AN ACT CONVERTING THE ROMBLON STATE COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ODIONGAN

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9721:

Conversion of Romblon State College into Romblon State University
• Section 1: Converts Romblon State College into Romblon State University, integrating satellite campuses in various municipalities. The main campus is in Odiongan.

General Mandate and Curricular Offerings
• Section 2: The University shall provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in agriculture, fishery, forestry, science, technology, education, arts, sciences, and other relevant fields. It shall undertake research, extension services, and provide leadership in its areas of specialization.
• Section 3: The University shall offer undergraduate and graduate courses in its areas of specialization, subject to approval by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The existing high school shall be transferred to the Department of Education, but a laboratory school may be operated if there is a College of Education.

Administration and Governing Board
• Section 4: The University shall have general corporate powers, with administration vested in the Board of Regents and the President.
• Section 5: The Board of Regents shall be the governing board, composed of the CHED Chairperson (Chairperson), University President (Vice Chairperson), Senate and House education committee chairs, NEDA Regional Director, DOST Regional Director, DA Regional Director, faculty association president, student council president, alumni association president, and two prominent citizens from the private sector.
• Section 6: The Board shall promulgate and implement policies in accordance with state policies on education, agriculture, science, and technology, and CHED policies.
• Section 7: The Board's powers and duties include promulgating rules, receiving and appropriating funds, importing duty-free books, receiving donations, fixing tuition and fees, authorizing construction and repairs, appointing officials and employees, approving curricula and rules, awarding degrees, establishing branches and centers, establishing research and extension centers, establishing professional chairs and fellowships, delegating powers, authorizing external audits, collaborating with other institutions, entering joint ventures, developing consortia and linkages, adopting modern modes of knowledge transmission, setting participative decision-making policies, privatizing non-academic services, and extending the President's term beyond retirement age.
• Section 8: The Board shall meet at least quarterly, with a quorum of majority members. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson.

University Officials
• Section 9: The University shall be headed by a full-time President, appointed by the Board for a 4-year term, eligible for reappointment. The incumbent Romblon State College President shall serve as the first University President if qualified.
• Section 10: Campus Directors shall head the University campuses, appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the search committee and University President.
• Section 11: An Administrative Council, chaired by the President, shall review and recommend policies on administration, management, and development planning.
• Section 12: An Academic Council, chaired by the President, shall review and recommend curricular offerings, rules of discipline, admission and graduation requirements, and academic policies.
• Section 13: The Board shall appoint a Secretary to keep records and proceedings.
• Section 14: The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University.
• Section 15: Faculty members shall be appointed based on the Board's guidelines, without discrimination based on political beliefs, gender, culture, ethnicity, or religion.

Scholarship Program, Academic Freedom, and Institutional Autonomy
• Section 16: The University shall provide a scholarship program and affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students. No student shall be denied admission based on sex, religion, culture, or ethnicity.
• Section 17: The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

Assets, Liabilities, Personnel, and Appropriations
• Section 18: Government bureaus and offices may loan or transfer apparatus, equipment, supplies, and detail employees to the University.
• Section 19: All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of Romblon State College shall be transferred to the University. The rights and tenure of personnel shall be respected. Government lands occupied by Romblon State College shall be titled under the University's name.
• Section 20: The necessary amount to carry out the provisions shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of Romblon State College, except for the existing high school. Thereafter, funds for the University's operation and maintenance shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Development Plan, Management Audit, and Organizational Structure
• Section 21: Within 120 days, the University shall submit a 5-year development plan and program budget to CHED, undergo a management audit, and set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure.

CHED Monitoring, Reporting, and Implementation
• Section 22: CHED shall conduct regular monitoring and evaluation to determine continuing compliance with University status requirements.
• Section 23: The Board shall file a detailed report on the University's progress, conditions, and needs with the Office of the President and Congress annually.
• Section 24: The Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997 shall be an integral part of this Act.
• Section 25: All powers, functions, privileges, responsibilities, and limitations of state universities and their officials under existing laws shall be granted to or imposed upon the University and its officials.
• Section 26: The Board, in consultation with CHED, shall formulate guidelines to implement this Act.
• Section 27: Separability clause.
• Section 28: Repealing clause for contrary laws.
• Section 29: This Act shall take effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.