AN ACT CONVERTING THE SURIGAO DEL SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE (SSPSC)

Republic Act No. 9998

Summary of Republic Act No. 9998

Conversion of Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College into Surigao del Sur State University
- The Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College is converted into the Surigao del Sur State University, with its main campus in Tandag, Surigao del Sur. (Section 1)

General Mandate
- The University shall primarily provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in various fields, undertake research and extension services, and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization. (Section 2)

Curricular Offerings
- The University shall offer undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate programs, and short-term courses in various fields, including agriculture, fishery, marine biology, engineering, forestry, education, law, medicine, nursing, information technology, business, and other related fields. (Section 3)
- The existing high schools shall be transferred to the Department of Education, but the University may operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education. (Section 3)

Administration
- The administration and exercise of corporate powers shall be vested in the Board of Regents and the President of the University. (Section 4)

Board of Regents
- The governing board shall be the Board of Regents, composed of various members, including the CHED Chairperson, University President, Congressional Committee Chairpersons, government agency representatives, faculty, student, and alumni federation presidents, and two prominent citizens. (Section 5)
- The Board shall promulgate and implement policies in accordance with state policies on education and CHED standards. (Section 6)
- The Board shall have specific powers and duties, including promulgating rules and regulations, receiving and appropriating funds, importing duty-free books, receiving donations, fixing tuition fees and other charges, appointing officials and employees, approving curricula and policies, awarding degrees, establishing branches and centers, entering into joint ventures, and other powers. (Section 7)
- The Board shall meet at least once every quarter, with a quorum consisting of a majority of members. (Section 8)

University President
- The University shall be headed by a President, appointed by the Board for a term of four years, renewable for another term. (Section 9)
- The President shall be assisted by Vice Presidents appointed by the Board. (Section 9)

Heads of University Campuses
- Campus Directors shall head the University campuses and shall be appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the search committee and the University President. (Section 10)

Administrative and Academic Councils
- There shall be an Administrative Council to review and recommend policies on administration, management, and development planning. (Section 11)
- There shall be an Academic Council to review and recommend curricular offerings, rules of discipline, admission and graduation requirements, and formulate academic policies. (Section 12)

University Secretary and Treasurer
- The Board shall appoint a Secretary to keep records and proceedings of the Board and the University. (Section 13)
- The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University. (Section 14)

Faculty
- Faculty members shall be appointed subject to the guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by the Board, without discrimination based on political beliefs, gender, cultural affiliation, ethnic origin, or religious opinion. (Section 15)

Scholarship Program and Admission
- The University shall provide a scholarship program and affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students. (Section 16)
- No student shall be denied admission based on sex, religion, cultural or community affiliation, or ethnic origin. (Section 16)

Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
- The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy. (Section 17)

Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus/Equipment/Supplies and Detail Personnel
- Government bureaus and offices are authorized to loan or transfer apparatus, equipment, supplies, and detail employees for duty in the University upon request. (Section 18)

Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel
- All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of the Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College shall be transferred to the University. (Section 19)
- Government-owned land occupied by the Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College shall be titled under the University's name. (Section 19)

Appropriations
- The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College, except for the sums needed to continue the operations of the existing high school. (Section 20)
- Thereafter, sums necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of the University shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 20)

Development Plan, Management Audit, Organizational/Administrative/Academic Structure
- Within 120 days after the approval of this Act, the University shall:
- Submit a five-year development plan, including its program budget, to CHED. (Section 21)
- Undergo a management audit in cooperation with CHED. (Section 21)
- Set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including the appointment of key officials. (Section 21)

CHED Monitoring and Evaluation
- CHED shall conduct regular monitoring and evaluation to determine continuing compliance with the requirements on University status and may recommend the revocation of the University status if non-compliance is found. (Section 22)

Filing of Report
- On or before the fifteenth day of the second month after the opening of regular classes each year, the Board shall file a detailed report on the progress, conditions, and needs of the University with the Office of the President of the Philippines, CHED, and both Houses of Congress. (Section 23)

Suppletory Application
- The provisions of Republic Act No. 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997) shall be an integral part of this Act and shall serve as part of the Governing Charter of the University. (Section 24)

Parity Clause
- All other powers, functions, privileges, responsibilities, and limitations to state universities and/or their officials under existing laws shall be deemed granted to or imposed upon the University and/or its officials whenever appropriate. (Section 25)

Implementing Rules and Regulations
- The Board, in consultation with CHED, shall formulate the guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act. (Section 26)

Separability Clause
- If any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. (Section 27)

Repealing Clause
- All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 28)

Effectivity
- This Act shall take effect fifteen days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation. (Section 29)