Title
Conversion of NMSCST to University of Northwestern Mindanao
Law
Republic Act No. 11186
Decision Date
Jan 10, 2019
The Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology is transformed into the University of Northwestern Mindanao, aimed at providing advanced education and research in various fields to support the socioeconomic development of Misamis Occidental.
conversion
state university
higher education
A

General Mandate

  • UNM shall provide advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction primarily in agriculture, fisheries, engineering, arts and sciences, education, business, health sciences, and related fields.
  • It shall undertake research, extension services, and production activities supporting the socioeconomic development of Misamis Occidental.
  • It shall exercise progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.

Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy

  • UNM shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy as guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution.

Curricular Offerings

  • UNM shall offer undergraduate, graduate, and short-term courses aligned with its capabilities and regional needs.
  • The existing high school shall be under the Department of Education, but may operate within the university premises until current students graduate.
  • The University may operate a laboratory school under its College of Education.

Administration and Corporate Powers

  • UNM holds general corporate powers under the Corporation Code of the Philippines.
  • Corporate powers and administration are vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the University President.

Governing Board

  • Composed of 14 members including:
    • CHED Chairperson (Chairperson)
    • University President (Vice-Chairperson)
    • Senate and House Education Committee Chairpersons
    • Regional directors of NEDA, Agriculture, and Science & Technology
    • Presidents of faculty, student, alumni federations
    • Two prominent private sector citizens appointed for 2-year terms
  • Board appoints private sector members from a qualified list based on recommendations.
  • Terms of federation presidents are coterminous with their elected terms.

Powers and Duties of the Board

  • Formulate policies consistent with state and CHED educational policies.
  • Enact rules and regulations essential for University's functions.
  • Manage University funds and appropriate them.
  • Import educational publications duty-free.
  • Set tuition and fees; funds used for instruction, research, extension, or projects.
  • Enter contracts for loans, leases, and procurement.
  • Adjust unused fund allocations for urgent university needs.
  • Adopt socialized tuition schemes for poor students per relevant laws.
  • Approve curricular programs, admission, and graduation policies.
  • Authorize construction and acquisition of property.
  • Award honorary degrees and certificates of completion.
  • Establish branches and research centers with CHED/DBM coordination.
  • Appoint key University officials.
  • Delegate powers for efficient administration.
  • Order external audits and reforms.
  • Collaborate with local colleges and form linkages locally and internationally.
  • Enter joint ventures with business entities.
  • Support faculty development via chairs, fellowships, and scholarships.
  • Adjust salaries and employee terms under legal frameworks.
  • Promote innovative education modes like distance learning.
  • Promote transparency and participative governance.
  • Privatize nonacademic service management where beneficial.
  • Manage donations and legacies as trust.
  • Extend University President’s term up to age 70 upon outstanding performance.
  • Hear disciplinary cases on employees and faculty.

Board Meetings

  • Regular meetings quarterly; special meetings by Chairperson notice.
  • Majority constitutes quorum including either CHED Chairperson or University President.
  • CHED Chairperson may designate Commissioner as representative and presiding officer.
  • Senate and House Committee Chairs may designate representatives.
  • Board members receive no salary but are reimbursed for expenses.

University President

  • Appointed by the Board for a 4-year term, renewable once.
  • Incumbent NMSCST president serves as first UNM President for transition.
  • Search Committee formed 6 months before term end.
  • Officer-in-Charge appointed by Board for vacancy cases, serving remainder of term.

Powers and Duties of University President

  • Implement Board policies and supervise University operations.
  • Accept resignations; supervise extracurricular activities.
  • Renew appointments annually; authorize faculty transfers without demotion.
  • Serve as communication link between University community and Board.
  • Prepare annual reports and budget proposals.
  • Execute contracts and maintain discipline.
  • Modify actions of University bodies when necessary.
  • Delegate functions as appropriate.
  • Recommend hires and arrange emergency appointments.
  • Authorize faculty attendance to trainings and external conferences.
  • Manage faculty leave status changes.
  • Initiate disciplinary proceedings and report cases to Board.
  • Invite distinguished experts for lectures.

Offices Under the President

  • Includes Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Research, Extension; Finance and Admin Offices; Center for ICT.
  • Staff offices include Secretary, Executive Assistants, Planning and Development.
  • President’s salary follows government compensation standards.
  • Vice Presidents appointed by the Board upon President's recommendation.

Secretary and Treasurer of the University

  • Board appoints Secretary to keep records and notify members of meetings.
  • Treasurer of the Philippines serves ex officio as University Treasurer.

Administrative and Academic Councils

  • Administrative Council: President as chair, VPs, deans, directors; reviews policies and plans.
  • Academic Council: President as chair, academic staff assistant professor and above; reviews curriculum, policies on admission, graduation, discipline, subject to Board approval.

Faculty Appointment and Restrictions

  • No discrimination based on political, gender, cultural, ethnic, or religious affiliation.
  • Faculty appointments subject to Board qualifications standards.
  • Faculty prohibited from teaching for or against religious sects.

Scholarship and Admission Policies

  • Scholarships and affirmative action for poor deserving students.
  • No admission denial based on gender, religion, cultural or ethnic origin.

Equipment Loan and LGU Support

  • National government agencies may loan equipment and detail personnel to support University.
  • Local government units may fund infrastructure, scholarships, research, and facilities.

Transfer of Assets and Personnel

  • All NMSCST assets, liabilities, personnel, and records transferred to UNM.
  • Existing personnel retain tenure and rights.
  • University retains lands occupied by NMSCST; reverts to LGUs if no longer used.

Tax Exemptions

  • Importation of books and publications for educational purposes exempt from customs duties with certification.
  • Donations, grants, and endowments exempt from donor's tax and deductible to donors.

Appropriations

  • Initial funding charged against NMSCST appropriations.
  • Subsequent funds included in annual General Appropriations Act.

Development Plan and Audit

  • Within 120 days after enactment, UNM must:
    • Submit a 5-year development plan with budget.
    • Undergo a management audit with CHED.
    • Establish organizational and academic structures and appoint key officials.

Annual Report

  • Board shall submit annual detailed report on university progress and needs to the Office of the President, CHED, and Congress by a specified deadline.

Supplentory Application and Parity Clause

  • RA 8292 governing higher education applies to UNM.
  • Powers, functions, responsibilities, and limitations of state universities apply to UNM and its officials.

Compliance with CHED University Requirements

  • Conversion effective only after CHED certifies compliance with university standards based on CHED M.O. No. 46 series 2012.
  • Standards include:
    • Qualified faculty with relevant degrees and research participation.
    • Comprehensive degree offerings from post-secondary to doctoral levels.
    • Viable research producing scholarly outputs.
    • Adequate learning resources and facilities.
    • Active linkages with global research institutions.
    • Outreach activities addressing social development.
  • Institution retains prior status until compliance is certified.

Implementing Rules and Regulations

  • Board must formulate implementing rules within 60 days of the law’s effectivity in consultation with CHED.

Separability Clause

  • Invalid provisions do not affect remaining parts of the law.

Repealing Clause

  • All laws inconsistent with this Act repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity

  • Law takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

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