Law Summary
General Mandate
- Provide advanced and higher professional education in diverse fields including education, technology, engineering, agriculture, maritime, peace and security.
- Undertake research, extension, and income generation for sustainable regional development.
Curricular Offerings
- Offer undergraduate and graduate courses across various disciplines tailored to local needs.
- Operate an existing laboratory high school under the College of Education.
Administration
- University functions with corporate powers as per the Corporation Code.
- Administration vested in the Board of Regents and the University President.
Governing Board Composition
- Chaired by CHED Chairperson, co-chaired by University President.
- Includes government committee chairpersons, regional directors of NEDA, DOST, DA, and university federation presidents.
- Two private sector prominent citizens appointed by the Board.
- Terms and appointment processes defined for Board members.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Policy-making aligned with constitutional and CHED mandates.
- Approve curricula, appoint officials, fix salaries and fees, and manage revenues.
- Implement socialized tuition schemes.
- Establish academic chairs, research centers, and extension programs.
- Manage assets, enter joint ventures, and authorize construction.
- Conduct management audits and institute reforms.
- Collaborate with local SUCs and LGUs for efficiency and development.
- Delegate powers and promulgate necessary rules.
Board Meetings and Procedures
- Quarterly meetings; special meetings with notice allowed.
- Quorum requires majority including Chairperson or President.
- Provision for CHED Commissioner and committee representatives as proxies.
- Board members receive reimbursements but no salary.
University President
- Full-time President appointed by the Board following a search committee's recommendation.
- Four-year term, eligible for reappointment.
- Incumbent SSC President may serve as first University President if qualified.
- Powers and duties parallel to similar university presidents.
- Assisted by three Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Finance and Administration, and Research.
Campus Heads
- Campus Directors appointed by the Board, continuing incumbents upon transition.
University Secretary
- Appointed by Board, serves as Secretary for both the Board and University.
- Maintains records and issues meeting notices.
University Treasurer
- The Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex officio University Treasurer.
Administrative Council
- Composed of President and senior officials.
- Reviews and recommends policies on administration and development.
Academic Council
- Composed of President and academic staff with rank assistant professor or higher.
- Reviews curricula, discipline rules, admission, graduation requirements.
- Exercises disciplinary power over students.
Faculty Appointment Policy
- Appointment free from discrimination based on political beliefs, gender, cultural or ethnic origins, religion.
- Faculty prohibited from promoting religious sects.
Scholarship and Admission
- Scholarships for poor but deserving students.
- No discrimination on admission grounds of sex, religion, political or cultural affiliation, ethnic origin.
Authority to Borrow Equipment and Detail Personnel
- National bureaus/offices may loan equipment/supplies and detail employees to the University.
- Detailed employees' service time counts as regular service.
Transfer of Assets, Liabilities and Personnel
- SSC assets, liabilities, personnel transferred to the University.
- Existing employment rights and positions respected.
- Government land titled in University name; reverts if unused or University abolished.
Tax Exemption
- Importation of books and publications for educational purposes exempt from customs duties with CHED and TESDA certification.
Development Plan and Audit
- Within 120 days, University must submit 5-year development plan, undergo management audit, and set organizational structure.
Appropriations
- Initial funding from SSC's current appropriations; subsequent funding included in annual General Appropriations Act.
Annual Reporting
- Board to submit detailed annual progress report to the President and Congress through CHED.
Compliance and Effectivity
- University status effective only upon CHED certification of compliance with university requirements.
- Until then, maintains previous status.
Supplementary Laws
- Higher Education Modernization Act provisions integral to University governance.
Parity Clause
- Powers and responsibilities applicable to other state universities apply to Sorsogon State University.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Rules to be formulated within 60 days of effectivity in consultation with CHED.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect remaining provisions.
Repealing Clause
- Laws inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication.