Section 26Sec./Art. 26

Compliance With CHED Requirements. The provisions of this Act notwithstanding, the establishment or conversion of the institution into a state university shall become effective only upon the determination and declaration by the CHED, based on the recommendation of a panel of experts, that the institution has complied with the requirements for a university status. The CHED, through its regional office, shall regularly provide technical assistance to the institution and monitor compliance with the requirements of the Commission.

The CHED shall designate a panel of experts who shall prepare a recommendation to the Chairperson of the CHED, on whether the institution has substantially complied with the requirements for the grant of university status.

The following are the operational requirements for a university:

(a) Level III accreditation or equivalent under CHED policies for at least four (4) of its undergraduate programs, one (1) in liberal arts and one (1) in the sciences, and two (2) of its graduate programs;

(b) Ratio of qualified full-time faculty with requisite degrees to number of students;

(c) Adequate library and laboratories;

(d) Research and development output of practical and commercial application to the community;

(e) Relevant linkages and outreach programs that are of service to the community; and

(f) Relevant academic policies, systems and processes.

The institution shall retain its status prior to the effectivity of this Act, unless in the meantime it is able to comply with the requirements provided herein, within a period not exceeding January 1, 2016.