Composition and Appointment of Governing Boards
- The governing body is the Board of Regents for universities and the Board of Trustees for colleges.
- Members include:
- Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Chair.
- University/college president as Vice Chairman.
- Chairpersons of Congressional Committees on Education and Culture.
- Appropriate regional directors (NEDA, DOST, DA) based on institution type.
- Commanding generals for aeronautics and marine academies, respectively.
- Presidents of faculty association, supreme student council, alumni association.
- Two prominent citizens from the local area, appointed via a search committee.
- Multi-campus institutions have federated representation for faculty and students.
- Terms:
- Faculty, alumni, and student representatives serve terms aligned with their offices.
- Prominent citizens serve two-year terms.
- The Board meets quarterly; special meetings require 3-day written notice.
- Quorum requires a majority including CHED Chair or designate; members serve without compensation but with expense reimbursement.
Powers and Duties of Governing Boards
- Rule-making powers consistent with law to fulfill institutional purposes.
- Manage funds, including government appropriations and trusts.
- Accept and manage tax-exempt donations and gifts.
- Fix tuition, school fees, and other charges; fees form special trust funds.
- Income is retained for institutional programs; hospital income allocated to hospital expenses.
- Adopt socialized fee schemes for access by deserving poor students.
- Authorize construction, acquisition, tax-exempt purchases.
- Appoint officials and faculty upon president’s recommendation.
- Set and adjust salaries within legal constraints.
- Grant leaves and remove personnel for cause with due process.
- Approve curricula, policies on admissions, graduation, and discipline.
- Award honorary degrees and certificates for nondegree courses.
- Absorb non-chartered tertiary schools to extend access.
- Establish research centers and chairs; provide fellowships and scholarships.
- Delegate powers to facilitators for administrative efficiency.
- Authorize external management audits; implement reforms.
- Collaborate for restructuring and efficiency with government agencies.
- Enter into joint ventures; develop linkages with local government and agencies.
- Promote modern teaching methods and transparency.
- Privatize non-academic services when advantageous.
- Extend president’s term beyond retirement age up to 70, with unanimous approval.
Policy Promulgation and Implementation
- Governing boards shall enact policies aligned with State educational policies and CHED standards.
Administration of Universities and Colleges
- Institution administration vested in a full-time president appointed for a 4-year term, renewable once.
- Appointment based on a search committee's recommendation.
- Vice president(s) appointed to assist president.
- Board designates officer-in-charge when president's office is vacant.
Board Secretary
- Appointed by the Board to keep records and communicate meeting notices.
Financial Oversight
- Treasurer of the Philippines acts as ex officio treasurer.
- Commission on Audit audits all accounts and expenses.
Administrative Council
- Comprises president, vice president(s), deans, directors, and equivalent officials.
- Reviews and recommends administrative policies for Board action.
Academic Council
- Composed of the president and instructional staff of assistant professor rank or higher.
- Reviews and recommends curricula, discipline rules, admission, and graduation requirements.
- Recommendations subject to Board approval through the president.
Academic Freedom
- All higher education institutions enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Admission Policy
- No denial of admission based on sex, nationality, religion, political affiliation, or physical disability.
Exclusions
- The University of the Philippines System and Mindanao State University charters remain unaffected except for Board chairmanship and congressional representation provisions.
Reporting Requirements
- Presidents must submit annual detailed reports on progress, condition, and needs to the Office of the President, CHED, Senate, and House.
Implementation
- CHED Chairman tasked with ensuring immediate enforcement of this Act.
Separability Clause
- Invalid provisions do not affect the remaining valid provisions.
Repealing Clause
- Laws and orders inconsistent with this Act are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act becomes effective upon approval.