Converting the Agusan Del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology in Bunawan, Agusan Del Sur into Agusan Del Sur State University

Case Overview and Summary

Conversion of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) into Agusan del Sur State University (ADSSU)

- Conversion of ASSCAT into ADSSU, with main campus in Bunawan and satellite campus in Trento (Section 1)
- General mandate to provide advanced education, research, extension services in agriculture, agribusiness, science, technology, education, forestry, engineering, arts, sciences, and other relevant fields (Section 2)
- Offer short-term technical-vocational courses, undergraduate and graduate programs in relevant fields (Section 3)
- Operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education (Section 3)

Administration

- Governed by a Board of Regents chaired by CHED Chairperson and co-chaired by University President (Section 5)
- Board composition includes representatives from Senate, House of Representatives, NEDA, DA, DOST, faculty, students, alumni, and private sector (Section 5)
- Powers and duties of the Board include policy formulation, curriculum approval, appointment of officials, salary fixing, fee setting, scholarship establishment, infrastructure development, consortium formation, and other administrative functions (Section 6)
- Board meetings to be held quarterly, with provisions for special meetings (Section 7)
- University President appointed by the Board, with a term of 4 years and eligibility for reappointment (Section 8)
- Administrative Council and Academic Council to assist in administration and academic matters (Sections 11-12)

Academic Freedom and Autonomy

- University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy (Section 15)
- No discrimination in admission based on sex, religion, political affiliation, cultural affiliation, or ethnic origin (Section 16)

Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel

- All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of ASSCAT shall be transferred to ADSSU (Section 18)
- Rights and tenure of faculty and personnel shall be respected (Section 18)

Tax Exemption

- Importation of economic, technical, and cultural books and publications shall be exempt from customs duties (Section 19)
- Grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and contributions to the University shall be exempt from donor's tax and considered as allowable deduction from gross income (Section 19)

Compliance with CHED Requirements

- Conversion shall be effective upon CHED's determination of compliance with university status requirements based on CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, series of 2012 (Section 20)
- Requirements include qualified faculty, comprehensive degree programs, viable research programs, learning resources, linkages with research institutions, and outreach activities (Section 20)

Development Plan, Management Audit, and Organizational Structure

- 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 21)

Appropriations

- Initial implementation shall be charged against current year's appropriations of ASSCAT (Section 25)
- Subsequent funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (Section 25)
- Municipality of Trento shall continue to provide funding to the satellite campus until full funding is included in the General Appropriations Act (Section 25)

Implementing Rules and Regulations

- Within 60 days, the Board, in consultation with CHED, shall formulate the implementing rules and regulations (Section 26)