General Mandate
- Provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training.
- Focus areas include fisheries, agriculture, forestry, science, education, commerce, engineering, tourism, and related fields.
- Engage in research, extension services, and provide leadership relevant to marine and land-based resources.
Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
- University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy as per the Philippine Constitution, Article XIV, Section 5, paragraph 2.
Curricular Offerings
- Provide occupation-oriented, industry-based baccalaureate ladder-type curricula and graduate programs.
- Offer courses aligned with regional needs such as marine technology, engineering, tourism, and environmental studies.
- Existing high school transferred to Department of Education but may operate temporarily within the university campus.
Administration and Governing Board
- University administration vested in the Board of Regents and the University President.
- Board of Regents composed of CHED Chairperson (Chairperson), University President (Vice Chairperson), Congressional committee chairpersons, regional directors of NEDA and DOST, federation presidents of faculty, students, alumni, and two prominent private sector citizens.
- Terms for private sector members and federation presidents specified.
Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents
- Promulgate policies aligned with State and CHED guidelines.
- Approve budgets, curricula, tuition fees, honorary degrees, and school regulations.
- Authorize construction, acquisitions, appointments, salary adjustments, and disciplinary actions.
- Engage in partnerships, joint ventures, and collaborative academic arrangements.
- Promote socialized tuition schemes and privatization of nonacademic services where advantageous.
- Extend University President’s term up to 70 years under certain conditions.
Board Meetings and Procedures
- Regular meetings every three months; special meetings allowed with notice.
- Quorum requires majority attendance including the Chairperson or University President.
- Members not salaried but reimbursed for expenses.
University President
- Appointed by the Board for a four-year term, eligible for reappointment.
- First President may be the incumbent NIPSC President.
- Powers include general university management and delegated duties by the Board.
- Assisted by Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Finance and Administration, Research and Development, and Extension Services.
Campus Directors
- Appointed Campus Directors for each integrated campus.
- Incumbent college administrators continue until retirement.
Secretary and Treasurer
- Board-appointed Secretary handles records and meeting notices.
- Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex officio Treasurer of the University.
Councils: Administrative and Academic
- Administrative Council: Reviews and recommends administrative and development policies.
- Academic Council: Reviews curricular offerings and student discipline, sets academic policies, and admission/graduation requirements.
Faculty Appointment and Non-Discrimination
- No inquiry into political beliefs, gender, religion, ethnicity on faculty appointment.
- Faculty must avoid promoting or opposing any religion.
Scholarship and Admission Policies
- Scholarships and affirmative programs for poor but deserving students.
- No discrimination in admission based on sex, religion, ethnicity, or affiliation.
Loans, Transfers, and Personnel Detail from Government Agencies
- Heads of bureaus/offices authorized to loan or transfer equipment and detail employees for university use.
- Time served counted as regular service.
Transfer of Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel
- Transfer of all assets, liabilities, personnel, and records from integrated colleges to the University.
- Government land titled under the University; reverts to LGUs if unused or if the University ceases to exist.
Tax Exemptions
- Importations of books/publications for educational purposes exempt from customs duties.
- Donations to the University exempt from donor’s tax and deductible for income tax purposes.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial funding charged against current appropriations of integrated colleges.
- University funds included in General Appropriations Act thereafter.
Development Plan and Management Audit
- Submission of a 5-year development plan and program budget to CHED within 120 days.
- Undergo management audit with CHED cooperation.
- Establish organizational and academic structures and appoint key officials.
Annual Reporting
- Board to submit yearly detailed reports on University progress to the Office of the President, CHED, and Congress.
Applicability of Higher Education Laws
- Republic Act No. 8292's provisions integrated and applicable as part of the University’s governing charter.
Parity Clause
- University granted powers, functions, responsibilities, and limitations similar to other state universities.
CHED Compliance for University Status
- University status effective only upon CHED certification based on expert panel recommendations.
- Operational requirements include Level III accreditation of programs, adequate faculty, facilities, research output, linkages, and policies.
- Non-compliance results in reversion to prior status unless compliance is achieved by January 1, 2016.
Implementation Rules
- Board to formulate implementing guidelines in consultation with CHED.
Separability and Repealing Clauses
- Invalid or unconstitutional provisions severable from remaining sections.
- Conflicting laws, decrees, and regulations repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.