C O N T E N T S

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A. GENERALPROVISIONS ArticleI. Section1. Section2. Section3. Section4. Section5. GENERALPOLICYANDAPPLICATION Title Policy Coverage ApplicationandConstruction DefinitionofTerms B. THEHIGHEREDUCATIONSYSTEM ArticleII. Section6. Section7. Section8. ArticleIII. FORMALEDUCATION Policy Objectives Levels ALTERNATIVESYSTEMSINEDUCATION 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1

Section9. Policy Section10. Objectives Section11. AlternativeSystems DistanceEducation LadderizedEducation TheExpandedTertiaryEducationEquivalency andAccreditationProgram(ETEEAP)

C. THECOMMISSIONONHIGHEREDUCATION ArticleIV. Section12. Section13. Section14. Section15. Section16. Section17. Section18. ORGANIZATIONANDGENERALPOWERS Composition Organization RegionalOffices SupervisionOverHigherEducationInstitutions PowersandFunctionsoftheCommission MinimumStandardsorCriteria GuaranteeofAcademicFreedom 7 7 7 7 7 8 9

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D. PRIVATEHIGHEREDUCATIONINSTITUTIONS ArticleV. ESTABLISHMENTOFPRIVATEHIGHEREDUCATION INSTITUTIONS 9 9 10 10 11 12

Section19. IncorporationofPrivateHigherEducationInstitutions: Limitations Section20. ArticlesofIncorporationandByLaws Section21. EstablishmentofaForeignHigherEducation Institution Section22. EstablishmentofaBranch Section23. EstablishmentofExtensionClasses,and DeliveryofEducationthroughDistanceEducation Section24. Dissolution ArticleVI. Section25. Section26. Section27. Section28. Section29. INSTITUTIONALFACILITIES SchoolSitesandBuildings LibraryStandards LibraryDevelopmentProgram TextbookSelectionCriteria ChangeinTextbooks

12 14 14 14 14

ArticleVII. INTERNALORGANIZATION:ADMINISTRATORS Section30. Section31. Section32. Section33. GoverningBoard QualificationsoftheHead QualificationsandFunctionsoftheDean QualificationsandFunctionsoftheRegistrar 14 15 15 16

ArticleVIII. INTERNALORGANIZATION:ACADEMICAND NONACADEMICPERSONNEL Section34. Section35. Section36. Section37. Section38. MinimumFacultyQualifications FulltimeandParttimeFaculty FulltimeFacultyComplement FacultyClassificationandRanking TheOtherInstitutionOfficials,AcademicSupport, andNonAcademicPersonnel UNIVERSITYSTATUS 18 18 19 16 17 17 17 18

ArticleIX.

Section39. Policy Section40. StandardRequirements Section41. WithdrawalofUniversityStatus

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ArticleX. Section42. Section43. Section44. Section45. ArticleXI. Section46. Section47. Section48. Section49. Section50. Section51.

CENTERSOFEXCELLENCE(COEs)AND CENTERSOFDEVELOPMENT(CODs) Policy CriteriaforSelection Responsibilities Benefits AUTONOMOUSANDDEREGULATEDSTATUSOF PRIVATEHIGHEREDUCATIONINSTITUTIONS Policy CriteriaforSelection BenefitsofAutonomousStatus BenefitsofDeregulatedStatus ConditionsofGrant ReevaluationofStatus E. HIGHEREDUCATIONPROGRAMS 21 21 21 22 22 23 19 20 20 20

ArticleXII. OPERATIONANDRECOGNITIONOFPROGRAMS Section52. Section53. Section54. Section55. Section56. Section57. Section58. Section59. Section60. Section61. EstablishmentandRecognitionDistinguished AuthoritytoOperate NatureofPermitorRecognition ThePermitPhase TheRecognitionPhase ValidityoftheGovernmentRecognition EffectsofGovernmentRecognition EffectsoftheDisapproval/DenialofRecognition ClosureofaProgram ActionsforRevocationorWithdrawalofPermit orRecognition Section62. SchoolAdvertisement Section63. ProhibitedActsPenalties ArticleXIII. GRADUATEEDUCATION Section64. Policy Section65. StructureofGraduateEducation Section66. StandardRequirements 28 28 28 23 23 23 23 24 25 25 25 26 26 27 27

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ArticleXIV. ACCREDITATION Section67. Policy Section68. CertifyingAgency Section69. RecognitionofAccreditingBodies/Agencies/ Associations Section70. LevelsofAccreditationStatus CandidateStatus LevelIAccreditedStatus LevelIIReaccreditedStatus LevelIIIReaccreditedStatus LevelIVAccreditedStatus Section71. BenefitsofProgramAccreditation ArticleXV. INTERNATIONALLINKAGESAND TWINNINGPROGRAM Section72. Policy Section73. Guidelines ArticleXVI. SCHOOLCALENDARANDCLASSSIZE Section74. SchoolCalendar Section75. ChangeinSchoolCalendar Section76. ClassSize ArticleXVII. STUDENTADMISSION Section77. Section78. Section79. Section80. Section81. Section82. Section83. Section84. Section85. AdmissionRequirements AdmissionofForeignStudents RighttoEnrollUntilGraduation RulesofRegistration AdmissionCredentials EnrollmentListandOtherInformation SpecialStudents SpecialNeedsEducation RefresherCourseStudent 32 33 33 33 33 34 34 34 35 31 32 32 31 31 28 28 29 29 29 29 29 30 30

ArticleXVIII. STUDENTLOAD Section86. Section87. Section88. Section89. SubjectLoad AdvancedSubjectsandBackSubjects ExcessorOverLoad CrossEnrollment 35 35 35 36

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ArticleXIX. SCHOOLRECORDSANDTRANSFEROFSTUDENTS Section90. Section91. Section92. Section93. Section94. Section95. Contents TransferofStudentandTransferCredentials RequestandTransferofSchoolRecords ReleaseofRecords WithholdingofCredentials DenialofFinalExaminationsWithholdingofGrades andRefusaltoReenroll Section96. RefundsandOtherCharges ArticleXX. STUDENTDISCIPLINE Section97. StudentAbsences Section98. AuthoritytoMaintainSchoolDiscipline Section99. AuthoritytoPromulgateInstitutionalPolicies, RulesandRegulations Section100. DisciplinarySanctions Section101. AdministrativeActionsandProceedings Section102. PreventiveSuspensionandCategoriesof AdministrativePenalties ArticleXXI. GRADINGSYSTEM Section103. BasisforGrading Section104. RequirementsforPromotion Section105. RequirementsforGrading ArticleXXII. GRADUATION Section106. SpecialOrders Section107. ConditionstotheAuthoritytoGraduateWithout PriorCommissionApproval Section108. GraduationHonors Section109. HonoraryDegrees F. TERMSANDCONDITIONSOFEMPLOYMENT ArticleXXIII.PERSONNELSTANDARDSANDTRANSACTIONS Section110. ConditionsofEmployment Section111. Compensation Section112. EmploymentContract Section113. ProbationaryPeriod Section114. RegularorPermanentStatus Section115. RegularTeachingLoad Section116. NormalHoursofWork: AcademicTeachingPersonnelOverload 43 44 44 44 44 45 45 41 41 42 42 40 40 40 37 38 38 38 38 39 36 36 36 37 37 37 37

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Section117. CausesofTerminatingEmployment Section118. Suspension Section119. LaborOrganizations Section120. GrievanceMachinery

45 46 46 46

G. FINANCIALMANAGEMENTANDFINANCIALASSISTANCE ArticleXXIV. INSTITUTIONALFINANCES Section121. Policy Section122. Funding Section123. TuitionandOtherSchoolFees Section124. IncreaseofTuitionandOtherSchoolFees Section125. GovernmentSubsidy H. ADMINISTRATIVEREMEDIES ArticleXXV.PROCEEDINGSBEFORETHEEXECUTIVEDIRECTOR Section126. NatureoftheComplaintCoverageVenue Section127. PartiesandTitleContentsofComplaint Section128. SummonsAnswer Section129. ConciliationCompromiseandArbitration Section130. NatureoftheProceedingsinContestedCases RulesofEvidence Section131. SubmissionofPositionPapersandotherPleadings Section132. PeriodtoDecideCaseContentsoftheDecision Section133. MotionforReconsideration ArticleXXVI. PROCEEDINGSBEFORETHECOMMISSION Section134. AppealPeriodofAppealGrounds Section135. WhereFiledTransmittalofRecordsComment Section136. PeriodtoResolvetheAppealFormofDecision Section137. FinalityofJudgmentMotionforReconsideration I. MISCELLANEOUSPROVISIONS Section138. DueProcess Section139. ApplicationofSanctions Section140. LevelingofPlayingField Section141. AmendmentsandSubsequentIssuances Section142. SeparabilityClause Section143. RepealingClause Section144. Effectivity 50 50 50 51 51 51 51 49 50 50 50 48 48 48 49 49 49 49 49 47 47 47 47 48

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MANUALOFREGULATIONS FORPRIVATEHIGHEREDUCATIONOF2006
This Manual of Regulations for Private Higher Education is hereby issued pursuanttothepertinentprovisionsofthe1987Constitution,ActNo.2706asamended byActNo.3075,CommonwealthActNo.180,BatasPambansaBilang.232,Republic ActNo.7722andotherapplicablelegislations. A.GENERALPROVISIONS Article1 GeneralPolicyandApplication Section1. Title. ThisManualshallbeknownastheManualofRegulationsfor PrivateHigherEducationof2006. Section2. Policy. ItisthepolicyoftheStatetoestablish,maintainandsupport acomplete,adequate,andintegratedsystemofeducationrelevanttotheneedsofthe peopleandsociety.Towardsthisend,thegovernmentshallensure,withinthecontext of a free and democratic system, maximum contribution of the educational system to theattainmentofthegoalsofnationaldevelopment. Section 3. Coverage. This Manual shall apply to all private educational institutions in the higher level of the education system, except otherwise provided by law. Section4. ApplicationandConstruction. TheprovisionsofthisManualshall be applied in order to attain the purposes of higher education, to give meaning to academicfreedom,toinstitutereasonablesupervisionandregulation,andtoaccelerate thedevelopmentofhighereducationinstitutions.Alldoubtsintheimplementationand interpretation of the provisions of this Manual shall be resolved in favor of the higher educationinstitution. In all matters affecting the welfare of the student, all doubts in the implementationandinterpretationoftheprovisionsofthisManual,shallberesolvedin favorofthestudent. In all matters affecting the welfare of teaching and nonteaching personnel, all doubts in the implementationandinterpretation of the provisions of this manual, shall beresolvedinfavorofthepersonnel. Section 5. Definition of Terms. Except as otherwise provided, the terms belowshallbeconstruedasfollows: a) Accreditationisavoluntaryactivityorprocessleadingtotheissuanceofa certificate of accredited status by an organized body of educational institutions attesting to the quality or standards of a higher education institution or to any of its educational programs, and to the effectiveness of the management and operations of the institution offering the program, as exceeding the minimum standards orcriteria for government recognition as providedforinthisManual.Accreditationshallbevoluntary innature.

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b) Autonomyreferstothespecialregulatorytreatmentandbenefitsaccorded by the Commission to certain private higher education institutions for demonstrated and consistent adherence to high standards of instruction, researchandscholarships. c) Branchisaneducationalfacility,apartfromthemainorhomecampus,that (1)hasaseparatesiteandattendanteducationalfacilities,suchasbuildings andclassroomsspecificallybuiltforthepurpose/sthemainhighereducation institutionhasestablishedand(2)offershighereducationdegreeprograms whichmayalsobeofferedinthemaincampus,andwhicharenotrestricted to a specific group or classification of students, such as employees of a company,butareopentothegeneralpublic. d) ChairmanreferstotheheadoftheCommissiononHigherEducation. e) CommissionreferstotheCommissiononHigherEducation. f) Commissioners refers to members of the Commission other than the Chairman. g) CommissionenBancreferstotheChairmanandCommissionerssittingas acollegialbody. h) Courseisadiscretecomponentofahighereducationdegreeprogram.Itis identified by a course name while its coverage is defined by a course descriptionanditsoutlineorsyllabus.Thisisalsoknownassubject. i) Deregulation represents degrees in the liberalization of rules and regulations of the Commission. The Commission accords to a deregulated private higher education institutioncertain benefits and advantages as may beprovidedforinthisManualandinapplicablelegislation. j) Extension Classes refers to classes or programs normally offered by a recognized higher education institutionin itsmain campus but which is also offeredinanotherlocationnototherwisespecifiedinthepermitissuedbythe Commission for the operation of the program. In the case of foreign higher educationinstitutions,thetermreferstoclassesorprogramconductedbythe foreign institution after compliance with conditions required by law and this Manual. k) ForeignHigherEducationInstitutionasdistinguishedfromPhilippinehigher education institution, is one that is duly established and authorized in accordance with existing Philippine laws to operate higher education programs which are primarily and principally adhering to either universally accepted and recognized educational policies and standards or the unique differentiallyprescribedsystemofeducationofaparticularcountryotherthan thePhilippines. l) FormalEducationreferstothehierarchicallystructuredandchronologically graded learning experience organized and provided by the formal school system and for which certification is required in order for the student to progress through the grades or move to higher levels. Formal education shall correspond to the levels of the elementary, secondary and tertiary education. m)GovernmentmeanstheGovernmentoftheRepublicofthePhilippines.

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n) GovernmentAuthoritymeanseitherapermitorrecognitionissuedbythe Commission to a private higher education institution for the operation of a particularhighereducationdegreeprogram. 1. Permit refers to a form of government authority issued by the Commissiontoaprivatehighereducationinstitutionfortheoperationofa particular higher education program on probation. The Permit is renewable and generallyrevocable fornoncompliance with the program requirements. 2. Recognitionisanotherformofgovernmentauthorityorapprovalgranted to aparticular higher educationprogram foroperationas acontinuing or permanent concern, after having been satisfactorily operated under a governmentpermit.Recognitionconstitutesthebasisforthegraduationof students.Itremainsvalidunlessrevokedforcause. 3. Special Order is the authority granted by the Commission for a higher education institution to graduate a student from a degree program duly authorizedbytheCommission.Thisiscontainedinaformprescribedfor thepurpose. o) HigherEducationDegreeProgramreferstothespecificcoursesofstudyin thehigherleveloftheeducationsystemleadingtoabachelors,mastersor doctorsdegree.Ahighereducationdegreeprogramshouldbedistinguished from its major fields, the latter representing various specific fields of study withinthehighereducationdegreeprogram,butwiththesamecommoncore curriculum. p) Higher Education Institution or Institution as used in this Manual, means aneducationalinstitution,privateorpublic,undertakingoperationsofhigher education programs with an organized group of students pursuing defined studies in higher education, receiving instructions from teachers, usually located in a building or group of buildings in a particular site specifically intendedforeducationalpurposes. q) Institutional Academic Freedom refers to the freedom of higher education institutions to determine their aims and objectives and how to attain them withoutthreatofcoercionorinterference,except,whentheoverridingpublic interestcallsforsomerestraint. r) Institutional Policies and Rules means the standards prescribed by the private higher education institution for the internal governance of its educational operations, as defined and approved by its governing body in accordance with law, and the applicable policies and rules of the Commission. s) MembersoftheAcademicCommunityreferstothegeneralmembershipof everyprivatehighereducationinstitutionestablishedinaccordancewithlaw andduly authorizedby the Commissiontooperatecertain highereducation programs.Thetermincludes,eithersinglyorcollectively,thefollowing: 1. Personnelmeanstheperson,singlyorcollectively,workinginaprivate highereducationinstitution.Theyareclassifiedasfollows: a) Academic Personnel includes those who are formally engaged in actualteachingorinresearchassignments,eitheronfulltimeorpart timebasis.

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b) Academic Support Personnel are those who perform certain prescribedacademicfunctionsdirectlysupportiveofteaching,suchas registrars, librarians, guidance counselors, researchers, and other persons performing similar functions including institution officials responsibleforacademicmattersandaffairs. c) Board of Trustees/ Regents/ Governing Boardis the policymaking body of a higher education institution, which exercises all the corporatepowersoftheinstitutionandisanswerabletoall members oftheacademiccommunity. d) Head refers to the chief executive officer of a higher education institution. e) NonAcademicPersonnelmeanstherankandfileemployeesofthe institution engaged in administrative functions and maintenance of a highereducationinstitution. f) Other Institution Officials include other officers, including academic personnel who are occupying supervisory positions involved in implementationofpoliciesofaprivatehighereducationinstitution. 2. Student means any person who is enrolled and engaged in higher educationstudies. a) ForeignStudentsreferstoaliensbelongingorowingallegiancetoa country other than the Philippines studying in any educational institution recognized by the Philippine government including researchers, trainees, grantees, scholars, and others who are conducting research work in any other government/private department or agency, or studyingin any specialtraininginstitutions orcenterinthecountry. b) Refresher Course Student is a person enrolled in a particular programforauditpurposesandwithoutearningcredits. c) SpecialStudentisastudentwithextraordinarybehavior,mentalor physical conditions that require the adoption of the special needs educationprocedures,wheremodificationsinthecurricula,programs, special services and physical facilities are necessary for the developmentofmaximumlearningcapacities. t) NonStockInstitutionisaprivatehighereducationinstitutionorganizedasa nonstock corporation in accordance with the policies and rules of the CommissionandtheCorporationCodeofthePhilippineswherenopartofits income is distributable as dividend to its members, trustees and officers whose income from tuition is subject to limitation by the Commission on its allocation for salaries and reinvestment, provided, that any other profit obtainedasanincidenttoitsoperationsshall,whenevernecessaryorproper, be used for the furtherance of the purpose or purposes for which it was organized and whose assets, upon its dissolution or cessation of its corporateexistence,shallbedisposedofinamannerprovidedbylaw. u) PoliciesandRulesoftheCommissionreferstothestandardsorguidelines issued or prescribed by the Commission, which are normally considered minimum in terms of the establishment of a private higher education institution,theoperationofitsprogramsandactivities,andthemanagement ofitsaffairs.

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v) Regional Office refers to any of the offices of the Commission in the differentregionsthroughoutthecountrytheyexercisedirectsupervisionover highereducationinstitutionsundertheirjurisdictionandareaofresponsibility. w) Stock or Proprietary Institution is a higher education institution organized as a stock corporation in accordance with the Corporation Code of the Philippines whose income from tuition is subject to limitation by the Commissiononitsallocationforsalaries,reinvestment,anddividends. x) TertiaryEducationreferstopostsecondarytechnical/vocationaleducation andtraining,aswellashighereducationprograms. B.THEHIGHEREDUCATIONSYSTEM

ArticleII FORMALEDUCATION Section 6. Policy. The State recognizes and adopts formal education as its maininstrumenttoattainnationaleducationalgoalsandobjectives.Ithastwoequally importantsubsystems:theprivateschoolsystemandthepublicschoolsystem. TheStaterecognizesthecomplementaryrolesofpublicandprivateinstitutions intheeducationalsystemandshallexercisereasonablesupervisionandregulationof alleducationalinstitutions. Section7. Objectives. Highereducationshallhavethefollowingobjectives: a) To provide a general education program that will assist each individual to develop his potential as a human being, enhance the quality of citizen participationinthebasicfunctionsofsociety,andpromoteineachstudenta senseofnationalidentity,culturalconsciousness,moralintegrityandspiritual vigor. b) To train the nations human resources in the required skills for national development,andtoinstillandfostertheappropriateandrelevantattitudes, skills and knowledge to enable each individual to become a useful, productive,globallycompetitive,andgainfullyemployedmemberofsociety. c) Todevelopandmaintaintheintegrityofthe professionsanddisciplinesthat willprovideleadershipforthenation. d) Toadvancethefrontiersofknowledgethroughresearchwork,andapplythe technology gained for improving the quality of human life and responding effectivelytochangingsocietalneedsandconditions. Section 8. following: Levels. Formal Education in the higher level consists of the

a) UndergraduateLevel 1. BaccalaureateThisencompassesprograms,usuallyfourorfiveyearsin length,leadingtoaBachelorsdegreeinagivendisciplineorprofession.

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b) GraduateLevel 1. Masters This requires a bachelorsdegreeas aminimum qualification for entry, usually one or two years of study and usually with a thesis requirement. 2. DoctoralThisrequiresamastersdegreeasaminimumqualificationfor entry.Italsorequiresthestudenttodosignificantoriginalresearchforhis dissertation. ArticleIII ALTERNATIVESYSTEMSINEDUCATION Section9. Policy. TheCommissionrecognizesthateducationandacquisition of higher learning take place both within and beyond the confines of theclassrooms. TheCommissionrecognizestheneedtoformallyacknowledgehigherlearningobtained frominformalandnonformalsystemsofeducation.Therecognitionshallbeembodied inaninstrumentacceptablebythegeneralpublic. Section10. Objectives.Theobjectivesofthealternativesystemsineducation are: a) Tomakequalityhighereducationaccessibletoagreaternumberofqualified students who are otherwise isolated by geographical location, personal and workcommitments,timeconstraints,andconventionalcoursestructures b) Toestablishamechanismforassessmentandaccreditationofpriorlearning from nonformal and informal education and training, and from related work experiencesofindividualstowardthegrantingofequivalencycertificatesand awardsinhighereducationand c) To establish guidelines for the award of higher educationcertificates and/or degreestodeservingindividuals. Section11. AlternativeSystems. Thesesystemsshallincludebutnotlimited tothefollowing: a) Distance Education is a modeof educational delivery, whereby, the teacher and learner are separated in time and space, and instruction is delivered through specially designed materials and methods, and supported by organizationalandadministrativestructuresandarrangements. b) Ladderized Education refers to all education and training mechanisms that allow students and workers progression within and between Technical VocationalEducationandTraining(TVET)andHigherEducation(HE). c) The Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) is a comprehensive program of identifying, assessing and assigning equivalent collegelevel learning for nonformal and informal training,anddemonstrated/substantiatedcompetencies,skills,attitudesand values acquired from related work experience toward the final granting of equivalent credits and/or awarding of appropriate academic degree by deputizedhighereducationinstitutions.Competencyenhancementprograms areemployedtoensureprogressionoftheindividualstudentintheProgram.

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Theestablishmentandoperationofthealternativesystemsineducationshallbe coveredbyspecificpolicies,guidelinesandproceduressetbytheCommission. C.THECOMMISSIONONHIGHEREDUCATION ArticleIV ORGANIZATIONANDGENERALPOWERS Section12. Composition. The Commission iscomposed ofa Chairman,and four(4)Commissioners. Section 13. Organization. The Commission is divided intothe Central Office and the RegionalOffices. The Central Office consistsof the Offices of theChairman andtheCommissioners,theSecretariatandtheHigherEducationDevelopmentFund. TheSecretariatcomprisesthefollowingmainunits: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) OfficeoftheExecutiveDirector OfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveDirector OfficeofProgramsandStandards OfficeofPolicy,Planning,ResearchandInformation OfficeofStudentServices InternationalAffairsService LegalService AdministrativeandFinanceService HumanResourceDevelopmentOffice

Section14. RegionalOffices. TheCommissionhasseventeen(17)Regional Officesdistributedinthedifferentadministrativeregions ofthecountry.EachRegional OfficeisheadedbyaRegionalDirectorwhoisresponsibleincarryingoutthefunctions oftheCommissionintheregion. Thefollowingaretheregionaloffices:(a)RegionI(b)RegionII(c)RegionIII (d) Region IVA CALABARZON (e) Region IVB MIMAROPA (f) Region V (g) RegionVI(h)RegionVII(i)RegionVIII(j)RegionIX(k)RegionX(l)RegionXI(m) Region XII (n) National Capital Region (o) Cordillera Administrative Region (p) CARAGA(q)AutonomousRegionofMuslimMindanao. Section 15. Supervision Over Higher Education Institutions. All private higher education institutions shall be established in accordance with law andshall be subjecttoreasonablesupervisionandregulationbytheCommission.Noprivatehigher education institution shall be established, and no higher education program shall be operated, whether formal or through the alternative systems, except pursuant to law andinaccordancewiththisManual. Section 16. Powers and Functions of the Commission. The Commission shallhavethefollowingpowersandfunctions: a) formulate and recommend development plans, policies, priorities, and programsonhighereducationandresearch b) formulate and recommend development plans, policies, priorities and programsinresearch

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c) recommend to the executive and legislative branches, priorities, and grants onhighereducationandresearch d) set minimum standards for programs and institutions of higher learning recommendedbypanelsofexpertsinthefieldandsubjecttopublichearing, andenforcethesame e) monitorandevaluatetheperformanceofprogramsandinstitutionsofhigher learningforappropriateincentivesaswellastheimpositionofsanctionssuch as, but not limited to, the diminution or withdrawal of subsidy, recommendationonthedowngradingorwithdrawalofaccreditation,program terminationorschoolclosure f) identify, support and develop potential centers of excellence in program areasneededforthedevelopmentofworldclassscholarship,nationbuilding andnationaldevelopment g) recommend to the Department of Budget and Management the budgets of publicinstitutionsofhigherlearningaswellasgeneralguidelinesfortheuse oftheirincome h) rationalize programs and institutions of higher learning and set standards, policies and guidelines for the creation of new ones as well as the conversionorelevationofschoolstoinstitutionsofhigherlearning,subjectto budgetary limitationsandthenumber of institutions of higher learning inthe province or region where creation, conversion or elevation is sought to be made i) develop criteria for allocating additional resources such as research and program development grants, scholarships, and other similar programs: Provided, That these shall not detract from the fiscal autonomy already enjoyedbycollegesanduniversities j) directorredirectpurposiveresearchbyinstitutionsofhigherlearningtomeet theneedsofagroindustrializationanddevelopment k) deviseandimplementresourcedevelopmentschemes l) administertheHigherEducationDevelopmentFund,asdesiredinSection10 of Republic Act No. 7722, which will promote the purposes of higher education m)reviewthechartersofinstitutionsofhigherlearningandstateuniversitiesand colleges including the chairmanship and membership of their governing bodiesandrecommendappropriatemeasuresasbasisfornecessaryaction n) promulgatesuchrulesandregulationsandexercisesuchotherpowersand functions as may be necessary to carry out effectively the purpose and objectivesofRepublicActNo.7722 o) performsuchotherfunctionsasmaybenecessaryforitseffectiveoperations and for the continued enhancement, growth or development of higher education. Section17. MinimumStandardsorCriteria. Thesupervisionandregulation provided in this Manual are the minimum standards or criteria to operate higher education institutions andconduct higher education degreeprograms. The institutions mayadopthigherstandardsorcriteriaconsistentwithlaws,rulesandregulations.

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Section18. GuaranteeofAcademicFreedom. NothinginthisManualshall be construed as limiting the academic freedom of higher education institutions. In particular,noabridgmentofcurricularfreedomoftheindividualinstitutionshallbemade by the Commission except for: (a) minimum unit requirement for specific academic programs(b)generaleducationdistributionrequirementsasmaybedeterminedbythe Commissionand(c)specificprofessionalsubjectsasmaybestipulatedbythevarious licensing entities. Finally, no academic or curricular restriction shall be made upon privatehighereducationinstitutions,whicharenotrequiredforcharteredstatecolleges anduniversities. D.PRIVATEHIGHEREDUCATIONINSTITUTIONS ArticleV ESTABLISHMENTOFPRIVATEHIGHEREDUCATIONINSTITUTIONS Section 19. Incorporation of Private Higher Education Institutions Limitations.Allprivatehighereducationinstitutionshallbeestablishedandincorporate as a nonstock or as a stock educational corporation in accordance with the CorporationCodeofthePhilippinesandtheEducationActof1982(B.P.Blg.232)as amended by Republic Act No. 7798. Ownership is vested solely upon citizens of the Philippinesortocorporationsorassociationsatleastsixtypercent(60%)oftheircapital is owned by such citizens, except those schools established or to be established by religious groups and mission boards pursuant to the Constitution and special laws. Provided,Thattheminimumpaidupcapitalforstockhighereducationinstitutionsshall not be less than Five Million Pesos (PhP 5,000,000.00), except existing higher education institutions organized asstock corporations, which may retain their original capitalization. Inanyeventthatthereisachangeinownershipoftheinstitution,itshallbethe duty of the Board of Trustees/ Regents/ Governing Board of the private higher education institution to disclose such change in writing, within thirty (30) days, to the Commissionandthemembersoftheacademiccommunity. Section 20. Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws. In accordance with the CorporationCode,theSecuritiesandExchangeCommissionshallaccept,approveand registerthearticlesofincorporationandbylawsofaprivatehighereducationinstitution onlyuponthefavorablerecommendationoftheCommission. Anygroupofpersonsdesiringtoopenorestablishahighereducationinstitution mustfirstsecurethepermissionoftheCommissionbyfilingapetitionsettingforththe following: a) Thenameandlocationoftheinstitutionorcollege b) The names and addresses of all officers, directors, governing boards and faculties c) Dateoftheorganizationandtheintendedoperation d) Thetotalamountofmoneyactuallyinvestedandotherinformationrelativeto thefinancialconditionoftheinstitutionorcollege

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e) Adescriptionofthebuildingsoccupiedortobeoccupiedbytheinstitutionor college, with full details regarding the number and dimensions of rooms, plumbingandsanitaryarrangements,andfacilitiesfortheproperlightingand ventilation f) Alistofrequiredteachers,andassistants,showingtheiracademicdegrees, profession, experience and qualifications, and the subjects to be taught by each g) Complete information concerning the curriculum to be established, with full detailsregardingtheamountofinstructiontobegivenoneachsubject h) Fullinformationrelativetolaboratories,equipmentandlibrariesand i) AllotherdetailsanddatathattheCommissionmayrequireforthepurposeof passingupontheapplication. The Commissionshall issuea favorablerecommendation for the registration of the institution with the Securities and Exchange Commission upon substantial compliance of the foregoing requirements. However, the favorable recommendation shall not be construed as an authority to operate a higher education institution or a permittoconducthighereducationprograms. Nohighereducationinstitutionshallcallitselforbecalled,andberegisteredwith the Securities and Exchange Commission as a University or University System. The status of a university or university system may only be granted in accordance with policiesandrulesoftheCommission. Section 21. Establishment ofa ForeignHigher Education Institution. The establishmentandoperationofaforeignhighereducationinstitutionshallbegoverned byapplicableprovisionsofthePhilippineConstitution,laws,andthepoliciesandrules oftheCommission.UnlessotherwiseprovidedbytheConstitution,law,orthisManual, the same terms and conditions or requirements governing the grant of government authority to operate higher education programs provided in this Manual,shall likewise be invariably and equally applicable to any foreign institution that may operate any highereducationprogramdirectlyorindirectly,inthePhilippines. Nohighereducationinstitutionshallbeestablishedexclusivelyforaliens,andno group of aliens shall comprise more than onethird of the enrolment of any school except for schools established for foreign diplomatic personnel and their dependents and,unlessotherwiseprovidedforbylaw,forotherforeigntemporaryresidents. Section 22. Establishment of a Branch. Except for higher education institutionsexpresslyexemptedunderthisManual,theestablishmentofabranchshall requiretheprior approval of the Commission, where it is located in aseparatecity or municipality from the main campus. However, the privilege of establishing a branch within the same city or municipality without need for prior approval shall not be applicableintheNationalCapitalRegionanditscomponentcitiesandmunicipalities. A school facility shall be considered a branch where (1) a separate site and attendant educational facilities such as building and classrooms specifically for the institutionhavebeenestablished,(2)thebranchisofferinghighereducationprograms whichmayalsobeofferedinthemainschool,and(3)thecoursesofferedinthebranch arenotrestrictedtoaspecialclientelesuchasemployeesofacompany,butareopen tothequalifiedgeneralpublic.

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The institution may, at its discretion, apply as a separate higher education institution rather than as a branch. As such, the applicant must comply with the requirementsfortheestablishmentofanewschool. Section 23. Establishment of Extension Classes, and Delivery of Education through Distance Education. A school facility shall be considered an extension class where it possesses the characteristics of a school branch as above provided, except that (1) administrative and support facilities mentioned are not availableatthesitebutmerelytheclassrooms(2)enrolmentinanextensionclassis restricted to a special clientele, and not available to the general public and (3) such extensionclassesaretemporaryinnature. OnlyhighereducationdegreeprogramswithatleastLevelIIIaccreditation,orits equivalent,maybeofferedthroughextensionclassesordistanceeducation. Deliveryof higher educationdegree programs with Level III accreditation, or its equivalent, by means of extension classes or distance education shall require prior approval of the Commission, and after full compliance with the requirements, as follows: 1. ProofofLevelIIIaccreditation,oritsequivalent,ofthedegreeprogramand 2. Proof of compliance with the policies and rules of the Commission on extensionclassesordistanceeducation,asthecasemaybe. DegreeprogramswithLevelIVaccreditationmaybedelivered,oraderegulated or autonomous institution may deliver any higher education degree program on the same modes without need of prior approval of the Commission, provided, that the Commissionisdulyinformed. Inanycase,whenadegreeprogramshallbeofferedoutsidethePhilippines,the following additional requirements must be complied with, and submitted to the Commission: 1. Proofofacknowledgmentandrecognitionofthehostgovernmentorcountry wheretheextensionclasses,ordistanceeducationshallbeconductedand 2. ProofofconcurrenceoftheDepartmentofForeignAffairsofthePhilippines. Aforeignhighereducationinstitutionwhosedegreeprogramisaccreditedinits homecountryatthesameorequivalentlevelasLevelsIIIorIVinthePhilippines,may be offered in the Philippines through extension classes, or distance education, provided, that the foreign higher education institution shall arrange, through the Commission, for a Philippine higher education institution to administer the degree program, and provided further, that the foreign higher education institution complies with the requirements and submits supporting documents to the Commission, as follows: 1. Accreditationpapersandproofofaccreditationofthedegreeprogramgiven by thehomecountrytotheforeigninstitution 2. Accreditation status or proof of accreditation of the Philippine institution, whichwouldadministertheforeigndegreeprograminthePhilippinesand 3. An authenticated copy of the Memorandum of Agreement between the foreign and local institutions favorably endorsed or sanctioned by their respectiveGovernments.

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Section 24. Dissolution. The provisions of the Corporation Code of the Philippines on dissolution of corporations shall govern, as far as applicable, the dissolution,liquidation,anddistributionofassetsofahighereducationinstitution. ArticleVI INSTITUTIONALFACILITIES Section 25. School Sites and Buildings. The school site of every private higher education institutions must be suitable and adequate for its activities. The institution should own the site. If not owned, there should be a definite and feasible programforownershipthereofwithinareasonableperiod,orreasonableandadequate provisionsforcontinueduseby theschool through a longtermlease or usufructof at leastten(10)years. In the selection of a prospective school site, consideration should be given, among others, to such factors as total floor area required for occupancy at any one time, traffic situation in the vicinity, a reasonable distance from other schools already existing, and location and distance from distractive establishments such as cockpits, dancing halls, bars or recreational places of questionable character, bowling alleys, moviehouses,markets,garbagedumps,funeralparlors,jails,cemeteriesandothers. School buildings shall be designed and constructed in conformity with the provisionsoftheBuildingCode.Asmuchaspossible,theschoolbuildings: a) Shallbesosituatedthattheyaresufficientlyfarfromallfirehazardsandthat instruction and study can be conducted without undue interference from neighbors and passing traffic, and so arranged that activities going on in classrooms, study rooms, laboratories, or the library do not interfere with eachother b) Shall be adequately planned and constructed that in case of fire, typhoon, earthquake,etc.,allstudentscanevacuatethebuildingpromptlyandsafely c) Shall be equipped with fire escapes, fire extinguishers, and other safety devices d) Shallhaveenoughlavatoriesforbothsexeswhichshall,atalltimes,bekept clean e) Shallbeadequatelylightedandventilated f) Shallcontainsufficientspace,furnitureandfixturesforthegeneralneedsof theadministrativestaff,facultyandstudents g) Shall not be used for private residence or in any way that might directly or indirectlyinterferewithschooloperations h) Shallhaveaneasilyaccessibleandwellfurnished,wellequippedlibrary,as wellasadministrativeofficesandfacultyrooms i) Shall have adequately outfitted laboratories and equipment for the science courses j) Shallhaveasufficientareaforstudentpersonnelservices k) Shall have allotted specific areas for home economics and other vocational courses

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l) Shall beadequately plannedthatclassrooms and laboratories openonto a corridorand m)Shall,ifamultistoreybuilding,haveatleasttwostaircaseswithaminimum width of two meters, subject to government regulations. Ramps shall be provided for students with special needs as required by the BP Blg. 344 otherwiseknownastheAccessibilityLaw. All higher education institutions, are also required to provide for adequate auditoriums,lectureroomsandgymnasiums,andarefurtherrequiredtobesufficiently equippedtogiveadequateinstructiontothepublic. Inaddition,thefollowingarerequiredforschoolsitesandbuildings: a) ForSafety To ensure the safety of students while in the premises, all higher education institutions are enjoined strictly to observe and follow the applicableprovisionsofPresidentialDecree(PD)No.1185,otherwiseknown as the Fire Code and PD No. 1059, otherwise known as the National BuildingCode. The Regional Offices are authorized to evaluate and monitor compliance by institutions of thesaid Presidential Decrees, and to report in writinganyviolationsthereoftotheCommission. Any higher education institution found guilty, after due process, for violations of any provisions of the aforementioned laws, shall be dealt with accordingly, whichmayinclude therevocationof permits and/or authority to operateand/oroffercourses. b) ForSanitation,WasteDisposalandEnvironmentalHygiene In the interest of public health and safety, particularly of students, faculty and nonteaching personnel, all higher education institution are required to conduct appropriate and effective measures to ensure that all campus facilities and premises are properly maintained according to sanitationandhygienestandardsasprescribedbytheCodeofSanitationof thePhilippinesandotherpertinentlaws. All higher education institutions are also enjoined to: (1) coordinate closely with local and national government agencies responsible for sanitationandwastedisposal(2)inspectandundertakeremedialmeasures where necessary, potable water supply and distribution systems located in campusand(3)instituteappropriatepreventiveandresponsivemeasuresto combatthedevelopmentandspreadofcommunicablediseasesoncampus. Topreventandaddressoutbreakofwaterandfoodbornediseasesin campuses, all higher education institutions higher education institutions are furtherrequiredtoconductthefollowingactivitiesaspartofstudentservices:
1. Monitoringandassuranceofpotablewatersupply 2. Maintenance of cleanliness and sanitation of school surroundings, includingcomfortroomsandcanteens

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3. Healthandsanitationclearancesoffoodhandlers 4. Sanitarypreparationsandservingoffoodsandbeverages 5. Properrefrigerationoffoods 6. Appropriateequippingandsupply stockingofschoolclinicsand 7. Conduct of public awareness campaigns, with emphasis on prevention.

Section 26. Library Standards. Every higher education institution shall maintainlibraryorlibrariesforeachprogramwithadequatecollectionsandmaterialsin accordance with the policies and standards prescribed by the Commission for each highereducationdegreeprogram.Thelibrarycollectionshallincludethefollowing:
a) Basic collection of wellselected relevant books and nonprint materials to supportthecoreneedsofthegeneraleducationcurriculaand b) Such additional more specialized collections, periodicals, electronic materials, online data bases, internet access and other multimedia resources, not violative of the Intellectual Property Code, as may be necessary to meet the requirements of the various courses of study and major programs offered by eachinstitution.

Additionally,thelibrary:
a) Shallvaryinextentandnaturewiththekindofcoursesofferedandthesizeof theenrollment b) Shallhaveseparatelibrarybookcollectionsandmaterialsbyeducationallevel,if applicable,andprovisionsofreadingrooms c) Shallbeadequateinqualityandquantity,includingthecurrencyofitscollection d) Shallbehelpfulinservingtheneedsofscholarshipandresearchand e) Shall be administered by a professional librarian with library assistant when necessary.

Section27. LibraryDevelopmentProgram. Everyhighereducationinstitution shall adopt a continuing and innovative acquisition and development program for its library,aswellastheimprovementoffacilitiesandresources. Section 28. Textbook Selection Criteria. Every higher education institution shall use textbooks that are suitable for higher education programs offered, of fairly recent edition, uptodate in methods of presentation and content, notviolative of the IntellectualPropertyCode,andpreferablywrittenbyFilipinoauthors. Section 29. Change in Textbooks. Every higher education institution shall havetherighttoprescribeitstextbooksandinstructionalmaterials. ArticleVII INTERNALORGANIZATION:ADMINISTRATORS Section30. GoverningBoard. Everyprivatehighereducationinstitutionshall haveagoverningboardthatshallexercisegeneralsupervision,haveexclusivecontrol anddirectionofallfunds,prescribepolicies,makerulesandregulationsandestablish practices that are not inconsistent with law and the policies and rules of the Commission.

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Aprivatehighereducationinstitutionorganizedasanonstockcorporationshall haveaBoardofTrusteescomposedofnotlessthanfive(5)normorethanfifteen(15) members,provided,thatthetotalnumberoftrusteesshallbemultiplesoffive(5).For an institution organized as Stock Corporation, the provisions of the Corporation Code shallgovernthenumberandtermoftheBoardDirectors. The control and administration of educational institutions shall be vested in citizens of the Philippines except those established by religious groups or foreign missionboards.EverymemberoftheBoardofTrusteesorDirectorsofprivatehigher educationinstitutionshallpossessatleastabachelorsdegree. Section 31. Qualifications of the Head. Every private higher education institutionshallhaveaheadwhomaybePresident,RectororDirectorandshallbethe chief executive officer responsible for the efficient and effective administration of the institutiontowardstherealizationofitsgoalsandobjectives. The head must (1) be a Filipino citizen, except for institutions established by religiousgroupsorforeignmissionboards,(2)possessatleastamastersdegreeora professional license requiring at least a bachelors degree (3) have managerial competence or have a background of demonstrated service and competence in his previousfieldofendeavor,and(4)beofgoodmoralcharacter. Section 32. Qualifications and Functions of the Dean. The dean for undergraduatehighereducationdegreeprogramsshallholdatleastamastersdegree andaprofessionallicenserequiringatleastabachelorsdegree.Thedeanforgraduate programsmustholdanappropriatedoctoraldegreeandhaspublishedresearchworks. Adeanmusthaveatleastfive(5)yearsofsatisfactoryteachingexperienceand atleasttwo(2)yearsofsatisfactorymanagerialexperience.Heshallassisttheschool head in the attainment of institutional goals and objectives, and shall perform the functions and responsibilities as may be expressly and legitimately prescribed by the school. Thegeneralfunctionsandresponsibilitiesofadeanusuallyincludethefollowing: a) To assist theschool head inallmatters affectingthegeneralpolicies ofthe entireinstitution b) Toprovideacademicleadershipinhisorhercollegeofunitand c) To provide overall administrative supervision over all activities in his or her schoolorunit. Amongthespecificdutiesandresponsibilitiesofadeanarethefollowing: a) To recommend through channels the curriculum and course of study to be adoptedforapprovalbytheCommission b) Torecommendtheappointment,promotion,orseparationoffacultymembers incollege c) Torecommendsubjectassignmentoffacultymembersinhiscollege

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d) Tohelpformulateeducationalpoliciesinhiscollege,andtoissuenecessary rulesandregulationsfortheireffectiveimplementation e) To institute a definite program of supervision to raise the efficiency of instruction f) To supervise all the curricular and cocurricular activities of all departments underhischargeincollaborationwithotherofficialsconcerned g) To enforce the institutions policies, rules andregulations onadmissionand registration of students, transfer of credits, subject loads and subject pre requisites,scholarship,residence,promotion,andothersand h) Toapprovethelistofcandidatesforgraduationofthecollegeorunit. Adeanmayperformsuchotherfunctionsandresponsibilitiesthatareinherentin theposition. Section33.QualificationsandFunctionsoftheRegistrar. Theregistrarshall holdabachelorsdegreeandhaveatleastthree(3)yearsoftrainingorexperiencein theservicingandmaintenanceofstudentacademicrecordsandrelatedschoolwork. TheRegistrarshallberesponsiblefortheschoolrecordsofstudents,andshall perform the functions and responsibilities that the institution may expressly and legitimatelyrequire.Unlessotherwiseindicatedbytheschool,theRegistrarshallbethe institutionsprincipalliaisonwiththeCommission. Every private higher education institution shall preserve and maintain the integrity and confidentiality of its student records. The Registrar shall issue student recordsinaccordancewithlawandthisManual. ArticleVIII INTERNALORGANIZATION: ACADEMICANDNONACADEMICPERSONNEL Section34. MinimumFacultyQualifications. The minimumqualificationsof thefacultyinahighereducationinstitutionshallbeasfollows: a. Forundergraduateprograms: 1. Holder of a masters degree, to teach mainly in his major field and a holder of appropriate professional license requiring at least a bachelors degree for theprofessionalcourses. Anydeviationfrom this requirement willbesubjecttoregulationbytheCommission. 2. For Physical Education: A holder of a degreeof Bachelor ofScience in Physical Education, or Bachelor of Science in Education, with major or minorinphysicaleducation,oranyotherbachelorsdegreewithcertificate inphysicaleducation. 3. For Music Education: A holder of the degree of Bachelor of Music, or BachelorofScience,withmajororminorinmusic,oranyotherbachelors degreewithcertificateinmusic.

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b. Forgraduateprograms: 1. Forthemastersprogram:Thereshallbeatleastone(1)fulltimefaculty who holds a doctors degree, and at least three (3) fulltime faculty who aremastersdegreeholdersinthediscipline. 2. For professional masters program: A holder of at least a professional masters degree. Faculty complement required in specific fields shall be defined in the policies and standards set by the Commission specific to thefield. 3. Forthedoctorsprogram:Thereshallbeatleastthree(3)fulltimefaculty members who are doctoral degree holders, and who have published researchworksinrefereedjournal(s)inthediscipline. 4. For professional doctors program: A holder of a professional doctors degree.Facultycomplementrequiredshallbedefinedinthepoliciesand standardssetbytheCommissionspecifictothefield. Section 35. Fulltime and Parttime Faculty. As a general rule, all private higher education institutions shall employ fulltime faculty or academic personnel consistentwiththelevelsofinstruction. A fulltime faculty or academic teaching personnel is one who meets all the followingrequirements: a) Who possesses at least the minimum academic qualifications prescribed underthisManualforallacademicpersonnel b) Who is paid monthly or hourly, based on the regular teaching loads as provided for inthe policies, rulesandstandards of the Commission and the institution c) Whodevotesnotlessthaneight(8)hoursofworkadaytotheschool d) Who have no other remunerative occupation elsewhere requiring regular hoursofwork,exceptwhenpermittedbythehighereducationinstitutionand e) Whoisnotteachingfulltimeinanyotherhighereducationinstitution. All teaching personnel who do not meet the foregoing qualifications are consideredparttime. Section 36. Fulltime Faculty Complement. In every higher education institution,atleastfiftypercent(50%)ofthecoursesintheLiberalArtsandEducation courses of study shall be taught by fulltime academic personnel. This requirement, although desirable, does not apply for the professional courses of study requiring licensureexaminationorwherefulltimeexpertiseisnotavailable. Section 37. Faculty Classification and Ranking. Academic teaching positions shall be classified in accordance with academic qualifications, training and scholarship preferably into Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, and Instructor,withoutprejudicetoamoresimplifiedorexpandedsystemoffacultyranking, attheoptionoftheinstitution.

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Anacademicteachingpersonnel,whodoesnotfallunderanyoftheclassesor ranksindicatedintheprecedingparagraphshallbeclassifiedpreferablyasprofessorial lecturer, guest lecturer, or any othersimilar academic designation onthe basis of his qualifications. Section 38. The Other Institution Officials, Academic Support and Non AcademicPersonnel. Theofficers,includingacademicpersonnel,whoareoccupying supervisorypositionsinvolvedintheimplementationofthepoliciesoftheinstitution,are classifiedasotherinstitutionofficials. Thosewhoperformcertainprescribedacademicfunctionsdirectlysupportiveof teaching, such as registrars, librarians, guidance councilors, researchers, and others performing similar functions including institution officials responsible for academic mattersandaffairsshallbeconsideredacademicsupportpersonnel. The nonacademic personnel of an institution shall comprise the rankandfile employeesoftheinstitutionengagedintheadministrativefunctionsandmaintenanceof theinstitution,butarenotclassifiedundertheforegoingparagraphs. ArticleIX UNIVERSITYSTATUS Section 39. Policy. University status, being a distinctive honor, is reserved onlyfortrulydeservinghighereducationinstitutionsthathaveproventheirexcellencein theareasofinstruction,researchandoutreach. Section40. StandardRequirements. TheCommission,afteranevaluationof theapplication,maygrantauniversitystatustoahighereducationinstitutionthathas compliedwiththerequirementsasfollows: a) Degree Programs. The higher education institution currently operates recognizedhighereducationprogramsasfollows:
1. AfouryearprograminLiberalArts 2. AfouryearprogramintheBasicSciences/Mathematics 3. AfouryearprogramintheSocialSciences 4. Atleastthree(3)otheractiveanddulyrecognizedprofessionalprogramsthat require special studies towards a specific competence and a license to practice 5. Atleasttwo(2)graduatelevelprogramsleadingtoadoctoraldegree.

b) Accreditation. The higher education institution must have Level III accreditation or its equivalent for at least two (2) of the undergraduate programs,one(1)intheArtsandone(1)intheSciences,andLevelIIIorits equivalentforanyone(1)ofitsgraduateprograms. c) Instruction. The highereducationinstitutionmust exhibit acontinuingquest for excellence in instruction through the quality of its educational programs, outstanding achievements of its students, and above national average performance in majority of the programs offered requiring government examinations.

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d) Research.Thehighereducationinstitutionmustmaintainatrackrecordofat least three years of high research standards as evidenced by a research program funded by an adequate budgetary allocation and manned by qualified faculty. The results of these researches must be published in refereedjournals. e) Extension. The higher education institution must have a credible extension program which may take the form of continuing education, application of researchresults,communityservicesandthelike. f) Faculty Complement. The institution applying for University Status must complywiththefollowingfacultyprofile: 1. Atleastfiftypercent(50%)ofitsfacultyintheArtsandSciencesmustbe fulltime 2. At least twenty percent (20%) must be doctors degree holders in their areaofteaching,atleasthalfofwhommustbefulltime. 3. At least thirty five percent (35%) of the total faculty must have masters degreesintheirareasofteachingatleastseventypercent(70%)ofwhom mustbefulltime. 4. Theremustbeprovisionstorewardorrecognitiontothespecializedskills offacultywhoarenationallyand/orinternationallyrenowned. g) SiteandBuildings.Thehighereducationinstitutionmustownitsinstitutional site and buildings provided with adequate facilities suitable for its activities. ThebuildingsmustcomplywiththerequirementsprovidedunderSection25, ArticleVIofthisManual. h) Library, Laboratory and Equipment. The institutions facilities for library, laboratoryandphysicaleducation,etc.,mustconformtothestandardssetby theCommission.Facilitiesforstudentaccesstootherlibrariesanddatabases throughtheInternetmustbeinstalled. Section41. WithdrawalofUniversityStatus. TheCommissionmaywithdraw the university status granted to a higher education institution for cause and after due process. The inability of an institution to maintain compliance with the substantive conditionsprovidedintheimmediatelyprecedingsectionisconsideredavalidbasisfor withdrawal. ArticleX CENTERSOFEXCELLENCE(COEs)ANDCENTERSOFDEVELOPMENT(CODs) Section 42. Policy. In accordance with the EducationCommission Report of 1991 which called for fostering of the development of world class scholarship in the various disciplines in the Philippines, qualified higher education institutions are designated by the Commission as Centers of Excellence or Centers of Development and, as such, are eligible for substantial fundingassistance, particularly in thepriority programsasdeterminedbytheCommission.

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Section43.CriteriaforSelection. Highereducationinstitutionsmustapplyto theCommissionforthestatusofCenterofExcellence(COE)orCenterofDevelopment (COD). These higher education institutions may either be invited to apply upon the recommendationoftheTechnicalPanels,ormayapplyontheirowninthoseprograms whereapplicationforstatusaredeclaredopenbytheCommission. Selection among the applicants shall be based on an assessment of the followingfactors: (a) Instructional Quality (b) Research and Publication(c)Extension andLinkagesand(d)InstitutionalQualifications. Section 44. Responsibilities. Centers of Excellence and Centers of Developmentshallhavethefollowingresponsibilitiesandminimumexpectations: ForCentersofExcellence: a. Actasleaders/rolemodelsinthelocal,regionalandnationalcommunity b. Sustain and enhance research capabilities and upgrade professional or researchgraduateprogramsinthediscipline c. Provideassistance to agencies/institutionswithin theirgeographicalarea ofcoverage d. Undertake other activities and projects necessary in developing quality educationinthespecificdiscipline e. Accelerate the development of the discipline through strategic developmentalprogramsandprojects f. Develop quality instructional program through faculty development activitiesandupgradingoffacilitiesandlibraryholdings g. Undertake basic andapplied research activities on emerging trends and developmentsinthefieldand h. Undertake extension and linkage projects through regional or national consortiaagreements,internationalizationactivitiesandindustryacademe collaborations. ForCentersofDevelopment: a. Accelerate the development of the discipline through strategic developmentalprogramsandprojects b. Develop quality instructional program through faculty development activitiesandupgradingoffacilitiesandlibraryholdings c. Undertake basic andapplied research activities on emerging trends and developmentsinthefield d. Undertake extension and linkage projects through regional or national consortiaagreements,internationalizationactivitiesandindustryacademe collaborationsand e. Establish linkages with Centers of Excellence in the same discipline to furtherimprovecapabilitytoundertakeresearchinthefield. Section 45. Benefits. A higher education institution identified as Center of Excellenceor Centerof Development in particular academic programs shall enjoy the statusandthecorrespondingbenefitsforaperiodasdeterminedbytheCommission.

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ArticleXI AUTONOMOUSANDDEREGULATEDSTATUS OFPRIVATEHIGHEREDUCATIONINSTITUTIONS Section46. Policy. TheCommissiononHigherEducationtakescognizanceof the demonstratedandconsistentadherenceto highstandards of instruction,research and scholarships by certain private higher education institutions and thus accords to these institutions special regulatory treatment and benefits through the grant of autonomyandderegulatedstatus. Section 47. Criteria for Selection. The three general criteria used in the selection of an institution for the grant of autonomous or deregulated status are as follows: a) Long tradition of integrity and untarnished reputation. This is an attribute ascribed to a higher education institution that has consistently adhered to existing laws, rules and regulations and hence has no record of confirmed violations of Philippine laws, CHED Memorandum Orders (CMOs), and Policies,StandardsandGuidelines(PSGs),andnoschoolofficial,facultyor staffhasbeeninvolvedinanomalies.Integrityanduntarnishedreputationisa must criterion. A private higher education institution that fails to meet this criterion will automatically be disqualified for the grant of autonomous or deregulatedstatus. b) Commitmenttoexcellence. Thismeansthatthehighereducationinstitution demonstrates academic excellence as evidenced by its status as CHED identified Center of Excellence or Center of Development (COE/COD) in particular academic programs, Level of program accreditation granted by existing recognized accrediting bodies as certified by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP), or categorygranted by the CHED through the Institutional Monitoring and Evaluation for Quality Assurance(IQuaME).Otherformsofexistingqualityassurancemechanisms applicable to Philippine higher education institutions may be considered by thehighereducationinstitutiontodemonstrateitscommitmenttoexcellence. c) Sustainabilityandviabilityofoperations. Section 48. Benefits of Autonomous Status. Private higher education institutions granted autonomous status by the Commission shall enjoy the following benefits:
a) ExemptionfromtheissuanceofSpecialOrder(S.O.)fortheirgraduates b) FreefromregularmonitoringandevaluationbyCHED.However,incaseswhen therewillbecomplaintsfiledagainsttheprivatehighereducationinstitutions,or therearereportedviolationsofexistinglaws,rulesandregulationsbytheprivate higher education institutions, or there are sensational issues/problems raised aboutthe operation ofthe privatehighereducationinstitutions,the CHED may conductverification,monitoringorinvestigationactivities. c) Priority in the grant of subsidies and other financial incentives/assistance from theCommissiononHigherEducationwheneverfundsareavailable.

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d) Privilegetodetermineandprescribetheir curricularprogramstoachieveglobal competence. In case of curricular revisions, for record purposes, the private highereducationinstitutionsshouldinformtheCHEDCentralOfficeatleastone semesterpriortothestartoftheintendedacademicyeartherevisedcurriculum shall be implemented. The revised curriculum shall be applicable only to the enteringstudentsofthespecifiedacademicyear. e) Privilege to offer new course(s)/program(s) in the undergraduate or graduate levelwithoutsecuringpermit/authorityfromCHEDexceptindisciplinesthatare undermoratorium.Theprivatehighereducationinstitutionscanofferamaximum oftwo (2) new courses/programs in agiven academicyear and should ensure that the CHED minimum requirements as embodied in the existing policies, standards and guidelines (PSG) for a particular course/program are fully compliedwith.TheprivatehighereducationinstitutionsshouldinformtheCHED CentralOfficeofthenewcourse(s)/program(s)atleastonesemesterpriortothe start of the academic year such will be offered. The institutions should also informtheCHEDRegionalOfficeinJanuary,sixmonthsbeforethestartofthe newacademicyearforwhichthenewprogram(s)/course(s)willbeoffered. f) Privilege to establish branch/es or satellite campus/es without securing government authority from CHED. The private higher education institutions should ensure that the new branch/campus complies with the CHED minimum requirements with regard to the establishment of a new higher education institution and the existing CHED PSGs for the course/(s)/program(s) to be offered. The private higher education institutions should inform the CHED CentralOfficeatleastonesemesterpriortothestartoftheintendedacademic yearthatthenewbranch/campusshalloperate. g) Privilegetoofferextensionclassesanddistanceeducationcourse(s)/program(s) toexpandaccesstohighereducation,andtoestablishaffiliationwithrecognized foreign higher education institutions in pursuit of international standards of education. The private higher education institutions should ensure that the existing CHED PSGs for the offering of extension classes and distance educationprogramsarefullycompliedwith. The private higher education institutions should also ensure that the existing CHED PSGs for twinning/networking/linkage programs are fully compliedwith.TheprivatehighereducationinstitutionsshouldinformtheCHED CentralOfficeatleastonesemesterpriortothestartofintendedacademicyear suchwillbeofferedorestablished. h) AuthoritytograntHonorisCausatothosedeserving,perpertinentprovisionsof existingCHEDissuanceonconfermentofhonorarydegrees.

Section 49. Benefits of Deregulated Status. The benefits granted to autonomous private higher education institutions shall likewise be accorded to institutions with deregulated status, except the privileges provided in item letters e, f, andgofSection48.BenefitsofAutonomousStatus. Section50. ConditionsofGrant. Privatehighereducationinstitutionsgranted autonomousand/orderegulatedstatusarerequiredtosubmittotheconcernedCHED RegionalOfficetheirenrollmentlistpersemester,graduationlistofthecurrentschool year,andotherinstitutionaldata/informationaspartofdatagatheringofCHEDforthe HigherEducationManagementInformationSystem(HEMIS)followingtheprescribed formatorspecificationsanddeadlinesetforsubmission.

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Section51. ReevaluationofStatus. Six(6)monthsbeforetheexpirationof the grant, the CHED shall evaluate the private higher education institutions granted autonomous and deregulated status to determine retention/withdrawal or upgrading/downgradingofthestatus.Thecriteriaforevaluationshallbethesamewhen thestatuswasgrantedotherwiseifthereisanychangeincriteria,theschoolshallbe givenaperiodoftwoyearsfromnoticewithinwhichtocomply. E.HIGHEREDUCATIONPROGRAMS ArticleXII OPERATIONANDRECOGNITIONOFPROGRAMS Section 52. Establishment and Recognition Distinguished. The establishmentofaprivatehighereducationinstitutionreferstothecreation,foundingor organizationofanentityresultinginitslegalexistenceasahighereducationinstitution. Recognitionpresumesanexistinginstitutionandreferstotheauthoritygrantedbythe Commission for the institution to conduct or operate higher education programs. Establishmentprecedesrecognition. Section53. AuthoritytoOperate. Noprivatehighereducationinstitutionshall operate any higher education program without the approval of the Commission. The authority to operate higher education programs shall be applied for, and shall be grantedbytheCommissionintwodifferentphases.Forprogramsintheundergraduate level, the grant of authority to operate consists of: (a) the Permit Phase, and (b) the Recognition Phase. For programs in the graduate level, applications for authority to operateshallimmediatelybeforrecognition. Section54. NatureofPermitorRecognition. Thepermitorrecognitionshall beexclusivetothegranteeandsubjecttotheconditionssetforththerein.Thepermitor recognitioncannotinanywaybealienatedorbesubjectofanycontract. Section 55. The Permit Phase. The grant of authority to operate a higher educationprogrambeginswiththePermitphaseasfollows:
a) A duly established private higher education institution desiring to open a new highereducationdegreeprogram,throughitsChairmanoftheGoverningBoard, or its president or head when so authorizedbythe Governing Board, shallfile with the Regional Office concerned an application or petition under oath for a permittooperateahighereducationprogramnotlaterthanJune30oftheyear preceding the intended academic year of operation, setting forth the same requirementsenumeratedunderSection20ofthisManual. b) The Regional Office shall assess the completeness of the documentary requirementsin the application and shall inform the applicant higher education institution of the deficiencies noted, if any, not later than September 30 ofthe same year the application was filed. In which case, the applicant higher education institution shall be allowed to comply with the deficiencies not later thanOctober31ofthesameyear. c) When all documentary requirements are complete, the Commission shall dispatch a Quality Assessment Team to conduct an ocular inspection and evaluationoftheapplicantinstitutionscompliancewiththeminimumstandards setfortheprogramappliedfor,notlaterthanNovember30ofthesameyearthe applicationwasfiled.

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d) After the inspection and evaluation, the applicant higher education institution shallbeofficiallyinformedofthedeficiencies,ifany,notlaterthanDecember15 of the same year and shall be given until January 31 of the following year to correctthesame.Thereafter,theCommission,throughtheQualityAssessment Team, reevaluates and validates compliance with the CHED requirements. In anycase,awrittenapprovalordisapprovaloftheapplicationshallbeissuednot laterthanFebruary28ofthesameyear.

Applicationsfor permitnot disapprovedwithin theaboveprescribedperiod, are deemedapproved. If the application for permit is disapproved,only one appeal for reconsideration shall be allowed, the appeal shall be filed with the Commission within one (1) month from receipt of the written disapproval by the applicant institution. If the Commission does not favorably consider the appeal,theapplication for permit shall beconsidered for the next school year subject to compliance of the requirements for the program appliedfor. The initial permit to operate, as described above, applies only to the first and secondyearlevelsoftheprogramappliedfor,andshallbegrantedonlyafterthefirst and second year level requirements are met. On the second year of operation of the program,thehighereducationinstitutionmustapplyforpermittooperatethethirdyear level or may apply for recognition if the applicant institution has complied all the requirementsforthecontinuousoperationoftheprogramappliedfor. A permit to operate which had been previously issued shall be considered renewedandcontinuetobevalidforpurposesofgraduatingstudentsduringtheperiod where the higher education institution has already applied for recognition of the programandtheCommissionhasnotofficiallyrespondedtothesameinwriting,either favorablyorunfavorably,throughnofaultoftheapplicantinstitution. A higher educationinstitution whichattainedLevel III accreditationfor Artsand Sciences and for three (3) other professional courses may open and operate a new higher education degree program in any field without prior approval from the Commission, provided, that the Commission through the Office of Programs and StandardsandtheRegionalOfficeconcernedareinformedinwritingoftheopeningof thenewprogram,andprovidedfurther,thattheopeningofthenewprogrammeetsthe minimumrequirementssetbytheCommission. Allinstitutionsmustpostcopiesofnewpermitsandrecognitionoftheirprograms onbulletinboardslocatedinsidetheircampuses. Section56. TheRecognitionPhase. Atthestartofthethirdyearofoperation of the program under permit, the higher education institution must apply with the Commissionfortherecognitionoftheprogram.Uponsuchapplication,theCommission shall conduct an assessment of compliance of the applicant institution, and if all the minimumrequirementsfortheoperationoftheprogramaremet,theCommissionshall issuethecorrespondingCertificateofRecognition. An application for government recognition signed under oath by the President/ Head of the applicant institutionshall be filed with the Regional Office concerned not later thanthe first working day of November of theschoolyear priorto that for which recognitionissought.

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Anapplicationforrecognitionnotdisapprovedwithinaperiodofthree(3)months fromdateoffilingisdeemedapproved. If the application for recognition is disapproved, only one appeal for reconsiderationshallbeallowed.TheappealshallbefiledwiththeCommissionwithin one(1)monthfromreceiptofthewrittendisapprovalbytheapplicantinstitution.Ifthe Commission does not favorably consider the appeal, the decision of the Commission denyingtheappealshallbefinalandexecutory. Section 57. Validity of the Government Recognition . The Certificate of Recognition granted for a higher education program shall remain valid, unless withdrawn or revoked for cause. After due process, the Commission shall issue a writtenorderofrevocationorwithdrawal. Section58. EffectsofGovernmentRecognition. ACertificateofRecognition issued by the Commission to a higher education institution for a particular higher educationprogramshallhavethefollowingeffects: a) It authorizes the higher education institution to give the students who have completed a program including a ladderized program, a certificate, title, diploma,ordegree,whicheverisapplicableand b) It entitles the graduates of recognized programs to all the benefits and privilegesenjoyedbygraduatesofsimilarrecognizedprogramsinallhigher educationinstitutionsauthorizedbythegovernment. Section 59. Effects of the Disapproval / Denial of Recognition. The disapproval or denial of an application for the Recognition of a higher education programshallhaveanyorallofthefollowingeffects: 1. Closure of either the higher education institution or the higher education program,forlackofauthoritytooperate 2. Inexceptionalcases,issuanceofaspecialauthorityorpermittoenablethe higher education institution to operate the program until the last curricular year,orforaperiodofoneacademicyearorterm 3. Disqualificationofthehighereducationinstitutionfromconferringanytitleor degree or awarding any certificateordiplomatostudentsenrolled in a non recognizedhighereducationprogram 4. Disqualification of the higher education institution from applying for another authorityorpermittooperateanotherhighereducationprogram 5. Forfeiture of the permit or recognition bond, if any, filed by the higher education institution, in favor of the Government pursuant to existing rules andregulationsand 6. Thepaymentoffinebythehighereducationinstitutionasmaybedetermined bytheCommission.

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Section 60. Closure of a Program. The closure of any higher education degree program offered by a higher education institution may either be voluntary or involuntary. In any case, the institution remains obligated to furnish the necessary transfercredentialsandrecordstostudentsaffectedbytheclosure. a. Voluntary ,whenthehighereducationinstitution,forvalidcauseoronitsown initiative, chooses terminate or close any of its programs offered, provided, that such termination or closure is undertaken at the end of the academic year affected by the termination or closure, and provided further, that studentswithlessthanone(1)academicyeartocompletetheircourseshall beallowedtocontinueuntilgraduationor b. Involuntary, when the Commission, for just cause and after due process, orderstheclosureorterminationofahighereducationprogrambyrevoking orwithdrawingthepermitorcertificateofrecognitionpreviouslyissued.The Commissionshalldeterminethegroundsthereof. Section 61. Actions for Revocation or Withdrawal of Permit or Recognition. Any action for closure or termination of a higher education degree programmustbeinaccordancewithexistingpoliciesandrulesoftheCommissionand applicable laws. Upon receipt of a verified complaint or petition for revocation or withdrawal,theCommissionmay, whenpublicwelfaredemands,motupropio,ordera higher education institution to cease and desist from operating the higher education degreeprogrampendingtheoutcomeofthecomplaint. The Commission shall inform the institution in writing of the substantial deficiencies or grounds leading to revocation or withdrawal of permit or certificate of recognition, and shall require the institution to explain in writing, or remedy the deficiencies or violations within a reasonable period determined by the Commission. Thereafter,theresolutionororderofrevocationorwithdrawalofpermitorcertificateof recognition shall be issued if the explanation is found unsatisfactory, or for failure to correctthedeficiencies. Any resolution or order for revocation or withdrawal of permit or certificate of recognitionshallbeapprovedbytheCommissionenbancupontherecommendationof theRegionalDirector. The certificate of recognition may also be revoked, or reverted to a permit to operateforaperiodofoneacademicyearwithoutprejudicetoinstitutionofactionsand impositionofappropriatesanctionsagainsttheresponsiblehighereducationinstitution officials,foranyofthecausesasfollows: a) Fraudordeceitcommittedbytheinstitutioninconnectionwiththeapplication totheCommissionforGovernmentpermitorGovernmentrecognition b) Unauthorized operation of a new institution or branch, or a new degree programorcourseofstudy,oranymajorcomponentsthereof c) Mismanagementorgrossinefficiencyintheoperationoftheinstitutionorits degreeprogramsorcoursesofstudy d) Grossinefficiencyoftheschoolpersonnelinthedischargeoftheirassigned functions

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e) Violation of approved standards governing institution advertisements or announcements f) Violation of the constitutional prohibition on ownership and control of educational institutions, or the appointment of administrators who do not meetthequalificationstandardssetbytheCommission g) Operation or reopening of a recognized degree program not operated for more than two (2) academic years or more, without confirmation from the Commission that all the minimum requirements or standards are still compliedwith h) Transferoftheinstitutiontoasiteorlocationdetrimentaltotheoperationof its programs, or which fails to comply with policies and rules of the Commissionand i) Permission, approval, or commission of practices or activities that are contrarytolaw,publicpolicy,publicorder,ormoralsorinimicaltointegrityof thePhilippineeducationalsystem. Within sixty (60) days from receipt of the noticeof revocation or reversion, the highereducationinstitutionmayfilearequestforreconsideration,indicatingspecifically the grounds thereof and itsresponses to the specific adverse findings that led to the revocationorreversion.Theresolutiondenyingtherequestforreconsiderationshallbe finalandexecutory. Section 62. School Advertisement. Any advertisement or announcement referring to the programs or courses of study being offered which are in the permit phase shall include the words "As per Commission on Higher Education Permit Number It is prohibited for any private higher education institutiontoadvertiseorcause the publication of any advertisement or announcement before a permit to operate is grantedbytheCommission. Section63. ProhibitedActsPenalties. Theoperationofanyschoolorhigher education degree program the operation of a school branch or extension, whether locallyorforeignbasedtheoperationofanyentityrepresentingitselfasaschoolwhen itisnotlegallyestablishedassuchortheissuanceofanycertificate,degreeortitleby an institution without prior permit or authorization issued by the Commission, are hereby declared punishable acts subject to civil and criminal penalties and administrativesanctionsasprovidedbylaw. It shall be unlawful for any private highereducation institution to offer or enroll any student in any higher education degree program without prior permit or authority issuedbytheCommission. Anypersonconvictedforanyoftheabovementionedoffensesshallbepunished withafineofnotlessthantwothousandpesos(P2,000.00)normorethantenthousand pesos(P10,000.00)orimprisonmentforamaximumperiodoftwo(2)yearsorbothat the discretion of the Court. If the act is committed by the institution, the official responsiblefortheoffenseshallbeliable.

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ArticleXIII GRADUATEEDUCATION Section 64. Policy. Graduate Education is at the apex of the educational system.Assuch,itshallshowcasethebestoftheacademicandintellectualproducts andprocessesofthesystem.Specifically:
1. Graduateeducationshallbesostructuredastoenhancequality,efficiencyand effectivenessinhighereducation 2. Graduate education shall be made more relevant and responsive to the developmentalneedsof the educational system as wellasto the regional and nationaldevelopmentthrustsand 3. GraduateeducationshalltaketheleadroleinenhancingthequalityofPhilippine highereducationtowardsglobalcompetitivenessandworldclassscholarship.

Section65. StructureofGraduateEducation.Philippinegraduateeducation shall,iffeasible,beverticallyarticulatedbydiscipline. The Commission recognizes that advanced degrees are of two types: practitionersgraduatedegreesandresearchdegrees. Section 66. Standard Requirements. Level III accreditation shall be a major consideration in granting government authority to offer graduate programs. COEs/CODs or Level II accreditation with a strong research program shall also be consideredingrantinggovernmentauthoritytooffergraduateprograms. ArticleXIV ACCREDITATION Section67. Policy. Forhighereducationinstitutionswhichdesiretomeetthe standardsofqualityoverandabovetheminimumrequiredforgovernmentrecognition and in aid of its regulatory functions, the Commission encourages the use of the mechanism of voluntary accreditation. Towards this end, it shall (1) maintain a policy environment, which enhances the private and voluntary nature of accreditation and protects its integrity, and (2) establish a scheme for progressive deregulation of qualifiedhighereducationinstitutionsorspecificprogramsorsuchinstitutions. Section68. CertifyingAgency. Forthepurposeofgrantofderegulatedstatus andotherbenefits,theCommissionrecognizestheFederationofAccreditingAgencies of the Philippines (FAAP) as theagency tocertify,pursuant to its general orcommon standards, the accredited status of private higher education institutions and their programs. TheaccreditingagenciesnowfederatedunderFAAPareherebyrecognizedand authorizedtocontinuetheiraccreditationactivities.Specifically,theseagenciesare(1) the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities, (2) the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation, (3) theAssociationofChristianSchools,CollegesandUniversitiesAccreditingAgency,Inc. and (4) Technical Vocational Education Accrediting Agency of the Philippines. For brevity,theseaccreditingagenciesarecommonlyreferredtoasPAASCU,PACUCOA ACSCUAAI and TVEAAP, respectively. However, this recognition shall be without prejudicetothesubsequentinclusionofsuchadditionalaccreditingagenciesasmaybe recognizedbytheFAAP.

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Section 69. Recognition of Accrediting Bodies/ Agencies/ Associations. TheCommission,fromtimetotime,shallissueformalrecognitiontoaccreditingbodies for higher education institutions, subject to guidelines as may be prescribed by the Commission. Section70. LevelsofAccreditationStatus. Thelevelsofaccreditationstatus areasfollows: a. Candidate Status: forprograms which haveundergone a preliminary survey visitandarecertifiedbythefederation/networkasbeingcapableofacquiring accreditedstatuswithintwoyears b. Level I Accredited Status: for programs which have been granted initial accreditation after a formal survey by the accrediting agency and duly certifiedbytheaccreditationfederation/network,effectiveforaperiodofthree years c. Level II ReAccredited Status: for programs which have been reaccredited by the accrediting agency and duly certified by the accreditation federation/network,effectiveforaperiodofthreeorfiveyearsbasedonthe appraisaloftheaccreditingagency d. LevelIII ReAccreditedStatus:forprograms,whichhavebeenreaccredited andhave mettheadditionalcriteria/guidelines set by thefederation/network forthislevel. LevelIIIReAccreditedundergraduateprograms mustsatisfythefirsttwoof thefollowingcriteriaandtwoothersofthesucceedingones: 1) Areasonablyhighstandardofinstruction 2) A highly visible community extension program. A description of the programs, the nature and extent of student, faculty and staff involvement,andotherdetailsshallberequireddocumentationforthis indicator 3) A highly visible research tradition. The following must be observable overareasonableperiodoftime
a) b) c) d) e) Provisionforareasonablebudget Qualityofcompletedoutputs Measurableresultsuchaspublication,andothers Involvementofasignificantnumberoffacultymembers Visible,tangibleandmeasurableimpactonthecommunity

4) A strong faculty development tradition evidenced by an appropriate budget allocation and/or systematic plan for faculty development programs 5) A highly creditable performance of its graduates in licensure examinations over the last three (3) years (will apply only to those programswheresuchexaminationsarerequired) 6) Existence of working consortia or linkages with other schools and/or agencies. Documentary evidence shall include a description of the nature, mechanism, working arrangements and other details of consortia 7) Extensiveandfunctionallibraryandotherlearningresourcefacilities.

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LevelIIIaccreditedgraduateprogramsmustsatisfy1and3andanytwo(2) of2,4,5,6,7above. The institutions must submit pictorial and documentary evidence to support itsclaims. Onlyprogramsthathavebeengrantedcleanreaccreditation,meaningthat no progress report on interim visit is required within the fiveyear accreditationperiod,mayapplyforLevelIIIstatus. e. LevelIVAccreditedStatus :accreditedprograms,whicharehighlyrespected asvery highquality academic programs inthe Philippinesandwith prestige andauthoritycomparabletosimilarprogramsinexcellentforeignuniversities. Theseprogramsmusthavemetthefollowingadditionalcriteria/guidelines: Excellentoutcomesin 1) Research as seen in the number, scope and impact of scholarly publicationsinrefereednationalandinternationaljournals 2) Teaching and learning as proven in excellent performance of graduatesandcontinuingassessmentofstudentachievement 3) Community service and the impact of contributions to the economic andsocialuplift,onbothregionalandnationallevels 4) Evidenceofinternationallinkagesandconsortiaand 5) Welldeveloped planning processes which support quality assurance mechanisms. Higher education institutions should provide adequate documentation in supportofapplicationforLevelIVaccreditedstatus. Section 71. Benefits of Program Accreditation. In general, the benefits of accreditation for the duration of accredited status for higher education institutions classifiedbylevelsshallbe,amongothers,administrativeandacademicderegulation, and thegrantofsubsidies and othersimilarfinancial incentivessubject toapproval of fund appropriations as part of the national budget process. The benefits provided for thedifferentaccreditationlevelsareasfollows: a. LevelI/LevelII 1. Fulladministrativederegulation,provided,thatthereportsofpromotionof students and lists of graduates are available for review by the Commissionatalltimes 2. Financialderegulationintermsofsettingoftuitionandotherschoolfees andcharges 3. Authority to revise the curriculum without the Commission approval provided that the Commission and the Professional Regulation Commissionminimumrequirementsandguidelines,whereapplicable,are complied with and the revised curriculum is submitted to Commissions RegionalOffices

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4. Authority to graduate students from accredited programs in the levels accreditedwithoutpriorapprovaloftheCommissionandwithoutneedfor SpecialOrders 5. Priority in the awards of grants/subsidies or funding assistance from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF) for scholarships and faculty development, facilitiesimprovement,andotherdevelopmentprograms 6. Right to use on its publications or advertisements the word ACCREDITEDpursuanttotheCommissionpoliciesandrulesand 7. Limited visitation, inspection and/or supervision by the Commission supervisorypersonnelorrepresentatives. b. LevelIII 1. AllthebenefitsforLevelI/II 2. Authority to offer new programs allied to existing Level III programs without need for prior approval, provided, that the concerned Regional Officeisdulyinformedand 3. Privilege toapply forauthority to offer new graduate programs, distance education,extensionclassesandtoparticipateintransnationaleducation. c. LevelIV 1. AllthebenefitsforLevelsI,IIandIII. 2. Grant of full autonomy for the program for the duration of its Level IV accreditedstatus. 3. Authority to offer new graduate programs allied to existing Level IV programs, distance education and extension classes without need for priorapprovalbytheCommissionprovided,thattheconcernedRegional Officeisdulyinformed. ArticleXV INTERNATIONALLINKAGESANDTWINNINGPROGRAM Section72. Policy. ItisthepolicyoftheCommissiontointernationalizehigher educationinthecountryinordertofacilitatethedevelopmentofhumanresourcebase st thatwillberesponsivetothedemandsofthe21 century. Section 73. Guidelines. The Commission shall determine the policies and guidelines on qualification, procedures and operation of international linkages and twinningprograms. ArticleXVI SCHOOLCALENDARANDCLASSSIZE Section 74. School Calendar. The Commission shall issue the standard schoolcalendarforeveryacademicyearapplicabletohighereducationinstitutionsnot laterthanJanuaryoftheprecedingacademicyear.

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AllhighereducationinstitutionsshallbeginclassesinJune. Thecalendarrequirementsareasfollows: a) Theacademicyearforcollegiatecoursesshallconsistofnotlessthanthirty six (36) weeks, or eighteen (18) weeks a semester, or its equivalent, of normally six (6) school days each, exclusive of approved vacations and inclusiveoflegalandspecialholidaysanddaysforspecialactivities.Inany case, the total number of days on which regular school sessions are held shall not be less than two hundred (200) or one hundred (100) each semester, exclusive of all holidays and registration days, and class days suspendedduetonaturalormanmadecauses. b) Thesummertermforcollegiatecoursesshallconsistofthenumberofhours perunitasprescribedbytheCommission. The standardperiod of every subjectshall beone hour. A onehour lecture or recitationeachweekoratotalofnotlessthanseventeenhoursinasemester,shallbe equivalenttooneunitofcollegecredit.Twoorthreehoursoflaboratorywork,drafting, shop or fieldwork shall be equivalent to one hour of classroom lecture or recitation work. Section75.ChangeinSchoolCalendar. Anychangeintheprescribedschool calendar shall require the approval of the Commission. The application shall be filed withtheRegionalOfficenotlaterthanfifteen(15)daybeforetheopeningoftheschool term. In case of exchange or substitution of school daysfor school holidays, no prior approval is required, provided, that the prescribed school calendar requirement is maintained, andprovidedfurther,that the RegionalOfficeis informedat least one(1) weekpriortothesubstitution. Section 76. Class Size. The class size in every subject of a private higher educationinstitutionshallbedeterminedbytheinstitutionitself,takingintoaccountthe totalcapacityofitsfacilities,thelevelofinstruction,thenatureofthesubject,andsuch otherfactorsthatpromoteaconduciveteachinglearningprocess. ArticleXVII STUDENTADMISSION Section 77. Admission Requirements. A student who graduates from the secondary level of education from the Department of Education shall be eligible for admissiontoanyhighereducationprogramorcourseofstudy.However,astudentwho has not completed the secondary level, but who has qualified in the Philippine EducationalPlacementTest(PEPT)maybeeligibleforadmission. Agraduateofaforeignsecondaryschoolwho maynotfullysatisfythespecific requirements of a certain higher education program may be admitted, provided, that anydeficiencyshallbecorrectedduringhisinitialschoolterm. Astudentwhodidnotgraduatefromhighschool,butcompletedatleasteleven curriculum years in elementary and secondary education in other countries may be favorablyconsideredforadmissiontoahighereducationprogram,atthediscretionof theadmittinginstitution.

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Section78.AdmissionofForeignStudents. Inadditiontotheconditionsfor admissionofaforeignstudentintoanyhighereducationprogramprovidedbylawand thepoliciesandrulesoftheCommission,itmustbeshownthattheforeignstudenthas themeanssufficienttosupporthiseducationorstudyinthePhilippines. Section 79. Right to Enroll Until Graduation. In recognition of the Constitutional guarantee of institutional academic freedom, admission to any higher educationinstitutionisopentoallstudentsnototherwisedisqualifiedbylaworbythe policiesandrulesoftheCommission. Except in cases of academic delinquency violation of rules and regulations of theinstitutionfailuretosettleduetuitionandotherschoolfees,andotherobligations sickness or disease that would unable the student to handle the normal pressures of schoolworkorhiscontinuedpresencethereatwouldbedeleterioustoothermembers of the academic community and the closure of a program by the institution, or the closureoftheinstitutionitself,astudentwhoqualifiesforenrollmentshallqualifytostay fortheentireperiodforwhich heisexpectedtocompletehiscourseintheinstitution, withoutprejudicetohisrighttotransfertoinstitutionswithintheprescribedperiod. Section80. RulesofRegistration. Theenrollmentorregistrationofastudent inahighereducationinstitutionshallbeheldduringregistrationdaysasindicatedinthe approved school calendar. It shall be conducted in accordance with pertinent proceduresoftheinstitution,andissubjecttotherulesasfollows: a) Theenrollmentorregistrationisfortheentireterm,i.e.,semester,trimester. b) Astudentmayenrollafterthelapseoftheregistrationperiodspecifiedinthe approved school calendar, and be admitted in accordance with the reasonable rules of the institution for late enrollment, but in no case shall exceed two (2) weeks after the opening of classes. Thereafter, no further enrollmentshallbeallowed. c) After enrollment, the transfer of a student to another institution is discouraged,especiallywhenthestudentisexpectedtograduateduringthe academicyear. However,astudentmaytransfertoanotherinstitutionduringtheschoolterm providedtheconsentofbothinstitutionsconcernedisobtained. d) No student shall be accepted for enrollment unless he presents the proper school credentials on or before the end of the enrollment period for the schoolterm. e) Astudentisdeemedofficiallyenrolledafterhehassubmittedhisappropriate admission or transfercredentials madean initial payment of his tuitionand other fees to the institution and was allowed to attend classes by the institution. f) For purposes of enrollment, the name and other personal data or circumstances of each student as indicated in his birth certificate or alien certificateofregistration,whereapplicable,shallprevail. Section 81. Admission Credentials. The admission credentials required for the enrollment of a student, who enrolls at the beginning of the school term, are the following:

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a) For admission into the first year of any higher education program, the uncancelled report card (Form 138) or its equivalent from the school last attended with the eligibility certificate indicated and signed by the authorized schoolofficial.Thereportcardoritsequivalentshallbedeemedcancelledupon theenrollmentofthestudentinthehighereducationprogram,andtheadmitting schoolshallimmediatelyrequestforthepermanentrecord(Form137)fromthe schoollastattended. b) Foradmissionintosecondyearandsubsequentyearsofanyhighereducation program, the prescribed transfer credential, normally a Certificate of Transfer, fromtheinstitutionlastattended. c) Where a student is unable to present the required school record or credential indicatedinsubparagraphs(a)and(b),acertificateissuedbytheChairmanof theCommissionorhisdulyauthorizedrepresentativewillberequired.

Innocaseshallanyinstitutionofficiallyenrollastudentwhohasnotpresented theproperadmissioncredentialsasrequiredbythisSection.Anyviolationofthisrule may subject the institution to possible administrative penalties and sanctions, which mayinclude,butnotlimitedto,therevocationofpermitorrecognition. Section 82. Enrollment List and Other Information. All higher education institutions shall regularly submit information on enrollment, graduation, teacher qualifications, and such other data as may be required, in the form and on a date prescribedbytheCommission. Section83. SpecialStudents. Specialstudentsarethosegiftedortalented, the fast learners, the mentally retarded, the visually impaired, the hearing impaired, those with behavior problems, orthopedically handicapped, those with extraordinary healthproblems,thelearningdisabled,thespeechimpairedormultihandicapped. All higher education institutions are encouraged to admit special students needingspecialeducationwhetherindegree,vocationalortechnicalcoursesandother trainingprograms. Institutions with Teacher Training Programs are enjoined to include Special Education (SPED) courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels of the said programs, as well as in other related programs. Whenever possible, said institutions shall offer scholarship programs to qualified SPED teachers, in coordination with the Commissionandothergovernmentandnongovernmentagencies. Section 84. Special Needs Education. All higher education institutions are encouraged to give importance to the following modified educational facilities and equipment,asminimumrequirements,forspecialstudentsneedingspecialeducation.
a) Forpersonswithvisualimpairmentsensoryandtactilematerials,Braillebooks andrecordmaterials,Braillewriting,paintingandreadingmachines,orientation andmobilityequipment. b) Forpersonswithhearingimpairmentgrouporindividualhearingaids,speech trainers, tape recorders and speech or language kit containing auditory and languagetrainingmaterials. c) ForpersonswithorthopedichandicapstherequirementsprovidedforbyBatas Pambansa Bilang 344, otherwise known as the Accessibility Law, shall be complied with, including adjustable desks or chairs and adopted physical educationapparatuses.

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d) For persons with mental retardation facilities, equipment and instructional materialsfordevelopingskillsinselfcare,socialization,motorcognitiveandpre vocationalandvocationaltraining. e) Other types of learners with special needs or those with behavioral problems including the autistic, those with learning disabilities and those with multiple handicaps instructional devices and equipment for behavior modification, perceptualmotortraining,dailylivingskills,languageandspeechandcognitive skillsdevelopment.

Section 85. Refresher Course Student. A refresher course student may be admitted to a higher education institution at any time during a school term for audit purposes without earningcredits, subject to such requirements and conditions as the school may prescribe. At the discretion of the institution, a refresher course student maybeexemptedfromclassassignmentsandexaminations. ArticleXVIII STUDENTLOAD Section 86. Subject Load. The subject load shall be in accordance with the approvedcurriculumforeachhighereducationprogram.Reasonableexceptionsmay bepermitted taking into account the best interest of thestudent and the objectives of theeducationalsystem. Section 87. Advanced Subjects and Back Subjects. As a general rule, a studentshall not be permittedtotake any advancedsubject until hehassatisfactorily passed the prerequisite subject or subjects. However, a student may be allowed to simultaneously enroll in prerequisite and advanced classes under the conditions as follows: a) whentheprerequisiteisarepeatedsubject b) whenthestudenthassuperiorscholasticstanding c) whenthestudentisgraduatingattheendoftheschooltermand d) whenitisapprovedbytheDeanoranyauthorizedacademicofficial. Gifted or honor students may be permitted to take such additional advanced subjects or overload, including the summer session, as the appropriate school official may determine, based upon the previous academic performance of the student and otherevidenceofeducationalmeasurement. Section 88. Excess or Over Load. Upon the discretion of the higher education institution, a graduating student may be allowed additional subjectloads of not more than six (6) academic units in excess of the normal load prescribed by the institution forthe lastschool term. Likewise, a graduatingstudent may,on acaseto casebasis,beallowedtotakeseveralPhysicalEducation(PE)coursesinasemester. The request for two (2) or more basic PE subjects should include the following information:
a) Nameofstudent b) ReasonsjustifyinghisfailuretotakePEintheprecedingsemesters c) TheclassscheduleandthescheduleoftherequestedPEclassesand d) The endorsement of the Registrar with the statement Graduating upon completionofload.

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Section89. CrossEnrollment. Crossenrollmentisdiscouragedandshallbe subject to institutional policies, rules and regulations. However, for valid reasons as determinedby,andwiththewrittenconsentoftheinstitutionheisregularlyenrolledin, a student may be permitted to cross enroll in another institution in subject loads not normallyofferedduringthatparticularterm. Atthediscretionoftheinstitution,arequestforcrossenrollmentmaybeallowed in accordance with the institutions academic policies and standards on retention, promotion,transferandcrossenrollment,andonlyunderthecircumstancesasfollows: a) When the desired subjects are not offered by the institution the student is enrolledin,duringthetermoftherequestingstudentsenrollment b) When the subjects are offered, but their schedules conflict with the requestingstudentsotherclassschedulesand c) Whenthestudentintendstospendtheschoolterminhishomeprovinceor region and enrolls in subjects offered by an institution located therein, provided that, such request is in accordance with the accepting institutions policyoncrossenrollment. A student need notsecure the clearance from the Commissionto crossenroll, provided,thatthetotalsubjectloadsdonotexceedtheallowablenumberofunitsper schoolterm. ArticleXIX SCHOOLRECORDSANDTRANSFEROFSTUDENT Section 90. Contents. Theschool record of every studentshallcontainthe finalratingineachsubjectwiththecorrespondingcredits,ortheactionthereon. Section 91. Transfer of Student and Transfer Credentials. A student enrolled in a higher education institution shall be entitled to transfer to another institution,provided,thathehasnounsettledobligationtotheinstitution,orisnotunder suspensionbytheinstitutionorexpulsionimposedbytheCommission. Thehighereducationinstitutionshallprovideanyeligiblestudentwhoappliesfor transferwithtransfercredentialsappropriateforadmissioninanotherinstitution,subject tothelatterspoliciesandregulationsontheadmissionoftransferstudents. AtransfercredentialmustbesignedbytheschoolRegistrar,andissuednotlater thantwo(2)weeksafterthefilingoftheapplicationfortransfer. Section92. RequestandTransferofSchoolRecords. Incaseoftransferof a student to another institution, the admitting higher education institution shall, upon receiptofthetransfercredentials,requestinwritingforthecompleteschoolrecordsor transcript of record of the student from the institution last attended. The latter shall forward the records directly to the former within thirty (30) days from receipt of the request.

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Theschoolrecordsshouldnotbegiventothetransferstudentunlessauthorized inwritingbytheadmittinginstitutionrequestingfortherecords. Transfercredentialsshallbetransferredbytheschoollastattendedonlyonceto theadmittinghighereducationinstitutionwhorequestedforthem. Section93. ReleaseofRecords. Itshallbethedutyofthehighereducation institutiontoreleasetheschoolrecordsofastudentwhohasnooutstandingproperty and/or financial obligations to the institution, or is not under penalty of suspension or expulsion. Section94. WithholdingofCredentials. Thehighereducationinstitution,at itsdiscretionmaywithholdthereleaseofthetransfercredentialsofastudentwhohas outstanding financial or property obligations to the institution, or is under penalty of suspensionorexpulsion.Thetransfercredentialsshallbereleaseduponsettlementof theobligation,orafterthepenaltyofsuspensionisservedorexpulsionlifted. The Commission may issue the school records or transfer credentials of a student,incasetheinstitutionisfound,afterdueinquiry,tohaveunjustifiablyrefusedto releasethemwithoutprejudicetotheimpositionofappropriateadministrativesanctions againsttheinstitutionconcerned. Section 95. Denial of Final Examinations Withholding of Grades and RefusaltoReenroll. Nohighereducationinstitutionshalldenyfinalexaminationsto astudentwhohasoutstandingfinancialorpropertyobligations,includingunpaidtuition and otherschool fees correspondingto the school term. However, the institutionmay withholdthefinalgradesormayrefusereenrolmentofsuchstudent.Provided,That,in case of withholding of final grades, the final grades are duly recorded and submitted togetherwiththefinalgradesoftherestofthestudentsintheprescribedform. Section 96. Refunds and Other Charges. Unless otherwise provided by institutional policies, rules and regulations, a student who transfers or withdraws, in writing,withintwo(2)weeksafterthebeginningofclasses,andwhohasalreadypaid the pertinent tuition and other school fees in full or for any length longer than one month, may be charged twentyfive per cent (25%) of the total amount due for the school term if he withdraws within the first week of classes, or fifty per cent (50%) if within the second week of classes, regardless of whether or not he has actually attended classes. The student may be charged for all the school fees in full if he withdrawsanytimeafterthesecondweekofclasses. ArticleXX STUDENTDISCIPLINE Section97. StudentAbsences. Astudentwhoincursabsencesofmorethan twenty(20%)percentoftheprescribednumberofclassorlaboratoryperiodsduringthe schoolyearortermshallfailandearnnocreditforthecourseorsubjectexceptinthe instances as follows: (a)When theinstitution adoptsa different attendance policyfor students who belong to the upper half of their classes and (b) When the institution exemptsastudentforajustandreasonableground,providedhoweverthat,thestudent isnotexcusedfromkeepingupwithlessons,assignmentsandexaminations.Afaculty membermayexemptastudentwhoincursabsencesbeyondthetwentypercent(20%) limit,butwiththeapprovalofproperschoolauthority.

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Section98. AuthoritytoMaintainSchoolDiscipline. Everyhighereducation institution shall maintain discipline inside its campus as well as within the immediate surroundings of the school premises. An institution shall also exercise disciplinary authority over students outside its campus, and beyondschool hours, term or year in theinstancesasfollows: a) Whereschoolpoliciesorregulationswereviolatedand b) Where the misconduct involves or affects a students status, or the good nameandreputationoftheschool. Section 99. Authority to Promulgate Institutional Policies, Rules and Regulations. Everyhighereducationinstitutionshallhavetherighttopromulgateits ownoperationalandacademicpolicies,rulesandregulationsreasonableandadequate for the maintenance of school discipline, consistent with the policies and rules of the Commission and this Manual. Disciplinary rules and regulations, which may be contained in the institutions Code of Discipline shall be clearly stated, and shall distinctly define the specific offenses and corresponding penalties, if any. The institutional policies, rules and regulations shall be effective upon due notice to the members of the academic community through appropriate school issuances or publications. Section100. DisciplinarySanctions. Aschoolofficialorpersonnelshallhave the right to impose appropriate and reasonable disciplinary measures for minor offensesorinfractionsofgooddisciplinecommittedintheirpresence,provided,thatno cruelorphysicallyharmfulpunishmentshallbeimposeduponanyerringstudent. Section101. Administrative Actionsand Proceedings. A higher education institution, through any of its authorized representatives, may cause the filing of an administrative action against any student for violation of its disciplinary rules and regulations. Any administrative action filed against a student must comply with the minimumstandardsofdueprocessprescribedhereinasfollows: a) The student must be informed in writing of the nature and cause of any accusation against him, and required to answer the accusation in writing. If thestudent is a minor, the parent or the guardianshall be furnished with a copyofshowcauseletter b) If the student denies the accusation or alleges some fact or matter in justificationormitigationoftheoffence,theinstitutionshallformafactfinding committeetohearandreceiveevidence c) Inallstagesoftheproceedings,thestudentshallhavetherighttoassistance ofacounselofhisownchoice d) The student shall have the right to listen to, and examine the evidence presented against, to ask clarificatory questions through the factfinding committee,andtopresentevidenceonhisbehalf e) Thefactfindingcommittee mustconsiderthepiecesofevidencepresented, andreceivetheproceedings f) The student shall be informed in writing of the decision promulgated in his caseand g) If the student is found culpable for the offense charged, the punishment imposedshallbecommensuratewiththenatureandgravityoftheoffense.

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No disciplinary sanction or penalty shall be imposed upon an erring student, exceptthoseprovidedbytheinstitutionalrulesandregulations,orbythisManual. Section 102. Preventive Suspension and Categories of Administrative Penalties. Astudentunderinvestigationmaybepreventivelysuspendedfromentering theschool premisesand from attendingclasses, whentheevidenceofguilt isstrong, and the responsible school official is morally convinced that thecontinuedstay of the student pending investigation would cause sufficient distraction the normal operations of the institution, or would pose real or imminent threat or danger to persons and propertyinsidetheschoolpremises. The administrative penalties that may be imposed upon an erring student, for commission of any serious offence or violation of institutional disciplinary rules and regulations,areprovidedandcategorizedasfollows: a. Suspension. Suspension is a penalty that allows the higher education institutiontodeprive or deny the erringstudentfrom attendingclasses fora periodnotexceedingtwentypercent(20%)oftheprescribedtotalclassdays for the school term. A penalty of suspension for a period more than twenty per cent (20%) of the total class days for the school term shall be deemed suspensionforaperiodequivalenttotwentypercent(20%)oftheprescribed totalclassdaysfortheschoolterm. b. Nonreadmission.Nonreadmissionisapenaltythatallowstheinstitutionto deny admission or enrollment of an erring student for the school term immediately following the term when the resolution or decision finding the student guilty of the offense charged and imposing the penalty of non readmissionwaspromulgated.Unlikethepenaltyofexclusion,thestudentis allowed to compete the current school term when the resolution for re admission was promulgated. Transfer credentials of the erringstudent shall beissueduponpromulgation,subjecttotheotherprovisionsofthisManual. c. Exclusion.Exclusionisapenaltythatallowstheinstitutiontoexcludeordrop the name of the erring student from the roll of students immediately upon resolution for exclusion was promulgated. This penalty may be imposed for acts or offenses such as dishonesty, hazing, carrying deadly weapons, immorality, sellingand/or possessionof prohibited drugs, drug dependency, drunkenness, hooliganism, vandalism and other offenses analogous to the foregoing. Transfer credentials of the erring student shall be issued upon promulgation,subjecttotheotherprovisionsofthisManual. Theinstitutionshallpreserveacompleterecordoftheproceedingsfor a period of one year in order to afford the Commission the opportunity to reviewthecaseintheeventthestudentmakesandfilesandappealwiththe Commission. d. Expulsion. Expulsion is a penalty wherein the institution declares anerring student disqualified for admission to any public or private higher education institutioninthePhilippines.Inanycase,thepenaltyofexpulsioncannotbe imposed without the approval of the Chairman of the Commission. This penalty may be imposed for acts or offenses involving moral turpitude or constituting gross misconduct, which are considered criminal pursuant to existingpenallaws.

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The institution shall forward a complete record of the proceedings to the appropriate Regional Office within ten days from the termination of the investigationofeachcase. ArticleXXI GRADINGSYSTEM Section103. BasisforGrading. Thegradingsystemofanyhighereducation institutionshallbebasedonexistinginstitutionalacademicpolicies. Thefinalgradeor ratinggiventoastudentshouldbebasedsolelyonhisscholasticperformanceinany subject/course. Any adjustment, addition or diminution to the final grade for co curricular activities, attendance or misconduct shall not be allowed, except otherwise provided by an institutional academic policy, and provided that the adjustment is relevanttothesubjectcontentandrequirement. Any final grade given to a student may be reviewed in accordance with institutionalacademicprocesses. Section104. RequirementsforPromotion. Thepromotionofastudentfrom any curricular or component subject/course of a higher education degree program towardsgraduationshallstrictlycomplywiththeconditionsorrequirementsasfollows: a) A student shall be given the necessary academic credits toward the completion of, or graduation from a degree program, provided that, he/she has enrolled in the program has satisfactorily complied with the admission requirements,hasfaithfullyandregularlyattendedclasses,andhasacquired the expected proficiency required in the curricular or component subject of theprogram. b) Astudentshallbepromotedorpermittedtoenrollinadvancedorspecialized subjects provided that, he/she has satisfactorily passed the basic and pre requisite subject(s), except otherwise provided in this Manual or by the Commission. c) A student shall earn academic credits for promotion towards graduation, providedhe/shegarnersafinalgradeofatleastseventyfivepercent(75%) oritsequivalentincurricularorcomponentsubject/course,asdeterminedby properinstitutionalauthoritiesonacademics. d) Thescholasticrecordsofeverystudentforeachacademictermshallbefiled withtheinstitutionuntilthecloseofthenextacademicterm,forreferenceor examinationincaseofanygrievanceorcomplaint. Section105.RequirementsforGrading. Thegradingsystemforastudentin curricularorcomponentsubjects/coursesofanyhighereducationdegreeprogramshall strictlycomplywiththeconditionsorrequirementsasfollows: a) No provisional, conditional, or temporary final grade for any curricular or componentsubject/courseshallbegrantedtoastudent.

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b) In case a student fails to take a final examination or submit an academic requirement for completion of a subject/course and that his/her scholastic performanceisnotsufficienttomeritafinalpassinggrade,aninstitutionmay, consistent with its academic policies, give the student a final grade which doesnotearnanyacademiccreditnorindicatesfailuresuchasNCforNo Credit or NG for No Grade. Such a grade is permanent and cannot be subsequentlychanged.Providedhowever,thatwherethefailuretotakethe final examination, or to submit the academic requirements, is due to excusable grounds, such as, sickness, emergency, or accident, the student may be given an incomplete mark or INC. Provided further, that the institution allows special or completion examinations, or additional time for complianceoftherequirements.InnocaseshallanincompleteorINCmark remainformorethanone(1)academicyear. The institution shall publish the adoption of any or all of the foregoing grading andpromotionpolicies. ArticleXXII GRADUATION Section106. SpecialOrders. ExceptotherwiseprovidedinthisManualorby theCommission,aspecialordershallberequiredforgraduationofastudentfromthe higher education degree program. The higher education institution shall file an application for issuance of special orders with the Commission at least sixty (60) calendardaysbeforetheendoftheacademicyear.TheCommissionshallprocessthe applicationandreturn totheinstitutionwithin thirty (30)calendar days from receipt of theapplication.AnydefectintheapplicationmaycausetheCommissiontowithholdthe issuanceofthespecialorders. Section 107. Conditions to the Authority to Graduate Without Prior CommissionApproval. Oneofthebenefitsofaccreditation(atlevelIIorhigher)isthe authoritytograduatestudentsoftheaccreditedprogramswithoutpriorapprovalofthe CommissionintheformofaSpecialOrder(S.O.).Theconditionsofthisauthorityare asfollows: a. The school head must furnish the Regional Office concerned a copy of its certificatesofaccreditation. b. Withintwo(2)weeksaftergraduationexercise,theschoolshallsubmittothe RegionalOfficeconcernedanalphabeticallistofgraduatesby highereducationprogram,accompaniedbyacertificationunderoathsigned by the school registrar certifying that the students therein listed (1) have complied with all the requirements of the Commission, (2) were conferred theirrespectivecertificatesordegreesonaspecificdate,(3)havecompleted scholastic records on file in the school, and (4) have their Form IX in the custody of the school. This list shall be sufficient basis for issuing Special Orders,ifstillnecessary. The school shall be held fully liable for the veracity of the records without prejudicetoanylegalaction,includingrevocationofgovernmentrecognitionasmaybe calledforunderthecircumstances.

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The Commission reserves the right to cancel or revoke the graduation of any studentwhoserecordsarefoundtobefraudulent. Section108. GraduationHonors: InGeneral.Everyprivatehighereducation institutionshalladoptitsownpolicyandcriteriafortheselectionofstudentswhoshall be awarded graduation honors. The policy and criteria shall be made known to the studentsandparents. If a private higher education institution fails to adopt any criteria, the following rulesshallapply: 1. Acandidateforgraduationhonorsshouldcompleteaminimumof75%of therequiredsubjectsoftheprogramintheinstitutionwhichwillawardthe degreeordiplomaand 2. Theappropriategraduationhonorsandtheprescribedfinalaveragerating inanysubjectfortheentiredurationoftheprogramorcourse,shallbe: Honors SummaCumLaude MagnaCumLaude CumLaude FinalAverageRating 95%to100%withnofailinggrade. 90%to94.9%withnofailinggrade. 85%to89.9%withnofailinggrade.

Section109. HonoraryDegrees. Thefollowingpoliciesandproceduresshall befollowedintheawardingofhonorarydegrees: a) Any honorary degree to be awarded by a qualified private or public higher educationinstitutionshall be for adoctoratelevelonly. The degreeshall be anyofthefollowingandshallbeindicatedasfollows: DoctorofHumanities (H.D.) DoctorofLaws (LL.D.) DoctorofMusic DoctorofLiterature DoctorofScience DoctorofPedagogy DoctorofTechnology (Mus.D.) (Litt.D.) (Sc.D.) (P.D.) (D.Tech.)

b) The higher education institutions (HEIs) that shall award an honorary doctoratedegreemustpossessthefollowingqualifications: 1. Whetherauniversityoracollegeitmusthaveexistedforatleasttwenty five(25)yearsand 2. Mustofferatleastone(1)doctoralprogramwithgovernmentrecognition, inthecaseofprivatehighereducationinstitutionsandwithapprovalofthe Board of Trustees/Regents, in the case of state and local colleges and universities.

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c) The honorary doctorate degree shall be conferred upon persons who have attainedexceptionallymeritoriousachievementsinthearts,thesciences,the humanitiesand/orpublicservicewithtangibleandrelevantaccomplishments. d) The written request for authority to confer an honorary degree shall be addressed to the Chairman of the Commission, Attention: The Office of ProgramsandStandards,throughtheCHEDRegionalOfficedulysignedby theheadoftheconcernedHEI.Thisshallbefiledatleastfortyfive(45)days beforethescheduledconfermentandaccompaniedwith: 1. Acopyofthecurriculumvitaeandaccomplishmentsofthecandidate 2. AresolutionofthegoverningboardoftheHEIand 3. Thereasons/justificationswhytheawardisbeingmade. e) Theconfermentofhonorarydegreebyhighereducationinstitutionsshallbe limited to two honorary degrees per year per HEI except in cases when a priorwrittenapprovalisgrantedbytheCommissionEnBancforthegrantof morethantwohonorarydegreesperyearperHEI. f) The Commission has the prerogative to withdraw and declare null and void theconfermentofanhonorarydegreebyanHEIduetoanyofthefollowing causes: 1. Whenawardedonareciprocalbasis 2. Whenawardedsolelyforpublicitypurposes 3. When designed to boost the career and/or reputation of a particular person 4. When the granting institution has awarded an honorary degree three times in a year without obtaining prior written approval from the CommissionEnBanc 5. When given to incumbent administrators and/or members of the faculty and/orstaffofthegrantingHEI 6. When given to incumbent officials and/or employees, especially to the incumbentChairmanand/orCommissionersoftheCommissiononHigher Education. g) When the application is not acted upon by CHED within 45 days upon receipt,theapplicationwillbeconsideredapprovedbytheHEI. F.TERMSANDCONDITIONSOFEMPLOYMENT ArticleXXIII PERSONNELSTANDARDSANDTRANSACTIONS Section 110. Conditions of Employment. Every private higher education institution shall promote the improvement of the economic, social and professional statusofallitspersonnel.

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In recognition of their special employment status and their special role in the promotion of education, the employment of the academic and the academic support personnel,ortheteachingandnonteachingacademicpersonnel,shallbegovernedby the policies and rules of the Commission, promulgated from time to time, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical Educationand SkillsDevelopmentAuthority(TESDA),andtheDepartmentofLaborandEmployment (DOLE). Conditions of employment of nonacademic and other personnel of the institution,includingcompensation,hoursofwork,securityoftenureandlaborrelations, shall be governed by appropriate labor laws and regulations, and by institutional policies,rulesandregulations. Section 111. Compensation. Every private higher education institution shall provide for a compensation policy that shall be graded or scaled taking into account performance,meritearned,qualifications,andresponsibilitiesofthevariouspositions. Section112. EmploymentContract. Beforeoratthestartofschoolterm,the institution shall execute a written employment contract with its teaching and non teaching academic employees, whether permanent, probationary or parttime. The contract with a permanent teaching and nonteaching academic employee does not affecthis/hertenureorstatus,butbindshim/hertoworkfortheentireschooltermand tocompletetherequirementsthereof,includingthesubmissionoffinalgrades. Everycontractofemploymentshallspecifythedesignation,qualification,salary rate,thetermandnatureofservice,thedateofeffectivity,suchtermsandconditionsor employment as may be consistent with laws, and the institutional policies, rules and regulations.Acopyofthecontractshallbefurnishedthepersonnelconcerned. Section 113. Probationary Period. An academic teaching personnel, who does not possess the minimum academic qualifications prescribed under Sections 34 and35ofthisManualshallbeconsideredasparttimeemployee,andthereforecannot availofthestatusandprivilegesofaprobationaryemployment.Aparttimeemployee cannot acquire regular permanent status, and hence, may be terminated when a qualifiedteacherbecomesavailable. Theprobationaryemploymentofacademicteachingpersonnelshallnotbemore than a period of six (6) consecutive semesters or nine (9) consecutive trimesters of satisfactoryservice,asthecasemaybe,providedhowever,thattheacademicteaching personnel on probation must acquire the minimum qualifications required by the Commissionandtheinstitution. Section 114. Regular or Permanent Status. A fulltime academic teaching personnelwhohassatisfactorilycompletedhis/herprobationaryemployment,andwho possessestheminimumqualificationsrequiredbytheCommissionandtheinstitution, shall acquire a regular or permanent status if he/she is rehired or reappointed immediately after the end of his/her probationary employment. However, a regular or permanentacademicteachingpersonnelwhorequestsateachingloadequivalenttoa parttime load, shall be considered resigned, and hence, shall automatically forfeit his/her regular or permanent status and shall thereby be covered by a termcontract employment.

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Section 115. Regular Teaching Load. The regular teaching load of fulltime academic teaching personnel shall be determined by the higher education institution butinnocaseshallexceed24unitspersemesterorterm. Section116. Normal Hours of Work: Academic Teaching Personnel Overload. In accordance with Article 83 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, the normal hours of work of school personnel shall not exceed eight (8) hoursaday.Anyworkdoneinadditiontotheeight(8)hoursdailyworkshallconstitute overtimework. Thenormalhoursofworkofteachingoracademicpersonnelshallbebasedon their normal regular teaching loads. Such normal or regular teaching loads shall be based in accordance with the policies, rules and standards prescribed by the Commission.Anyteachingloadinexcessofthenormalorregularteachingloadshall be considered as overload. Overload partakes of the nature of temporary extra assignment and compensation therefore shall be considered as an overload honorarium if performed within the 8hour work period and does not form part of the regularorbasicpay.Overloadperformedbeyondtheeighthourdailyworkisovertime work. Asusedherein,termregularorbasicpaymeansallremunerationorearnings paid by the institution to its personnel for services rendered on normal working days and hours but does not include cost of living allowances, profit sharing payments, th premiumpayments,honoraria,13 monthpayorothermonetarybenefitswhicharenot consideredaspartoforintegratedintotheregularwage/salaryofschoolpersonnel. Overload is essentially a temporary arrangement resorted to when there is no teacheravailabletoteachthesubject/courseaspartofhis/herregularteachingload. Section 117. Causes of Terminating Employment. In addition to the just causes enumerated in the Labor Code, the employment of personnel in a higher educationinstitution,maybeterminatedforanyofthecausesasfollows: a) Gravemisconduct,suchas,butnotlimitedto,givingofgradestoastudentin a subject not based solely on scholastic performance failure to maintain confidentiality ofschool recordscontracting loans from students or parents useofcruelpunishment,insubordination b) Gross inefficiency and incompetence in the performance of duties such as, but not limited to failure to cope with the reasonable standard of efficiency and competence of the institution habitual absences and tardiness from classes,andwillfulneglectofemploymentorassignment c) Tampering or falsification of, or negligence in keeping school or student records including including unreasonable delay in thesubmission ofstudent grades d) Conviction of a crime, or an attempt on,or a criminal act against the life of anyschoolofficial,personnel,orstudent,oruponthe propertyorinterestof theinstitution e) Beingnotoriouslyundesirable

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f) Disgracefulorimmoralactinsideoroutsidetheschoolcampus g) Thesaleofticketsorthecollectionofanycontributionsinanyformorforany purposeorprojectwhatsoever,whethervoluntaryorotherwise,fromstudents andschoolpersonnel h) Voluntaryorrequestfordeloadingofteachingunitstolessthantherequired minimum teaching assignment for fulltime academic personnel as fixed by theschool i) In the event of phasing out, closure or cessation of the higher education programoroftheinstitutionitselfand j) Other causes analogous to the foregoing as may be provided for in the policies and regulation of the Commission or of the institution, or in a collectivebargainingagreement. Ahighereducationinstitutionmayprovideforadditionalgroundsfortermination inaccordancewithitsinstitutionalpolicies,rulesandregulations. Section118. Suspension. Suspensionofanypersonnelofahighereducation institutionmaybepreventiveorpunitive. Apersonnelchargedforanoffensemaybeplacedunderpreventivesuspension pending investigation, when his/her continued presence poses a serious and eminent threat to other persons, the students or personnel and to the institution, and its property.Innocaseshallpreventivesuspensionexceedaperiodofthirty(30)days. A personnel of the institution found guilty of commission of an offense may be imposed the penalty of suspension for a period the attending circumstances may warrant. Section 119. Labor Organizations. Therecognitionoflabor organizations in anyprivatehighereducationinstitutionshallbegovernedbytheprovisionsoftheLabor Code and subject to regulation and supervision by the Department of Labor and Employment. Section120. GrievanceMachinery. Everyprivatehighereducationinstitution shallprovideforamicableinternalproceduresorremedies,asapreferablemeasurein thesettlementofanyissue,disputeorgrievancearisingfromemploymentrelations.In theabsenceofanyprovisiontothecontraryinthecollectivebargainingagreement,the applicableemploymentcontractortheinstitutionalpoliciesandregulations,alldisputes or grievances between the institution and its employees shall be resolved through voluntaryarbitrationasprovidedinthelaborcode. ThisappliesonlytofulltimeacademicpersonnelasdefinedinSection35ofthis Manual. Teaching and academic personnel who do not possess the minimum academic qualifications prescribed by the Commission are considered parttime employees, and therefore cannot take onthe status of probationary employees. Part timeemployeescannotacquireregularorpermanentstatusandhence,theschoolmay terminatetheirserviceswhenaqualifiedteacherbecomesavailable.

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G.FINANCIALMANAGEMENTANDFINANCIALASSISTANCE ArticleXXIV INSTITUTIONALFINANCES Section121. Policy. ItisthepolicyoftheStatethatthenationalgovernment shallcontribute to the financial support of higher education programs pursuant to the goalsof education as declared in the Constitution. Towards this end, the government shall (1) adopt measures to broaden accessto educationthrough financialassistance and other forms of incentives to schools, teachers, and students and (2) encourage and stimulate private support to education through, among others, fiscal and other assistancemeasures. Section 122. Funding. A private higher education institution may be funded from capital investments or equity contributions, tuition and other school fees or charges, grants, donations, loans, subsidies, passive investment income, and other sources. A private higher education institution may receive any grant and legacy, donation,gift,bequestordevicefromanyindividual,institution,corporation,foundation, trust,philanthropicorganization,andresearchinstitutionororganization. A privatehigher education institution may engagein any auxiliaryenterprise to generateincomeprimarilytofinancetheireducationaloperationsand/ortoreducethe needtoincreasestudentsfees. Section 123. Tuition and Other School Fees. A private higher education institution may increase tuition and other school fees in accordance with appropriate provisionsoflawandapplicablepiecesofjurisprudence. TheCommissionmayissue appropriaterulesandregulationsonthismatter. Section 124. Increase of Tuition and OtherSchool Fees. Any incremental proceedsderivedfromtuitionincreaseshallbeallocatedasfollows: a) At least seventy percent (70%) of the amount shall go to the payment of salaries,wages,allowancesandotherbenefitsofteachingandnonteaching personnel except administrators who are principal stockholders of the institution, and may be used to cover increases as provided for in the collectivebargainingagreements b) At least twenty percent (20%) shall be used for improvement or modernization of buildings, equipment, libraries, laboratories, gymnasia and similarfacilitiesandtothepaymentofothercostsofoperationand c) Forstockorproprietaryinstitutions,notmorethantenpercent(10%)shallbe allocatedforreturnoninvestment(ROI). Forthispurpose,theinstitutionshallmaintainaseparaterecordofaccountsfor tuition thatshall contain a detailed disposition and use thereof, which record shall be made available for inspection upon requestby concerned sectors during consultation ontuitionfeeincrease.

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A private institution shall have the discretion to determine the manner of allocating the seventy percent (70%) of the incremental proceeds to the salaries and benefits of all personnel covered. Provided however, that a private institution is not obligated, at all times, to increase or raise personnel compensation if the tuition fee increase does not allow such raise in compensation, as when enrolment declines resulting to loss in income. Suffice that any incremental proceed shall accrue to the benefit of all school personnel covered, except where otherwise is provided in a collectivebargainingagreement. Section 125. Government Subsidy. Any private higher education institution established as a stock corporation shall be ineligible for any form of government subsidy,incentive,orassistanceexceptthosetoindividualstudentsorteachersinthe form of scholarships, student loans, or other forms of subsidy as already mandated under existing laws. Government assistance to nonstock institutions for educational programsshallbeusedexclusivelyforthatpurpose. Taxesshallnotbedueondonationstoeducationalcorporations. H.ADMINISTRATIVEREMEDIES ArticleXXV PROCEEDINGSBEFORETHEEXECUTIVEDIRECTOR Section 126. Nature of the Complaint Coverage Venue. Except for complaints or actions, oran appeal for reconsiderationtaken from a decision denying an application for permit or recognition, any complaint arising from a decision, order, regulation or restriction, or requirement issued by a Regional Director or his representative in the performance of his official duties, or any dereliction by the Regional Director of a duty assigned or delegated by the Commission, shall be filed with the Office of the Executive Director within areasonableperiod from the time the causeofactionaccrues. Section127. PartiesandTitleContentsofComplaint. (a)Inallcasesfiled with the Office of the Executive Director, the higher education institution initiating the complaint shall be called the Petitioner and the opposing Regional Director shall be calledtheRespondent. (b) The Petition shall be verified by any authorized representative of the petitioner, stating therein clearly and distinctly the decision, order, regulation or restriction,orrequirement,orthespecificinactioncomplainedof,whenandhowitwas committed,andthedamageorinjurycausedorexpectedtobecausedbythedecision, order, regulation or restriction, or requirement, or the inaction complained of. The petitionshallbefiledinthree(3)copiestogetherwithacopyoftheassaileddecision, order, regulationor restriction, or requirement,and allrelevant pieces ofdocumentary evidenceandaffidavitsofwitnesses. (c) An institution having more than one cause of action against a Regional Director,butrelatedtoeachother,shalljoinalloftheminonepetition. Section128.SummonsAnswer. (a)Immediatelyafterreceiptofthepetition, the Executive Directorshallservesummons to untothe respondent Regional Director attachingtherewith acopy of thepetition,with notificationto file an Answer within ten (10)daysfromreceiptthereof.

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(b) The respondent Regional Director may file an Answer setting forth therein clearly and distinctly his denials or assertions of facts constitutinghis defenses to the charge or complaint. The answer shall be filed in three (3) copies, together with all relevant pieces of documentary evidence and affidavits of witnesses, and proof of serviceofacopythereoftothepetitioner. Section 129. Conciliation Compromise and Arbitration. Within ten (10) days after the answer was filed, or after the required period to file answer lapsed withouttheanswerbeingfiled,theExecutiveDirectorshallsetthecaseforconciliation. Toexpeditetheproceedingsandobviateexpensiveandtediouslitigation,theExecutive Director shall, in the interest of public interest, encourage amicable settlement, compromiseandarbitration. Section 130. Nature of the Proceedings in Contested Cases Rules of Evidence. In any contested case, the proceedings shall be nonlitigious. Towards public interest and subject to the requirements of due process, the technicalities of procedure and the rules of evidence obtaining in the courts of law shall not strictly apply. Section131. Submission of Position Papersand Other Pleadings. Should theconciliationproceedingsfail,thepartiesshallberequiredtosubmittheirrespective position papers simultaneously within ten (10) days therefrom. The position papers shallcoveronlythoseclaimsandcausesofactionraisedinthepetition,orthecounter claimsordefensesinterposedintheanswer. A party may file a reply to the other partys position paper within five (5) days from receipt of the position paper. Thereafter, the case is deemed submitted for resolution,withorwithouttheforegoingpleadings. Section 132. Period to Decide Case Contents of the Decision. The Executive Director shall render his decisionwithin thirty (30) days, without extension, aftersubmissionofthepetitionfordecision. The decision shall beclear and concise, and shall include a brief statement of the(a)factsofthecase(b)issuesinvolved(c)conclusionsandreasonsthereforeand (e)theremedyofreliefgranted. Section.133. MotionforReconsideration. Nomotionforreconsiderationof the decision of the Executive Director shall be allowed. Nevertheless, when such motion is filed, it shall be treated as an appeal provided that it complies with the requirementsforperfectionofanappeal. ArticleXXVI PROCEEDINGSBEFORETHECOMMISSION Section134. AppealPeriodofAppealGrounds. DecisionsoftheExecutive Directorshall become final and executory unlessappealed tothe Commissionby any orbothpartieswithinten(10)daysfromreceiptofsuchdecisions.Ifthetenthdayfalls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the last day to file the appeal shall be the next workingday.

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Theappealmaybeentertainedonlyonanyofthefollowinggrounds: a) If there is prima facie evidence or abuse of discretion on the part of the ExecutiveDirector b) If the decision was secured through fraud or coercion, including graft and corruption c) If the decision was based on errors of law, or on misapplication of the policies,rulesandregulationoftheCommissionand d) If the decision was based on serious errors in the findings of facts, if not corrected, would cause grave or irreparable damage or injury to the appellant. Section135. WhereFiledTransmittalofRecordsComment. Theappealin six (6) legible copies with proof of service unto the appellee, shall be filed with the Office of the Executive Director who shall, within fortyeight (48) hours after receipt, transmittheentirerecordsofthecase,totheOfficeofChairmanoftheCommission. Withinten(10)daysfromreceiptoftheappellantsbrief,theappelleemayfilea commentwiththeCommission. Section 136. Period to Resolve the Appeal Form of Decision. The Commission en banc shall resolve the appeal from the decision of the Executive Directorwithinaperiodofthirty(30)calendardaysfromreceiptoftheappeal,withor withouttheappelleescomment. The decisionorresolutionshallstateclearly and distinctly the findings of facts, issuesandconclusionsonwhichitisbased,andthereliefgranted. Section 137. Finality of Judgment Motion for Reconsideration . The decision or resolution of the Commission is final and executory. No motion for reconsideration of the decision or resolution of the Commission shall be entertained exceptwhenbasedonpalpableorpatenterrors,providedthatthemotionisunderoath and filed within ten (10) days from receipt of the decision or resolution, with proof of servicethatthesamehasbeenfurnishedtotheadverseparty. I.MISCELLANEOUSPROVISIONS Section 138. Due Process. In all matters that may result in the imposition of anysanctionorpenaltytoahighereducationinstitution,ortoanypersonnelorstudent, administrativedueprocessshallinallinstancesbeobserved. Section 139. Application of Sanctions. In all cases, the application of sanctionsorpenaltiesshallbecommensuratewiththegravityoftheoffensecommitted. AsanctionorpenaltyimposedbytheRegionalDirectortoahighereducationinstitution maybeappealedtotheCommissioninaccordancewithArticleXXVIofthisManual. Section 140. Leveling of Playing Field. Academic, curricular, and administrativepolicies,standards,orrulesandregulationsprescribedtopublicorstate colleges and universities, may be equally availed of by private higher education institutionsasfarastheyareapplicable.

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Section 141. Amendments and Subsequent Issuances. Subsequent issuancesbytheCommissionthatamendorrepealanyprovisionofthisManualshall becomeeffectiveonlyafterpublichearingwithappropriatestakeholdersandpublication asrequiredbylaw. Section142. SeparabilityClause. IfanypartorprovisionofthisManualthatis declared invalid or unconstitutional shall apply only to that part or provision. The remaindershallbevalidandeffective. Section 143. Repealing Clause. The 1992 Manual of Regulations for Private Schools and all amendments issuedthereto are hereby repealed. All existingOrders, Circulars, Memoranda, including the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EducationActof1982(BPBlg.232)oranyportionsthereof,issuedbytheCommission, which are contrary to, or inconsistent with any provision of this Manual, are hereby repealedormodifiedaccordingly. Section 144. Effectivity. This Manual of Regulations for Private Higher Educationof2006shalltakeeffectfifteen(15)daysafterpublicationasrequiredbylaw. Approved. ________________________,2007,PasigCity,Philippines.

FortheCommission: CARLITOS.PUNO,DPA Chairman