Academic Programs and Mandate
- URS is mandated to primarily offer higher professional and technical education focused on science and technology.
- It promotes research, extension, production services, advanced studies, and specialized training aligned with Rizal’s development goals.
Laboratory School and Adopted Public Schools
- A laboratory school may operate within URS subject to maintaining a College of Education.
- The university can adopt public elementary and secondary schools in Rizal as pilot sites for teaching and learning innovations under MOA with the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS).
Branches and Annexes
- New branches or annexes may only be opened in consortium with other academic institutions within Rizal.
Governance: Board of Regents
- The Board of Regents (Board) governs URS; chaired by the CHED chairman, with the university president as vice-chair.
- Other members include legislative committee chairs or their representatives, regional directors of NEDA and DOST, presidents of federations of faculty, student councils, alumni, and two prominent citizens.
- Prominent citizens are appointed for a two-year term from a recommended list.
- Federation representatives’ terms are coterminous with their respective offices.
Board’s Policy and Administrative Powers
- The Board enacts policies consistent with constitutional education mandates and CHED standards.
- Specific powers include:
- Enacting necessary university rules and regulations.
- Receiving and appropriating funds.
- Accepting and managing donations, with corresponding tax exemptions.
- Fixing tuition and other fees, subject to consultations.
- Managing university property, construction, and maintenance exempt from taxes/duties.
- Appointing key university officials upon recommendation.
- Fixing salaries and granting leaves within budgetary and regulatory frameworks.
- Approving curricula, disciplinary rules, admission, and graduation policies.
- Awarding honorary degrees and certificates for non-degree programs.
- Absorbing non-chartered tertiary institutions in Rizal and offering programs as needed.
- Establishing research and extension centers, fellowships, and scholarships.
- Delegating powers to expedite administration.
- Conducting external management audits financed by CHED and instituting reforms.
- Collaborating for efficiency and competitiveness within the province or region.
- Entering joint ventures with private entities for university development.
- Establishing linkages with local government units, public and private institutions.
- Adopting modern teaching modes like ICT, open learning, and community laboratories.
- Ensuring participative decision-making and transparency.
- Privatizing management/non-academic services when advantageous.
- Extending the term of a university president beyond retirement up to age 70 upon unanimous recommendation.
Board Meetings
- The Board meets regularly at least once each quarter; special meetings may be called with prior written notice.
- Quorum requires a majority of members including either the chairman or university president.
- CHED chairman may designate a commissioner to represent or regularly chair the Board.
- Board members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for necessary expenses.
University President
- The president is the full-time chief administrator, appointed by the Board following consultation with CHED and a search committee.
- The term is four years, renewable once.
- Initial transition may involve appointment of an officer-in-charge by CHED.
- Vacancies are filled by designation of an officer-in-charge pending appointment; successors serve the unexpired term.
- The president’s salary is aligned with government compensation standards.
Administrative Council
- Composed of the University president (chair), vice presidents, deans, directors, and officials of equivalent rank.
- Reviews and recommends policies on administration, management, and development planning to the Board.
Academic Council
- Includes the president (chair), vice presidents, and all instructional staff with rank of assistant professor or higher.
- Powers include prescribing curricula, setting admission and graduation requirements, and student disciplinary authority subject to Board approval.
University Secretary and Treasurer
- A secretary appointed by the Board upon president’s recommendation serves as secretary to the Board and maintains university records.
- The Treasurer of the Philippines serves ex officio as the university treasurer.
Admission and Non-Discrimination
- No student may be denied admission on grounds of sex, nationality, religion, or political affiliation.
- Scholarship and affirmative action programs assist poor but deserving students.
Religious Neutrality in Faculty Appointment
- Faculty appointments shall not inquire into religious opinions or affiliations.
- Faculty members must not teach for or against any religion or religious sect.
Reporting Requirements
- The Board must submit an annual detailed report on the university’s progress, conditions, and needs to the Office of the President, CHED, and both Houses of Congress.
Transfers of Assets, Personnel, and Liabilities
- All assets, personnel, records, liabilities, and obligations of integrated colleges and annexes are transferred to URS.
- Personnel retain their positions, rights, and security of tenure.
- University land shall be titled under URS; if URS ceases to exist or land is no longer needed, ownership transfers to the Province of Rizal for higher education use.
Auditing
- All university accounts and expenses are subject to audit by the Commission on Audit or its authorized representative.
Loan of Equipment and Personnel from Government
- Heads of government offices may loan or transfer equipment, supplies, and detail employees to URS upon request, without detriment to public service.
- Loaned employees’ service counts as regular service time.
Funding and Appropriations
- Initial funding is charged against existing appropriations of the integrated colleges.
- Subsequent funding is provided through the annual General Appropriations Act.
Repeal Provisions
- Certain sections of prior Republic Act No. 8365 are repealed.
- Conflicting laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations are amended or repealed accordingly.
Reorganization and Restructuring
- CHED is empowered within one school year to define and implement the university’s reorganization and restructuring process.
Severability Clause
- If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act remains effective.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette.
This comprehensive overview covers the establishment, governance, administration, academic and operational regulations, fiscal management, and legal provisions that structure the University of Rizal System as mandated under the law.