AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE CARAGA STATE UNIVERSITY IN THE CARAGA REGION BY INTEGRATING THE NORTHERN MINDANAO STATE INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NORMISIST) IN AMPAYON

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9854:

Establishment and Integration:
- Establishes the Caraga State University (CSU) in the Caraga Region by integrating the Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST) in Butuan City and the Northern Mindanao College of Arts, Science and Technology (NMCAST) in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. (Section 1)
- The main campus of CSU shall be in Butuan City. (Section 1)

General Mandate and Curricular Offerings:
- CSU shall provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in various fields including agriculture, environmental studies, fishery, engineering, forestry, industrial technology, education, law, medicine, health programs, information technology, arts and sciences. (Section 2)
- CSU shall offer undergraduate and graduate courses within its areas of specialization, subject to approval by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (Section 3)
- Existing high schools shall be transferred to the Department of Education, but may remain within the campus until current students complete their high school education. CSU may operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education. (Section 3)

Administration and Governing Board:
- CSU shall have the general powers of a corporation under the Corporation Code of the Philippines. (Section 4)
- The governing board shall be the Board of Regents, composed of various members including the CHED Chairperson, University President, Congressional Committee Chairpersons, government agency directors, faculty, student and alumni representatives, and two prominent citizens. (Section 5)
- The Board shall promulgate and implement policies in accordance with state policies on education, agriculture, science and technology, and CHED policies. (Section 6)
- The Board shall have various powers and duties related to promulgating rules, receiving funds, importing duty-free books, receiving donations, fixing tuition fees, authorizing construction and repairs, appointing officials and employees, approving curricula, awarding degrees, establishing branches and centers, entering joint ventures, and other administrative and academic matters. (Section 7)
- The Board shall meet at least once every quarter, with provisions for special meetings and quorum requirements. (Section 8)

University President and Campus Directors:
- The University shall be headed by a President appointed by the Board for a term of four years, renewable for another term. The incumbent NORMISIST President shall serve as the first CSU President. (Section 9)
- Campus Directors shall head the University campuses and shall be appointed by the Board. Incumbent college administrators shall serve as Campus Directors of their respective campuses. (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 academic policies. (Section 12)

Secretary, Treasurer and Faculty:
- The Board shall appoint a Secretary to keep records and proceedings. (Section 13)
- The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University. (Section 14)
- Faculty members shall be appointed subject to the guidelines, qualifications and standards set by the Board, without discrimination based on political beliefs, gender, culture, religion or ethnicity. (Section 15)

Scholarship Program and Academic Freedom:
- CSU shall provide a scholarship program and affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students, without discrimination. (Section 16)
- CSU shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy. (Section 17)

Transfer of Assets, Liabilities and Personnel:
- All assets, liabilities, personnel and records of NORMISIST and NMCAST shall be transferred to CSU. The rights and tenure of personnel shall be respected. (Section 19)
- Government lands occupied by NORMISIST and NMCAST shall be titled under CSU, but shall revert to the national government if no longer needed by CSU. (Section 19)

Appropriations and Development Plan:
- Necessary funds shall be charged against the current appropriations of NORMISIST and NMCAST, except for existing high schools. Subsequent funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 20)
- Within 120 days, CSU shall submit a five-year development plan and program budget to CHED, undergo a management audit, and set up its organizational, administrative and academic structure. (Section 21)

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:
- CHED shall conduct regular monitoring and evaluation to determine continuing compliance with University status requirements, and may recommend revocation if non-compliant. (Section 22)
- The Board shall file an annual report on the progress, conditions and needs of the University. (Section 23)

Other Provisions:
- The Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997 shall be an integral part of this Act. (Section 24)
- CSU and its officials shall be granted powers, functions, privileges, responsibilities and limitations applicable to state universities and their officials under existing laws. (Section 25)
- The Board, in consultation with CHED, shall formulate implementing rules and regulations. (Section 26)
- A separability clause, repealing clause and effectivity clause are included. (Sections 27-29)