Mandate and Academic Scope
- RMTU is mandated to provide instruction, research, extension, advanced studies, and leadership in agriculture, forestry, engineering, education, arts, sciences, humanities, and relevant fields for provincial development.
Courses and High School Jurisdiction
- Offers undergraduate, graduate, and short-term technical courses.
- Existing high school transferred to Department of Education supervision but allowed to operate on campus until student completion.
- University may operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education.
Governing Board Composition
- Board of Regents includes CHED Chairman (chairman), University President (vice-chairman), education committee chairpersons from Senate and House, NEDA Regional Director, federation presidents (faculty, students, alumni), and two prominent local citizens.
- Terms for members: prominent citizens serve 2 years; federation presidents serve while holding office; vacancies handled by officer-in-charge.
Board Policies and Legal Compliance
- Board to enact policies in alignment with Philippine Constitution, education laws, and CHED policies under RA 7722.
Specific Powers and Duties of the Board
- Promulgate rules and regulations consistent with law.
- Manage university funds including donations, with tax exemptions for donors.
- Fix tuition and fees, consider government subsidies, and manage special trust funds.
- Authorize infrastructure construction, acquisitions, appointments, and salary adjustments.
- Approve curricula, admissions, graduation policies, and award honorary degrees.
- Establish branches, research centers, and academic chairs.
- Delegate powers to university officials.
- Authorize external audits and institute reforms.
- Collaborate with other universities and government agencies for efficiency and linkages.
- Promote innovative educational methods and privatization of non-academic services.
- Extend president's term beyond retirement age upon unanimous approval.
Board Meetings and Operations
- Board meets quarterly; special meetings may be called with 3-day notice.
- Quorum requires majority including CHED Chairman or designated representative.
- Members serve without compensation but are reimbursed for expenses.
University Presidency
- University President appointed by Board based on search committee recommendation.
- Term is 4 years, renewable once unless retirement or other disqualifications.
- President manages university operations; salary based on classification system.
- Initial presidency held by incumbent Western Luzon Agricultural College President during transition.
Administrative and Academic Councils
- Administrative Council chaired by President includes vice-presidents, deans, and comparable officials overseeing administration and development planning.
- Academic Council chaired by President includes faculty ranking assistant professor or higher; prescribed curricular offerings subject to Board approval.
- Academic Council sets admission, graduation, degree requirements, and student discipline policies.
Board Secretary and Treasurer
- Board Secretary appointed to keep records and notify members.
- Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex officio University Treasurer.
Religious Freedom and Academic Freedom
- Faculty appointment free from religious inquiry; no teaching for or against any religion.
- University guaranteed academic freedom.
Reporting Requirements
- Annual detailed report on University progress, condition, and needs submitted to both Houses of Congress.
Transfer of Assets and Personnel
- Assets, personnel, and records of integrating institutions transferred to RMTU, except assets related to high schools.
- Personnel rights and tenure preserved; incumbents maintain status until Board acts otherwise.
Affiliation and Integration of Other Schools
- RMTU may integrate other national schools within Zambales when aligned with objectives; assets and liabilities also transferred.
Initial Organizational Actions
- Within 120 days, RMTU must submit a 5-year development plan with budget, undergo management audit, organize administrative and academic structures, and establish at least four degree-granting units.
Transition Period and University Operation Commencement
- A three-year transition to rationalize programs, develop faculty, build facilities, and organize structure before full university operation starts.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial funding charged to appropriations of integrating colleges; high school funding maintained separately.
- Post-transition funding included in the General Appropriations Act.
Governing Legal Framework
- RA 8289 (Higher Education Modernization Act) supplements and forms part of RMTU’s charter.
Severability and Repealing Clause
- Invalid provisions do not affect remaining parts; conflicting laws and regulations repealed or modified.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect upon approval.