporate Powers
- UNM shall have general corporate powers under the Corporation Code of the Philippines.
- Administration and exercise of corporate powers shall be vested in the Board of Regents and the University President.
Governing Board Composition
- Chaired by the CHED Chairperson and co-chaired by the University President.
- Members include Senate and House Education Committee Chairpersons, regional directors of NEDA, Agriculture, DOST, federations’ presidents (faculty, student, alumni), two prominent private citizens, and CHED Chairperson.
- Term of appointed private sector members is two years.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Formulate policies according to State and CHED guidelines.
- Regulate fees and appropriations; authorize contracts, loans, acquisition of property.
- Establish research centers, approve curricula, set policies on admission/graduation and discipline.
- Enter into partnerships with LGUs, industries, other universities.
- Privilege to award honorary degrees, establish professorial chairs, and grant scholarships.
- Delegate powers to expedite University affairs.
- Conduct management audits and implement reforms.
- Retain income from tuition and related charges in a special trust fund.
Board Meetings and Quorum
- Hold regular meetings every three months; special meetings as needed.
- A majority constitutes a quorum provided CHED Chairperson or President is present.
- Members do not receive salary but are reimbursed for expenses.
The University President
- Appointed by the Board, serves a four-year term, eligible for reappointment.
- First President is the incumbent NMSCST President to ensure smooth transition.
- Powers include general supervision, budget preparation, contract signing, disciplinary authority, and policy implementation.
- May delegate functions to other University officials.
- May appoint vice presidents upon Board approval.
Offices under the President
- Includes Offices of Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Research and Extension, Finance and Management, Administrative Services, Center for ICT.
- Staff offices include University and Board Secretary, Executive Assistants, Planning and Development.
Secretary and Treasurer
- Board appoints Secretary for record-keeping and notices; Treasurer of the Philippines acts as ex officio Treasurer.
Administrative and Academic Councils
- Administrative Council reviews policies, chaired by the President.
- Academic Council, also chaired by the President, recommends curricula, admission, graduation requirements, and handles student discipline.
Faculty Appointment and Non-Discrimination
- Appointment free from political, gender, cultural, ethnic, or religious bias.
- Faculty members prohibited from promoting or opposing any church or religious sect.
Scholarship and Admission Policy
- Scholarship and affirmative action programs for poor but deserving students.
- No denial of admission based on gender, religion, cultural origin, or ethnicity.
Authority to Borrow and Resource Sharing
- Presidential requests allow borrowing of apparatus, equipment, personnel from national government bureaus.
- LGUs may fund infrastructure, scholarships, and research support.
Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel
- All assets, liabilities, employees and records of NMSCST transferred to University.
- Security of tenure for faculty and personnel respected.
- Land titled to University; reverts to LGUs if University ceases to exist or no longer needs it.
Tax Exemptions
- Importation of educational materials exempt from customs duties upon CHED/TESDA certification.
- Gifts and donations exempt from donor’s tax and deductible from donor’s taxable income.
Appropriations
- Initial funding charged to NMSCST fiscal allocations.
- Future funding from the annual General Appropriations Act.
Development Plan and Audit
- University to submit five-year development plan, undergo management audit, and set organizational structure within 120 days.
Annual Reporting
- Board must file yearly detailed report on progress and needs to the President, CHED, and Congress.
Compliance with CHED Standards for University Status
- Conversion effective only upon CHED declaration of compliance with university requirements including qualified faculty, comprehensive programs, viable research, learning resources, global affiliations, and outreach activities.
Implementing Rules
- Board to formulate implementing rules within 60 days from effectivity.
Separability and Repealing Clauses
- Invalidity of one provision does not affect others.
- Existing laws inconsistent with the Act are repealed or modified.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.