Section 20Sec./Art. 20

Compliance with CHED Requirements. - The provisions of this Act notwithstanding, the conversion of the ZSSAT into a state college shall become effective only upon the determination and declaration by the CHED, based on the recommendation of a panel of experts constituted for the purpose, that the institution has complied with the requirements for a university status based on CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, series of 2012 (Policy Standards to Enhance Quality Assurance in Philippine Higher Education, through the Outcomes-Based and Typology-Based QA): Provided, That the panel may issue such a recommendation when the institution has substantially complied with the requirements for the grant of college status.

The following operational requirements for a university, as established by the CHED, shall be complied with:

(a) Employment of full-time, permanent faculty members who posses relevant degrees in their areas of specialization, as required by the CHED, with experience in the subject areas they handle;

(b) Offering of a comprehensive range of degree programs characterized by a core curriculum that holistically develops thinking, problem solving, decision-making, communication, technical, and social skills in line with the mission of the ZSPSC;

(c) Establishment and maintenance of comprehensive learning resources and support structures that are appropriate for developing knowledge and skills in the specific natural science, social science, humanities, and professional disciplines offered by the ZSPSC, including laboratories, books and journals;

(d) Maintenance of linkages with the community that would ensure the development of relevant academic and extension programs and the application of their learning outcomes; and

(e) Conduct of outreach programs involving students in social development-oriented experiences that allow them to contextualize their knowledge within actual social and human experiences.

The CHED, through its regional office, shall regularly provide technical assistance to the ZSPSC and monitor its compliance with the requirements of the Commission.

The ZSSAT shall retain its status prior to the effectivity of this Act until it is able to comply with the requirements provided herein.