Law Summary

1. Conversion of Institution

• Legal Principle: The Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology is officially converted into a state university.
• Key Definitions:
  • Davao Oriental State University: The new name of the institution post-conversion.
• Important Requirements:
  • Includes all existing satellite campuses located in the Province of Davao Oriental.
• Timeframes: Effective immediately upon enactment.

• The main campus is located in Mati City.
• Satellite campuses include Banaybanay, Cateel, and San Isidro.

2. General Mandate

• Legal Principle: The University will provide advanced education and training.
• Key Definitions:
  • Higher Technological Instruction: Education focused on technical fields.
• Important Requirements:
  • Undertake research and extension services.

• Focus areas include education, agriculture, business administration, health sciences, engineering, and more.
• The University will provide leadership in its specialized fields.

3. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy

• Legal Principle: The University enjoys rights under the Philippine Constitution.

• Pursuant to Article XIV of the Constitution, the University has academic freedom.
• Institutional autonomy allows the University to govern itself.

4. Curricular Offerings

• Legal Principle: The University will offer a wide range of programs.
• Key Definitions:
  • Undergraduate and Graduate Programs: Educational programs leading to degrees at various levels.
• Important Requirements:
  • Must align with the needs of Davao Oriental and Region XI.

• Programs include agriculture, business, engineering, health sciences, and more.
• The University may operate a laboratory school under the College of Education.

5. Administration

• Legal Principle: The University operates with corporate powers.
• Key Definitions:
  • Board of Regents: The governing body of the University.
• Important Requirements:
  • The Board has exclusive rights to administer the University.

• The Board adopts policies and oversees financial management.
• Appointments for key administrative positions are made by the Board.

6. Governing Board Composition

• Legal Principle: Composition of the Board of Regents is defined.
• Key Definitions:
  • Chairperson: Head of the Board (CHED Chairperson).

• Members include representatives from the Senate, House of Representatives, and regional agencies.
• Terms of certain members are coterminous with their respective offices.

7. Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents

• Legal Principle: Specific powers and responsibilities of the Board are outlined.

• Powers include policy promulgation, financial management, and curriculum approval.
• The Board can fix tuition and other charges, establish partnerships, and oversee the appointment of faculty.

8. Meetings of the Board

• Legal Principle: Regulations governing Board meetings are established.

• The Board meets quarterly, with special meetings possible upon notice.
• A quorum requires a majority presence, including the Chairperson or President.

9. University President

• Legal Principle: The University is led by a President appointed by the Board.
• Key Definitions:
  • Officer-in-Charge (OIC): Interim leader when the presidency is vacant.

• The President serves a four-year term with eligibility for reappointment.
• Transition provisions for the current president of the College are included.

10. Administrative and Academic Councils

• Legal Principle: Two councils assist in governance and academic matters.

• The Administrative Council reviews policies; the Academic Council oversees curriculum and discipline.
• Both councils must report to the Board for approvals.

11. Faculty and Admissions

• Legal Principle: Non-discrimination policies govern faculty appointments and student admissions.

• Faculty appointments are based on qualifications without bias on personal beliefs or affiliations.
• Admission policies ensure no discrimination based on gender, religion, or ethnicity.

12. Scholarship Program

• Legal Principle: The University must provide scholarships for deserving students.

• Affirmative action programs are mandated to assist economically disadvantaged students.

13. Authority for Resources

• Legal Principle: Government agencies may provide resources to the University.

• Heads of bureaus can loan equipment and detail personnel as needed.

14. Transfer of Assets and Liabilities

• Legal Principle: All assets and personnel from the former college are transferred to the University.

• Security of tenure for existing personnel is maintained post-conversion.
• Properties will revert to local government units if the University ceases to exist.

15. Compliance with CHED Requirements

• Legal Principle: University status is contingent upon meeting CHED standards.

• A panel will verify compliance with educational quality requirements before full implementation.

Key Takeaways

• The Davao Oriental State College has transitioned to the Davao Oriental State University with expanded educational offerings and autonomy.
• The governance structure includes a Board of Regents responsible for administration, curriculum, and financial decisions.
• The institution must comply with CHED standards to fully realize its university status.
• Non-discrimination policies are firmly in place for faculty hiring and student admissions, ensuring equitable access to education.
• The University is tasked with providing scholarships and educational services tailored to the needs of the local community.