Declaration of Policy
- State policy to establish a comprehensive system of higher education focused on science and technology research and development.
Definition of Terms
- Clear definitions for terms such as auxiliary services, Board of Regents, community laboratory, faculty and alumni associations, extension campus, instruction, non-chartered tertiary institutions, socialized tuition scheme, and special trust fund.
Coverage
- Applies to all colleges, academic and nonacademic units of former MUST and MOSCAT, now the USTSP, including specified campuses.
- Main campus located in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental.
General Mandate
- USTSP provides advanced education and research in science, technology, engineering, math, agriculture, and human resource development.
Curricular Offerings
- Offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate courses in relevant fields.
- Allowed to maintain a science and technology-focused high school with a 500-student cap.
Administration
- University enjoys corporate powers per Corporation Code.
- Powers vested in the Board of Regents and University President.
- Campus administration vested in Chancellors as authorized.
Governing Board Composition
- Board of Regents includes CHED Chairperson (Chair), University President (Vice Chair), campus Chancellors, congressional education committee chairs, NEDA, DOST heads, faculty, student, alumni presidents, four CEOs, and two academicians.
- CEO and academician members appointed by the President of the Philippines.
Rights and Responsibilities of Board Members
- Board members exercise corporate governance rights and responsibilities.
- Certain seats held by virtue of office; private sector members require oath-taking.
Representation of Government Officials
- Provision for written representation by key government members unable to attend Board meetings.
- Regional directors represent NEDA and DOST.
Selection and Qualifications of CEO and Academician Members
- A search committee recruits, screens, and recommends candidates.
- Private sector members must be Filipino citizens or represented by Filipino corporation members.
- Assumption of office requires oath.
Terms of Office for Certain Board Members
- Terms align with respective offices for faculty, student, alumni presidents.
- CEO members serve four years; academicians two years; reappointments possible.
Board Meetings and Sessions
- Regular meetings quarterly; special meetings by Chair/Vice Chair call with written notice.
- Board members receive allowances for up to four regular and two special meetings annually.
Quorum and Presiding Officer
- Quorum is majority of incumbent Board members.
- Valid meetings require presence of Chairperson or University President.
- CHED Chairperson presides; regular proxy Chair possible.
Board Member Entitlements
- No regular salaries but may receive allowances and reimbursements for duties performed.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Promulgate rules and regulations.
- Approve budgets and manage trust funds from fees and income.
- Fix tuition and fees under socialized scheme.
- Approve construction, personnel appointments, salaries, leaves, removals.
- Approve curricula, admission, and graduation policies.
- Award honorary degrees and institute research.
- Absorb other tertiary institutions.
- Approve public-private partnerships and joint ventures.
- Enhance transparency and participative decision-making.
- Extend University President's term for outstanding performance.
Selection and Appointment of University President
- Board appoints President based on search committee recommendation.
Search Committee for Presidency
- Constituted six months prior to term expiration.
- Includes academic community, private sector, PASUC and CHED representatives.
- Conducts recruitment, screening, and public invitation.
Qualifications and Appointment Procedures for President
- Board sets qualifications.
- CHED Chairperson signs appointment papers.
Term and Reappointment of President
- Term lasts four years with eligibility for one reappointment.
Vacancy in Presidency
- CHED Chairperson appoints Officer-in-Charge within 15 days, subject to Board confirmation.
Salary of President
- Determined by Board, comparable to presidents of similar institutions.
Other University Officers
- President recommends vice presidents and other officers for Board appointment.
Establishment of Science and Technology Parks
- Alubijid and Claveria campuses designated as S&T Parks to strengthen industry-academe linkages.
Industry Incentives
- Duty-free importation for participating industries.
- Tax deductions for expenditures on joint academic/research projects.
Long-Term Lease Agreements
- Industries may enter long-term leases with the University Board for land/property use.
Research and Development Collaboration
- University collaborates with industries from project conception to technology commercialization.
- University entitled to royalties from commercialized technologies.
Academic Development Collaboration
- Industries participate in curriculum development using DACUM.
- Dual training system and faculty business immersion programs established.
University Campuses
- Main campus in Alubijid; major campuses in Cagayan de Oro and Claveria; other campuses designated as satellite campuses.
Leadership of Campuses
- Major campuses headed by Chancellors; satellite campuses by Campus Directors appointed by Board.
Tenure of Campus Heads
- Chancellors serve four years, reappointments allowed.
- Campus Directors serve two years, reappointments allowed on recommendation.
Board Secretary and Treasurer
- Board appoints Board Secretary/University Secretary.
- Treasurer of the Philippines is ex officio University Treasurer.
Auditing
- All University accounts and expenses audited by COA or authorized representative.
University Councils
- Administrative Council: policy review and management led by President.
- Academic Council: faculty ranking assistant professor and above; powers to approve curriculum, rules, admission, graduation.
- Industry-Academe Council: advisory body involving faculty and business members; reviews curricula and research projects.
Academic Freedom and Autonomy
- Recognized academic freedom and institutional autonomy under constitutional and statutory provisions.
Faculty Appointment
- Non-discriminatory appointments without political, cultural, or religious bias.
- Faculty recruited based on merit; salary and benefits aligned with government standards.
Student Admission
- No discrimination based on sex, nationality, religion, political affiliation, or disability.
Scholarship and Affirmative Action
- Scholarship programs to assist deserving poor students.
Enhancement of Theater Arts Program
- Strengthening of theater arts to promote and preserve culture, especially indigenous Mindanao practices.
Tax Exemptions
- Exemptions for grants/donations, import duty for educational materials, and value-added tax for services.
Appropriations
- Initial funding from MUST and MOSCAT appropriations;
- Subsequent funding through General Appropriations Act.
Asset and Liability Transfer
- All assets and liabilities of MUST and MOSCAT transferred to USTSP.
Transitory Provisions
- Incumbent MUST President serves as initial University President and Cagayan de Oro Chancellor.
- Incumbent MOSCAT President serves as first Chancellor of Claveria campus.
Academic Program Transition
- Phasing out non-science and technology programs over four years except theater arts.
Reporting
- Annual report to Office of the President, CHED, and Congress on University progress.
Development Plan and Audit
- Within 120 days, submit a 5-year development plan, undergo management audit, and set up organizational structure.
Suppletory Laws
- RA 8292 and other applicable laws supplement this Act.
Implementing Rules
- Board to formulate implementing guidelines within 60 days.
Separability, Repealing, and Effectivity Clauses
- Any invalid provisions do not affect remaining law.
- Repeals conflicting laws.
- Law takes effect 15 days after publication.