AN ACT CONVERTING THE SAMAR STATE POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CATBALOGAN

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9313

Conversion of Samar State Polytechnic College into Samar State University
- The Samar State Polytechnic College in Catbalogan, Samar is converted into the Samar State University, integrating the Wright Vocational School in Paranas, Samar. (Section 1)
- The main campus of the University shall be in Catbalogan, Samar. (Section 1)

General Mandate and Curricular Offerings
- The University shall provide advanced instruction, professional training, research, and extension services in various fields like arts, sciences, agriculture, engineering, education, law, and others. (Section 2)
- The University shall offer undergraduate, graduate, and short-term technical courses within its areas of specialization and capabilities, as determined by the Board of Regents. (Section 3)
- Existing high schools shall be transferred to the Department of Education, but may remain on campus until students complete their education. The University may operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education. (Section 3)

Administration and Governing Board
- The University shall have the general powers of a corporation under the Corporation Code of the Philippines. (Section 4)
- The administration and exercise of corporate powers shall be vested in the Board of Regents and the University President. (Section 4)
- The Board of Regents shall be the governing board, composed of various members from government agencies, faculty, students, alumni, and prominent citizens. (Section 5)
- The Board shall promulgate and implement policies in accordance with state policies on education, agriculture, science, and technology, as well as CHED policies. (Section 6)
- The Board shall have specific powers and duties related to promulgating rules, receiving funds, importing duty-free books, receiving donations, fixing tuition fees, authorizing construction, appointing officials, approving curricula, awarding degrees, establishing branches, entering joint ventures, and other administrative matters. (Section 7)

University Officials and Councils
- The University shall be headed by a President, appointed by the Board of Regents for a term of 4 years, renewable for another term. (Section 9)
- The President shall be assisted by Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and Administrative Affairs, appointed by the Board. (Section 9)
- There shall be an Administrative Council to review and recommend policies to the Board. (Section 10)
- There shall be an Academic Council to review and recommend curricular offerings, rules of discipline, admission and graduation requirements, and academic policies. (Section 11)
- The Board shall appoint a Secretary to keep records and proceedings. (Section 12)
- The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University. (Section 13)

Faculty, Scholarships, and Academic Freedom
- Faculty members shall not be discriminated against based on political beliefs, gender, culture, ethnicity, or religion. However, no faculty shall teach for or against any particular religion. (Section 14)
- The University shall provide a scholarship program and affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students. (Section 15)
- No student shall be denied admission based on sex, religion, culture, or ethnicity. (Section 15)
- The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy. (Section 16)

Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel Transfer
- All assets, personnel, records, liabilities, and obligations of the Samar State Polytechnic College and Wright Vocational School shall be transferred to the University. (Section 18)
- The rights and tenure of personnel shall be respected. (Section 18)
- Certain parcels of land occupied by the former institutions shall be transferred to the University. (Section 18)

Appropriations and Development Plan
- The necessary funds shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the former institutions, except for high school operations. (Section 19)
- Subsequent funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 19)
- Within 120 days, the University shall submit a 5-year development plan, undergo a management audit, and set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure. (Section 20)

Reporting and Other Provisions
- The Board shall file an annual report on the progress, conditions, and needs of the University. (Section 21)
- The provisions of the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997 shall be part of the University's governing charter. (Section 22)
- Inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 23)
- The Act shall take effect upon approval. (Section 24)