List of Appendices

This document shall officially be known as the Graduate School Code of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology.

The provisions embodied in this Code shall ascertain and apply to the Graduate School, an academic subsystem of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology.

Whenever relevant and appropriate to the Graduate School, the provisions of the NEUST Code shall apply.

All existing laws, orders, regulations of the land relevant and applicable to the Graduates School are deemed recognized.

This Code shall consider the following goals of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology in the statement of the goals and objective of the Graduate School:

1. To provide higher vocational, professional, and technological instruction and training in trade and industrial education and technology;
2. To promote research and advance studies; and,
3. To provide leadership in the field of industrial and technological education.

Consistent with the NEUST institutional mission, the following are the objectives of the Graduate School:

1. To develop qualified individuals to beeffectiveinstrument in inquiry, extension service and higher instruction and training in trade and industrial education, technology and public, business and educational management;
2. To stimulate, encourage and maintain productive, functional research in all fields of trade and industrial education and technology;
3. To promote extension services fordissemination/transfer of knowledge for the advancement of the quality of life in the community; To improve competence in teaching, supervision and management of educational programs in trade and industrial education and technology; To serve as the springboard for the enrichment, transmission and preservation of the cultural heritage; To enhance and enrich moral, spiritual and ethical values among the constituents of the graduate school in consonance with defined national thrusts priorities

The Graduate School shall offer and maintain programs of studies at the master's and doctorate

A Graduate School Committee shall be created for the continuing review and improvement of the curricula, research programs and extension service and the capabilities of the Graduate School in these areas.

To achieve closer cooperation, unity and democratic sharing of resources, linkages of agreements with public and private institution and agencies shall establish.

To establish and maintain unity, peace and stability in the campus, the faculty, students, alumni and other sectors of the academic community shall be involved in democratic consultation and decision-making.

The professional growth and value orientation of the faculty and administration of the Graduate School shall be accorded high priority to foster affective instruction, research and community extension services.

Faculty recruitment, assignment and compensation shall be based on educational qualification and competence, merit and fitness and professional integrity and character.

The Dean who shall have immediate and direct supervision of Department Chairman and their faculty and the Graduate School Secretariat and its staff shall undertake the management/operation of the graduate school. The Graduate School Committee shall provide consultative, services and recommendation to the Graduate School Dean.

The Graduate School Committee shall be composed of the Department chairman and graduate faculty who are holders of professional ranks. Consultants may be invited to enlighten and/or provide technical advise to the committee. The Dean of the Graduate School shall be the chairman of the committee that shall elect its secretary from among its members at the start of every school year. In case of vacancy, replacement for the position of secretary shall also be done by election in a meeting called for the purpose.

The Graduate School Committee shall undertake the following functions:

1. To perform the function as specified under Section 2. Article III of this Code;
2. To recommended to the Dean the designation and/or appointment of the Research Advisory Panel who will assist the proponent or research project in conceptualizing a research design, in approving the written research proposal and in rendering technical assistance in the conduct of the research projects;
3. To recommend the Thesis/Dissertation Defense Panel who will evaluate the research conducted by the proponent;
4. To review the credential and/or credit earned by the graduate student particularly on matters related to completion of academic requirements, comprehensive examinations and submission of final copies of research reports;
5. To recommedn the designation and/or appointment of the Comprehensive examination Panel of Examiners on the basis of the fields of specialization taught by the panel members;
6. To recommend the designation and/or appointment of the Dean to the University President.

The Graduate School shall be managed by a qualified dean who shall be appointed by the College President upon the recommendation of the Graduate School Committee and subject to the confirmation of the Board of Trustees.

A qualified Dean shall:

1. Be holder of a doctoral degree;
2. Have at least three years of administrative and supervisory experience and/or teaching experiences in the graduate level;
3. Have shown evidences of outstanding professional achievement to the University
4. Have earned the full-pledge professorial rank in accordance with the prevailing ranking system of the institution.

The Dean shall perform the following functions:

1. Implement and/or align the graduate programs in accordance with the objective of the Graduate School;
2. Recommend the compensation, maintenance and integration of department chairman, faculty members and support staff consistent with existing laws;
3. Implement the policies in student admission and retention, comprehensive examination, oral defense of thesis, dissertation or seminar papers and commencement exercises;
4. Create an atmosphere that is conducive to the attainment of excellence in instruction, research and extension service in the community;
5. Perform other functions that may be delegated by higher authorities of the institution.

The University President thru the recommendation of the Graduate School Dean shall appoint qualified Department Chairman.

A qualified department chairman shall:

1. Be a holder of at least an appropriate master's degree in the absence of a qualified doctorate degree holder,
2. Have at least two years of administrative and supervisory experiences and/or teaching experiences in graduate level;
3. Have earned at least the associate professional rank in the absence of a qualified candidate with professorial rank; assist the proponent of research project in conceptualizing a research design, in seeking approval of the written research proposal and in rendering technical assistance in the conduct of the research projects;
4. Have shown evidence of satisfactory professional achievement;
5. Have had experiences in research and/or research based activities.

The Department Chairman shall perform the following functions:

1. Implements policies and programs initiated at his/ her level together with the policies and programs emanating from higher authorities of the University;
2. Recommends improvements in instruction, research and extension services;
3. Recommends needed structural and functional changes to enhance the management capability of the department; and
4. Performs such other functions that may be delegated by higher authorities.

The Graduate School Secretariat shall be composed of the Graduate School Secretary and Editor-critic.

The Graduate School Secretary shall have tenure of at least three years for the continued smooth operations of the Graduate School. He/she shall be a full-time employee of the institution.

A qualified Graduate School Secretary shall:

1. Be a holder of an earned doctorate and/or master's degree;
2. Have at least two years of administrative and/or teaching experiences in the graduate level;
3. Have earned at least associate professorial rank in the absence of qualified candidate with professorial rank;
4. Have shown evidence of satisfactory professional achievement;
5. Have had experiences in research and/or research based activities.

The Graduate School Secretary shall perform the following functions:

1. Takes charge of records and communications of the Graduate School;
2. Coordinates and supervise the tasks of the members of the Graduate School Secretariat;
3. Prepares the schedule of semestral offerings of the Graduate School in coordination with the University Registrar;
4. Prepares the updated Bulletin of Information and the other advertisement of the Graduate School;
5. Performs other functions that the Dean may assign to him/her.

To ensure the smooth and prompt operation of the Graduate School, the Secretary shall be assigned as Editor-Critic to perform the following:

1. To edit and supervise the production of regular research journal as well as thesis/ dissertations, or the like of submitted graduate students as parts of graduation requirements;
2. To receive and send copies of the Graduate School Journal to other Graduate Schools and Libraries; and
3. To assist students in obtaining the services of critics for each discipline needed.

As a general rule, majority of the faculty in the master's degree programs and all faculty in the doctorate program shall be holders of earned doctorate degree.

However, in specific fields of study which requires special and technical training like for example the teachers in technical/vocational course in the graduate school who are holders of B.S. degree shall only be considered as consultants, to team with qualified faculty in terms of educational qualifications.

The Graduate School faculty, whether regular or Lecturer on Hourly Basis have to undertake research and must have presented and published their research undertakings in international refereed journal prescribed by the CHED.

In additional to the qualifications required/described in Sec. 1 of this Article, a qualified faculty shall:

1. Have rendered at least one year of teaching in the Graduate level;
2. Have shown evidence of satisfactory professional achievement;
3. Have had experiences in research or research based activities;
4. Have attained at least the associate professorial rank.

There shall be an ad hoc faculty recruitment and selection committee in every department of Graduate School that shall be composed of the Department Chairman and at least two senior graduate school faculty members selected by the Department Chairman. Said committee shall be designated by the Dean to evaluate the credentials of the applicants in their respective departments and recommend to the Dean the most qualified among them in accordance with the faculty manpower requirements of the departments.

A full time workload in Graduate School shall be determined in accordance with the policies of the institution. The load shall include extension and/or research work.

The graduate faculty shall teach mainly their respective majors or fields of concentration provided, however, that in the absence of a faculty with such qualifications and for the exigencies of the service, it will be sufficient that the faculty assigned to each load shall have taken the subject being assigned to him/ her in his/her graduate course or shall have taught the subject for a minimum of five semester in graduate level.

The graduate faculty shall, as a matter of right, enjoy academic freedom.

A separate and distinct graduate library shall be established and maintained and for this purpose, an adequate outlay shall be provided for the continuing enrichment of the library collections conformably with the needs and requirements of the Graduate programs.

The Graduate School Library shall be provided with books and references that are reasonably adequate for effective graduate work. Depth and breath, representativeness of authority, extent of correlatives, decency of publication relative to the fields of concentration offered shall be determined of the quality of its holding.

The resources in the library shall include a substantial number of professional publications such as journals, bibliographies, annuals, monographs, serials, and book bound issues of reputable professional and cultural magazines of foreign and local publications. There shall be at least three professional journals for every 100 students in every discipline.

Every graduate offering shall be assured of appropriate and corresponding library support such as books, references and periodicals proportional to the required number of volumes.

The expansion and enrichment of the resources and facilities of the Graduate School Library shall be accorded with high priority. In addition to the annual budgetary support provided by the college/university, organized campaign may be initiated by the Graduate School to solicit library assistance and support.

Adequate catalogues, vertical files, reader's guide, carrels for independent study and research and other appurtenances shall be maintained in the Graduate School Library

The Graduate School Library shall maintain appropriate reading and reference materials in proportion to enrollment, the minimum requirements of which are as follows:

At least, ten percent of the professional and cultural books shall be a Filipiniana, Orientalla, and Asiana.

Reasonable and adequate recognition and rewards shall be provided by the Graduate School to motivate the graduate faculty to assume leadership in and/or undertake scientific research and extension work.

The Graduate School shall realign its research and extension programs to- wards the discovery of new technology and human knowledge and improvement of the quality of life, respectively.

The Graduate School shall explore the viability of designing and implementing a comprehensive, integrated and coherent research and extension programs to rationalize and energize the development of its service areas.

The Graduate School shall publish at least a yearly journal for the dissemination of the outstanding research and extension service, scholarly papers and studies of the graduate faculty together with the abstracts of the approved the- sis and dissertations of the students.

Pursuant to the rules and policies of the institution, only those students who in the judgment of an hoc admission committee chaired by the dean, can profit from graduate work and are able to pursue successfully prescribed requirements for graduation of the program, shall be admitted.

The Adhoc Admission Committee designated by the Dean shall perform the following functions:

1. Set up the criteria and decide admission to graduate work;
2. Evaluate the transcript of records and other credentials required for admission; and
3. Recommend the qualified applicant for graduate work to the Dean.

Every applicant for graduate work before being admitted shall be required to take and pass a general proficiency test in English administered by the Testing Center of the institution.

The highest possible instructional and promotional standards shall be maintained. The selective retention policy shall be adopted and maintained both at the master's and doctorate programs.

A graduate student shall be deemed officially admitted to graduate status after he shall have passed 18 units at the master's level and 24 units at the doctorate level.

All doctorate and master's degree student shall take the comprehensive examinations after completing the academic requirements in their respective programs of studies. Passing the comprehensive examination shall be a requirement before a graduate student can enroll thesis/dissertation writing.

The Comprehensive examinations shall include the basic/foundation course, major field of concentration, and elective/cognate taken and passed by the students.

In accordance with Sec. 3 Article IV, of this Code, the Dean upon the recommendation of the Graduate School Committee shall appoint a Comprehensive Examination Panel of Examiners.

A master list of students formally admitted to graduate status and who passed the comprehensive examinations shall be maintained in the Office of the Dean with a copy consistently furnished the Office of the University Registrar.

The curriculum for the master's degree shall contain minimum total of 36 academic units distributed as follows:

The doctoral program shall include a minimum of 60 academic units distributed as follows:

As a general rule, all curricular subjects shall be offered as three unit courses equivalent to at least 54 hours. However, for a two-unit course this shall re- quire 45 hours contact time.

The master's and doctoral programs shall generally maintain separate curricular programs.

The course description of every curricular subject shall be supported by an updated syllabus containing detailed statement of its objectives, units covered, textbooks to be used, references available in the library.

Every graduate student shall have a program plan based on his major field or concentration. The plan shall be prepared upon formal admission to the graduate program with the assistance of a designated faculty adviser, it shall include enrolment of subjects that may be required in the line of specialization a student is enrolling in.

The major field of concentration of the student in the master's or doctoral program shall be entered in his official transcript of records.

A thesis or seminar paper or its equivalent for the master's and dissertation for a doctorate degree shall be required for graduation in all curricular programs of the Graduate School.

The thesis, seminar paper of dissertation shall contribute progressively and substantially to the existing body of knowledge; shall manifest the student's competence in research and shall conform with the objectives of the Graduate School mission of the institution and the defined national priorities.

Subject to the approval by the Graduate School Committee, creative or team research to be undertaken by two or more graduate students may be allowed provided that the research design of the team research shall specifically delimit and delineate the research tasks of each researcher.

The Graduate School Committee who shall assist the researcher in conceptualizing a research design, approve the written research proposal and render technical assistance in the conduct of the research project shall recommend a Defense Panel.

The Defense Panel shall be composed of the Research Adviser, the Department Chairman of the student's area of specialization, and the Graduate School Statistician. A consultant may be chosen as a member of the panel if needed. The Dean may sit with the panel as a non-voting member.

A qualified Research Adviser shall be chosen preferably from among the full - time faculty of the Graduate School. A qualified research adviser shall, in addition to the above:

1. Be a major in the field or research undertaken; and
2. Have had experience as a member of a panel of thesis/ dissertation oral defense and/or experience in research designing, advising, critiquing and the like.

A thesis, seminar and/or dissertation seminar shall be offered and as well as warranted by their respective program, the graduate students shall enroll in said seminar before submission of the thesis, seminar paper or dissertation proposal.

The thesis/dissertation proposal, as a research document, shall spell out in detail the scope and responsibility of the researcher. The students shall design his own proposal under the guidance of the Research Advisory Panel.

The content of the proposal shall follow those specified in the NEUST Graduate School Guide in Thesis/Dissertation Writing. Likewise, the approval of the proposal by the Research Advisory Plan shall follow the criteria and standards and procedures specified in the same guide.

Writing of the thesis/dissertation begins only after the approval of the thesis/dissertation proposal.

The thesis seminar or dissertation must conform to the style and format set by the Graduate School Committee that shall consider it as one of the foremost agenda in its first meeting after its formal creation. The style and format set by said committee shall be included in the NEUST Graduate School Guide for Thesis/Dissertation Writing.

There shall be two oral examinations to be conducted, namely: the oral examinations for the defense of the research proposal before the Research Advisory Panel, and the defense of the thesis, seminar paper or dissertation.

Thesis, seminar paper or dissertation submitted for oral defense must be complete and must have final quality. The standards for completeness and final quality are specified in the NEUST Graduate School Guide in Thesis/Dissertation Writing.

The oral examinations for the defense of the proposal or final written research shall be scheduled by the Dean only after the student shall have:

1. Completed all his/her academic requirements duly certified by the University Registrar;
2. Successfully passed the written comprehensive examinations;
3. Been certified by the adviser as to his readiness for oral examination.

For the master's degree, the final oral examination of the candidate shall be conducted by a Thesis/Seminar Paper Defense Panel of at least three members, one of whom shall be a doctorate degree holder and the rest at least master's degree holder; for the Doctorate degree, the Dissertation Defense Panel shall be composed of at least five members who are holders of the doctorate degree. The Dean shall sit as a non-rating member in either panel.

The chairman and members of either panel shall be chosen on the basis of their expertise and field of specialization upon the recommendation of the Graduate School Committee to the Dean. Qualified faculty members of the Graduate School shall be given preference to act as a panel chairman or member.

The standards and criteria for the evaluation of the thesis, seminar paper or dissertation and the process required before the final oral examination is scheduled shall follow those specified in the NEUST Graduate School Guide in Thesis/Dissertation Writing.

The final rating of the candidate in both examinations shall be based in general weighted average of ratings given by the panel members with the rating of 2.0 or its equivalent as the passing average.

Scholarship grants shall be awarded to highly deserving and qualified applicants pursuant to institutional rules and policies.

Subject to institutional rules and policies on scholarship, an ad hoc Scholarship Committee shall be constituted and composed of the Dean as chairman and two senior graduate faculty as members. Said committee shall receive and pass judgment on the merits and fitness of the applicants.

In the absence of institutional procedure and/or criteria for the selection of the applicants, the Scholarship Committee shall formulate the procedure and/or criteria for the selection of scholars.

The institution reserves the prerogative to suspend or cancel the enjoyment of the scholarship privileges for scholastic deficiency, violation of rules of discipline and/or unauthorized discontinuance of schooling.

Public school teachers who meet the academic admission standards and have served, as critic teacher in the NEUST teacher-training department for at least one semester shall be given priority to scholarship.

The residence requirement for graduation from the master's and doctorate degrees, excluding the units for thesis, seminar paper or dissertation, shall be at least two consecutive semesters or the equivalent of 12 units and 24 units for the master's degree and doctorate degree, respectively.

Admission of transferees from the other graduate schools shall be limited in accordance with the following:

1. That courses submitted for accreditation shall not exceed the maximum of 12 units;
2. That subjects taken in the graduate schools last attended are substantially the same in content as those in graduate education curriculum as determined by the Registrar and upon the recommendation of the admission committee;
3. That the student will be able to comply with the residence requirement;
4. That there is an approval by the Dean upon the recommendation of the admission committee

After completion of all academic requirements and/or enrolling in thesis, seminar paper or dissertation writing, a candidate for graduation to any graduate degree program shall be given a maximum period of three years for the master's degree and five years for the doctorate degree within which to finish the thesis, seminar paper or dissertation writing.

In case the candidate exceeds the limited period for research writing as provided for under Sec. 3 above, he/she shall be required to re-enroll at least nine units in his major subjects for the master's and 13 units for the doctorate pro- gram before he can be allowed to continue his research provided that the re- search he/she is undertaking shall be considered as still relevant by the Re- search Advisory Panel which shall be convened for the purpose. The criteria for accessing whether a research that exceeded the limited period for writing has passed the relevancy requirement are specified in the NEUST Graduate School Guide for Thesis/Dissertation Writing.

In the case of a student taking up another major in either the master's or doctorate course, all subjects taken and passed within the former curriculum and which are similar in the pursued curriculum shall be accredited. However, such case is to be determined by the University Registrar upon recommendation of the Admission Committee. He/ she shall be required to take only those subjects that he/she has not yet taken and are prescribed in the pursued curriculum.

Graduate students who shall obtain the following general weighted average and corresponding limitation as computed below and shall have taken at least six units in every semester and/or summer term of studies shall be awarded academic honors on graduation day.

In addition to the foregoing standard grade requirement, the student should have demonstrated honestly, moral integrity and exemplary conduct.

The Graduate School shall solicit grants and donation from local as well as foreign sources, and the same grants and donations, together with the proceeds and earnings realized therefore, shall be treated as special trust funds, to be appropriated and extended for the benefit of the Graduate School, grantee/done according to the policies and procedures adopted for the purpose.

As the premiere program of the institution, the Graduate School shall be provided with a separate budgetary function and budgetary support that is commensurate and compatible with scope of its respective offerings.

Subject to pertinent provision of law and approval of the Governing Board, the following schedule of tuition and miscellaneous fees, common at the master's and doctoral programs, shall be collected from the students. Appendix B, Fees p.145-146.

Moreover, theses and dissertation writers are required to pay the approved fees for oral defense:

The above-mentioned fees may be increased or decreased based on cost of living index and/or rate inflation, subject to approval of the Board of Regents.

In school seminar/s, defined as seminar/s held inside the school premises either as curricular or extracurricular, are allowed in the light of academic freedom provided however, that:

1. if co-curricular, the seminar must be explicit in the syllabi of instruction and supported by consultation or class resolution;
2. if extra-curricular or for the purpose of fund raising, the seminar must be explicit in the approved program of activities of the organization and supported by a resolution;
3. these shall not exceed two instances per school year, and
4. these shall not require students to pay more than a reasonable amount.

All in-school seminars must have the approval of the dean and other concerned officials.

Off-Campus tours are allowed in the light of Academic Freedom subject to strict compliance to the existing rules and regulations prevailing in the land.

This Code shall take effect immediately after the approval by the Board of Regents.

The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to qualify education at all levels of education and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.

The State Shall.

Establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan program, subsidies and other incentives which shall be available to deserving students in both public and private schools, especially to the under privileged. (Underscoring supplied)

Scholarship grants, assistantships, and other forms of financial aid for students shall be awarded in accordance with the pertinent rules and regulations. A student Loan Board/Bank or its equivalent shall be organized to assist students needing financial aids. (Underscoring supplied)

Under Circular Letter No. 95-4 dated August 15, 1995 of the Department of Budget and Management on the subject of Use/Charging Income, Section 2.3 and Subsection

2.3.3 states, to wit:

2.0 In the use/charging of income, the following conditions shall be satisfied:

2.3 Fifty percent (50%) of said income shall be used for teacher-student welfare, which shall refer to the following as discussed with the Philippine Association of the States Universities and Colleges (PASUC):

Student who are indebted to the student loan board/bank shall be notified with their sureties and parents that such indebtedness must be paid in full before the final semester examination begins.

If a student fails to settle his account at the time herein provided, the faculty members concerned shall allow him to take the examination but shall withhold his grades until the account is fully settled. If the account is not settled by the opening of the following semester, the student shall not be allowed to register or to transfer, Graduating students must settle their accounts before graduation, otherwise, their transcript of records shall be withheld.

A student Registration Loan may be extended to needy but deserving students. The student is allowed a maximum loan equivalent to the amount of assessed fee he will pay to the college during registration period. A registration loan is charged a simple interest of four percent (4%) a semester and a surcharge of one percent (1%) per month or a fraction thereof in case of non payment on due date.

A Student Emergency Loan is extended to all registered students in the maximum amount of P 200.00 per semester. Such loan maybe applied for in lump sum or a monthly amount of P50.00 and is charged an interest of one (1) percent per month and surcharge of ½ percent per month or a fraction thereof in case of delay in payment.

Failure to settle any student loan on due-date of payment constitutes a reason for not granting any loan privilege during the succeeding semester.

No grades or an official documents like clearances, transcript of records and diploma shall be officially released to students whose loans are not settled.

An official Committee created for the purpose shall administer the Student Loan Assistance Program. It shall cover student registration loans and student emergency loans, which shall be granted on "first come, first served" basis and shall be made available to qualified students.

The applicant fill up application form and submits requirements to the Executive Director.

The Executive Director reviews and transmits the application to the Committee.

The Committee reviews and recommends for approval or non-approval of the application.

The Board approves the Loan and transmits approval to the Executive Director.

The applicants sign a promissory note with signature of parent/guardian.

The Executive Director transmits and follows up the approval loan application to the Cashiers Office until the amount is released in check to the applicant.

Remit payment to the Cashier and get receipt.

Submit receipt for notation to the Executive Director.

If full payment is made, close the loan account of the student by stamping FULL PAID on his/her promissory note upon presentation of the receipt.

This Constitution shall be known as the "Constitution of the University Student Government of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology".

This Constitution shall govern the University Student Government of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology.

For the purpose of this Constitution, unless the context indicates otherwise.

1. "University" signifies the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology.
2. "Local Student Government" means the duly constituted Central student organization of a unit that offers at least a bachelor's degree program.
3. "University authorities" signifies the duly constituted authorities or officials of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology and of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology System insofar as the NEUST is concerned or affected.
4. "Legislative Representative" means a representative of the constituents of a college/campus to the University Student Government.
5. "Permanent vacancy" exists when the office of a USG or Local Student Council officer or member has been vacated for the reason of death, resignation, impeachment, expulsion from the University, or a permanent illness preventing him/ her from performing the functions of his office.
6. "Temporary vacancy" exists when the office of a USG or Council officer or member has been vacated by reason of temporary mental or physical incapacity, detention, or any other reason that leaves the possibility of his/her resuming his/her duties before the expiration of his/her term
7. "Plebiscite" signifies the direct vote of all the members of the students of NEUST on the important public question such as a change in the constitution.
8. "Student Body" refers to all the students enrolled in an Academic Year and duly registered in the Office of Admission and Registration.

The modes for meetings and conferences either organized online or face to face shall be considered as deemed official, justifiable and substantial.

The resolutions, bills, policies, referendums and other official documents either signed personally or using the valid e-signature shall be considered as deemed official, legal and justifiable. E-signature shall be approved and authenticated by the USG Executive Secretary before the same can be utilized by the concerned USG Officials.

The University Student Government believes in the following:

1. The access to education should be afforded to everyone;
2. That education should develop man's physical, mental, social, cultural, and spiritual potential to the full, in order to realize a just and humane existence for all;
3. That education should enhance critical thought and the ability to make informed judgment, free of dogma and myths.

All officially enrolled students of NEUST shall be ipso facto members of NEUST Student Body.

The NEUST Student Body shall be governed by Republican and Democratic principles where sovereignty resides in the members and all authorities emanate from them.

The NEUST Student Body recognizes and supports the academic community for its benefit and welfare.

Every recognized student organization should be guaranteed the widest participation in the governance of its members to ensure their fullest development.

The Student Government recognizes the vital role of women, students with other gender preferences, and other marginalized students in the governance of the studentry.

Every student shall have the right to:

1. Enjoy freedom of expression;
2. Exercise freedom of religious worship and spiritual practice;
3. Have his/her transcript of records, clearance/s and other school records processed without delay in accordance with the rules of the University;
4. Enjoy confidentiality of his/her records as protected by the Data Privacy Act and other pertinent laws;
5. Exercise his/her rights under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Education Act of 1982 and other pertinent laws protecting the rights of the students.

Student shall individually or collectively, be entitled to:

1. Have their grievances heard and speedily addressed;
2. Organize and assemble for lawful purposes in accordance with the existing rules and regulations of the University and the Government as a whole;
3. Present their views to appropriate bodies concerning any policy or decision affecting their rights, interest and welfare.

No student shall be subjected to exploitation, involuntary servitude nor cruel/unusual punishment.

No student shall be subjected to disciplinary action without due process of law.

It is the obligation of every student to:

1. Observe, at all times, the laws of the Philippines, the rules and regulations of the University Student Government and the University as well;
2. Assist the school authorities in disseminating among the students, and educating them on the rules and regulations on student conduct and discipline;
3. Help engender an academic atmosphere conducive to harmony among the various constituencies of the university;
4. To perform his/her rights/responsibilities in accordance with the rules and regulations of the University Student Government and the University as well.

There shall be only one University Student Government hereinafter referred to as USG, NEUST regardless of the number of the campuses and/or colleges/department.

The USG shall have three branches, namely: The Executive Branch, The Legislative, and the Judicial Branch.

The USG Executive Branch shall be the implementing body of programs, policies and services of the USG. It shall be composed of the President, Vice President, Governor and Vice Governor of the different colleges/campuses and members of the USG Management Cabinet such as:

1. Executive Secretary
2. Presidential Spokesperson
3. Record and Property Custodian

Chairperson of the following commissions:

4. Commission on Finance and Accounting Services
5. Commission on External Affairs
6. Commission on Student Welfare and Development
7. Commission on Sports Development
8. Commission on Environmental Development
9. Commission on Culture, Literary, and Arts Development
10. Commission on Communication and Information Dissemination
11. Commission on Infrastructure Development
12. Commission on Health and Insurance Services
13. Commission on Scholarship
14. Commission Technical Services
15. Commission General Services
16. and other commissions that may be established as the need arises.

The University Student Government President shall have the power to control and to supervise the Executive Branch. He should ensure that the law and other policies promulgated by competent authorities are faithfully executed.

The President of the University Student Government shall:

1. Be its Chief Executive Officer,
2. Preside over all the meetings of the Executive Branch;
3. In case of failure to elect the Governor and/or Vice Governor in a Department/Campus, the President has the power to appoint the said officials in accordance with the qualifications for elected positions in accordance with the NEUST Election Code and subject to concurrence of Committee on Appointment;
4. Sign all resolutions, communications and papers of the USG;
5. Represent the USG in his/her official capacity as President during occasions and events where NEUST students need representation;
6. Be the Student Body representative in the University Administrative Council, University Board of Regents and other bodies as the case may be;
7. Perform such other duties as may be necessary in the performance of the functions of his/her Office for the welfare of the students.

The USG Vice President shall:

1. Assist the President in all matters where his/her assistance is required;
2. Preside over the meeting of Executive Branch in case of absence or incapacity of the President;
3. Take over the functions of the President in case of vacancy for the reason of his/her death, resignation, removal, suspension, illness, graduation, transfer of school, failure to enroll, failure to continue studying, physical or mental incapacity or his failure to qualify for office;
4. At the discretion of the President, the Vice President shall be eligible for appointment in any of the departments created in thsi Constitution and By Laws.
5. Perform such other duties as may be necessary in the performance of the functions of his/her Office for the welfare of the students.

The President and Vice President shall not, during their tenure, hold any other elective office in any political unit of the USG. They shall likewise not hold any position in any Non-Political Student organization and in the official Student Publication of the University.

The President and the Vice President shall be elected by direct votes of students in all campuses of the university.

The President shall appoint the Executive Secretary, Presidential Spokesperson, Finance Officer, Auditing Officer and the Records and Property Custodian not later than two weeks after the assumption of office.

If a temporary vacancy exists in the Office of the President, the Vice President shall assume the position until the resumption of the incumbent, and if a permanent vacancy exists, the Vice President shall assume the position for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Whenever there is a vacancy in the Office of the Vice-President during the term for which he/she was elected, the President shall nominate a Vice-President from among the Members of the House of Senate and the House of Representatives who shall assume office upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the Members of both Houses of the Assembly, voting separately.

However, if the Vice President is ineligible to act as the USG President, the Senate Chairperson shall assume the position, if not qualified, the Speaker of the House shall assume the position as USG President. Nevertheless, if he/she is ineligible as well, the Student Judicial Magistrate as the case may be shall assume the office of University Student Government. In case said officers are ineligible to act as officer-in-charge, the Executive Branch composed of the Governors of all the Colleges and Campuses shall together convene and appoint a qualified student as officer-in-charge to ensure the continuous operation of the Office of University Student Government.

There shall be a Local Student Government for every college/ campus which shall serve as the major political subdivision of the USG and shall be further subdivided into College/Department/Year Level Mayor/s. The officers of Local Student Government who are not elected shall be appointed by the Governor. Names of the appointees shall be submitted to the University Student Government two weeks after the proclamation of the Governor. This shall also pass through the Committee of Appointment of the Legislative Branch

In case of the Local Student Government with two or more colleges/departments/year level the Class President/s shall elect their College/Department/Year Level Mayor among themselves. Said College/Department/Year Level Mayor, shall serve as the representative of the college/department/year level to the LSG.

In case any program or activity which will require the participation of a campus as a whole, a campus without centralized government shall elect their Chairperson among the incumbent Governors. For this purpose, all the Governors of the said campus/es shall convene and elect their Chairperson.

The President, Vice President, and the Senator of USG, and the Govemor, Vice Governor, and Legislative Representatives of the Local Student Government shall be elected by the direct vote of the students at the concerned college/campus of the University. The Class Presidents shall be elected by the direct vote of class members of the concern section. Election of officers for USG and LSG will be held every second Thursday of April.

Policies, rules, regulations, and programs approved by the Local Student Government shall be in accordance with the USG Constitution and shall likewise be subject to the approval of the USG President.

The Local Student Government and Confederations of College/ Department Mayor of different colleges and campuses shall, subject to the preceding section, enjoy autonomy in the management of their own internal affairs and in the implementation of their respective programs and activities. The Local Student Government and Confederations of College/Department Mayors shall work hand in hand with the USG and University and are required to implement programs and projects in conformity with this Constitution and by Laws.

The term of office of the USG, Local Student Government officers and College/Department Mayors, will be for one year starting at noon of June 1 and end at noon of June 1 the following year

The legislative power of the USG is vested on the USG Legislative Branch, hereinafter referred to as the Assembly, except to the extent reserved to the student by the provision on initiative and referendum.

The Assembly shall be composed of eight (8) USG Senators (should be elected through university wide election), a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of four (4) LSG Representatives (prorata basis of 1:600 students) elected from a particular colleges/campuses, and six (6) representatives from Non-Political Student Organization to represent the different categories of each organizations namely; Academic Organizations, Religious and Spiritual Organizations, Sports Organizations, Literary, Cultural and Arts Organizations, Community Outreach Organizations and Gender Equality Organizations. Each category of non-political student organizations must have representatives which shall be designated by the Federation of Non-Political Student Organization.

The USG Senators shall be distributed to represent the campuses of the NEUST. Each campus namely: Sumacab Campus, GT Campus, San Isidro Campus, Gabaldon Campus, Fort Magsaysay Campus, Atate Campus, NEUST North Campus and NEUST South Campus. Each campus shall secure one seat in the House of Senate.

The Assembly shall have a Senate Chairperson who will the elected senator with the highest number of votes from the university wide election.

The University Student Government Legislative Branch Officers shall have the following duties and responsibilities.

1. The Senate Chairperson shall:
1. Preside over all meetings of the Legislative Branch;
2. Represent the legislative branch in his/her official capacity as Senate Chairperson on occasion and event where the Legislative Branch needs representation;
3. Perform such other duties as may be necessary in the performance of the functions of his/her Office for the welfare of the students.
2. The USG Senator/s shall:
1. Author bills that could benefit the whole university;
2. Represent and spearhead in their respective committees under the Legislative Branch.
3. The following committees in the Legislative Branch and their respective duties and responsibilities:
1. Committee on Environmental Development shall handle all matters related to conservation, preservation, and protection of the environment.
2. The Committee on Sports Development shall handle all matters related to the promotion of sports development.
3. The Committee on Student Welfare and Development shall handle all matters regarding the welfare, development, conduct, rights, safety, and reputation of the students.
4. The Committee on Education, Arts and Culture Development shall handle all matters regarding promotion of educational development and preservation of culture and arts.
5. The Committee on Gender Development shall handle all matters promoting gender equality and equity.
6. The Committee on Finance and Appointment shall handle budget related concerns and confirmation of the Officials appointed requiring confirmation of the Committee on Appointment.
7. The Committee on Accountability and Transparency and Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws shall handle all matters related to accountability, transparency and amendments of the constitution and other related rules and policies.
8. The Committee on Science and Technology shall handle all matters related to promotion and development of science and technology.
4. Perform such other duties as may be necessary in the performance of the functions of his/her Office for the welfare of the students.
3. The LSG Representative/s shall:
1. Author bills that could benefit their colleges/ campuses or the whole university;
2. Represent the different colleges/campuses under their respective committees;
3. Perform such other duties as may be necessary in the performance of the functions of his/her Office for the welfare of the students not contrary to USG Constitution and University rules and regulations.
4. The Non-Political Student Organization Representative/s shall:
1. Author bills that could benefit their respective organizations or the whole university;
2. Represent different organizations under the following categories: Academic Organizations, Spiritual Organizations, Sports Organizations, Literary, Cultural and Arts Organizations, Community Outreach Organizations and Gender Equality Organizations.
3. Shall be chosen by the officers of the Federation of Non-Political Student Organizations among the officers of the respective organizations as above stated.
4. Perform such other duties as may be necessary in the performance of the functions of his/her Office for the welfare of the students not contrary to USG Constitution and University rules and regulations.

No senators or representatives shall hold any other office in any political unit of the USG, non-political organization or the official student publications of the University.

Exceptions shall be made for those who are representing the various sectors who can retain the position in the sector which they represent.

The Assembly may penalize its members for disorderly behavior or negligence of duty, and with concurrence of ⅔ of all its members, suspend or expel a member. A penalty of suspension when imposed shall not exceed sixty days (60). Respondents in such proceedings, shall have no right to vote.

A House of Senate shall be composed of the eight (8) elected Senators to be led by the Senate Chairperson. A House of Representatives shall be composed of the College/Campus Representatives and NPSO Representatives to be led by the Speaker of the House. The Speaker of the House shall be elected by the House of Representatives.

All the Representatives shall be equally divided to the eight (8) Senators to composed of respective Committees stated in this Constitution.

In passing the bills, the Assembly should act in accordance to the following procedures:

1. The bill shall be proposed by Representatives or Senators.
2. The proposed bill shall be presented to the concerned Committee.
3. The respective committee shall study and deliberate the proposed title, context, relevance, applicability and objectives of the proposed bill.
4. The concerned Committee shall submit a Committee report within 10 days after receiving the proposed bill. The Committee shall conduct a public hearing as part of the public inquiry process to determine the stand of the students in the proposed bill.
5. This Committee Report shall proceed to the assembly for voting. In passing the bill, this shall secure 50%+1 of all the members of the Senator and 50%+1 of all members of Representatives in the Assembly voting separately.
6. Bills and policies such as Amendment of Constitution and By Laws, and bills which will impose fines and penalties, shall require for the approval of the vote of majority of all members of the House of Senate and House of Representatives voting separately. The rest of the bills and policies shall require the approval of a simple majority of the members of the House of Senate and House of Representatives present, voting separately, there being a quorum.
7. If one of the House of Assembly, whether House of Representatives or House of Senate, is against the approval of the bill, the Bicameral Committee shall be constituted to deliberate and reconcile the differences between the two Houses. The Report of the Bicameral Committee shall be approved by both Houses in accordance with the immediately preceding section.
8. The Bicameral Committee shall be composed of nine (9) members; five (5) coming from the House of Senate and four (4) coming from the House of Representatives. The Senate Chairperson and the Speaker of the House shall be automatic members of the Bicameral Committee, other members shall be elected by the respective Houses.
9. If the Assembly approved the bill, this will be forwarded to the Office of the USG President for his/her approval. Once approved, the USG President shall endorse the law/policy/bill to the Office of the University President for the implementation.
10. The veto power of the USG President can be exercised if he/she disapproved the bill in toto or any of the items therein. The portions not covered by the veto of the USG President shall have the force and effect of a law. The USG President shall thereafter return the vetoed bill to the Senate within a period of 10 days for their appropriate action.
11. If the Assembly approved the bill, this will be forwarded to the Office of the USG President for his/her approval. Once approved, the USG President shall endorse the law/policy/bill to the Office of the University President for the implementation.
12. Inaction on part of the USG President on the proposed bill within a period of 15 days from receipt shall consider the same as deemed approved.
13. The veto power of the USG President can be overridden by two-thirds (⅔) votes of members of the House of Senate and two-thirds (⅔) votes of members of House of Representatives. The bill or the portions of the bill vetoed by the president shall have the force and effect of a law after being overridden by the Assembly.

The Assembly during their first session, shall adopt their internal rules of procedure on the conduct of their sessions. They shall likewise elect the committee chairmanship and members by majority vote. This rules of procedure shall comprised with the rules of parliamentary procedures.

The judicial power shall be vested in one University Student Judicial Court and in such lower courts/divisions as may be prescribed by this constitution and by-laws.

Judicial power includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle actual controversies involving rights, which are legally demandable and enforceable, and to determine whether or not there has been a graceful abuse of discretion amounting to lack of excess of jurisdiction on the part of the branch or instrumentality of Government.

The assembly shall have the power to define, prescribe, and apportion the Jurisdiction of the various courts divisions but may not deprive the University Student Judicial Court of its jurisdiction over cases enumerated in section 38 hereof

No law shall be passed recognizing the judiciary when it undermines the tenure of its members.

The University Student Judicial Council shall be composed of the Student Chief Magistrate and twenty-two members, each coming from Colleges and Campuses, which are recommended by their Respective LSG Governors and shall be appointed by the USG President. The Student Chief Magistrate will be elected by the existing twenty-two appointed members. If there is any vacancy, the Governor shall immediately endorse a new Student Associate Magistrate.

The University Student Government Judicial Branch shall have the following duties and responsibilities.

1. The Student Chief Magistrate shall:
1. Be the Head of the University Student Judicial Council;
2. Preside over all meetings of the University Student Judicial Council;
3. Monitor the different student judicial division of different campuses and colleges of the University Student Judicial Council;
4. Perform such other duties as may be necessary in the performance of the functions of his/her Office for the welfare of the students not contrary to USG Constitution and University rules and regulations.
2. The Student Associate Magistrates shall:
1. Address the concerns of the students under their student judicial division requiring the exercise of the judicial functions;
2. Report to the Student Chief Magistrate all the cases and the results of the proceedings conducted by the USJD;
3. Refer to the Student Chief Magistrate cases which were not successfully mediated within a period of ten (10) days from such failure.;
4. Perform such other duties as may be necessary in the performance of the functions of his/her Office for the welfare of the students not contrary to USG Constitution and University rules and regulations.

The University Student Judicial Council shall have the following powers:

1. To receive complaints from any student against another or group of students;
2. To receive complaints from other person or group of persons against student or group of students concerning acts committed within the university premises;
3. To conduct a preliminary conference for purposes of discussing the possibility of amicable settlement among the parties. If the conciliation proceedings failed, the SJC shall conduct reception of evidence or require the parties to submit position paper in order to ascertain facts for purposes of drafting appropriate recommendations to the Student Discipline Board;
4. To receive complaints from any student or group of students against any employee of the University. The Judicial Council shall reach out on the subject employee and invite the parties for a conference for purposes of conciliation proceedings. In the event that the conciliation proceedings failed, or the subject employee refused to participate, the Student Judicial Council shall forward the complaint to the Office of the President of the University for appropriate action;
5. To hear and decide on all matters pertaining to election protest against elected USG or LSG;
6. To decide on matters concerning issues among different branches or subdivisions of the USG which are capable of Judicial review;
7. To declare unconstitutional upon proper petition any legislative measures or law enacted by the Legislatures for being contrary to the Constitution or any Law of the Land;
8. To submit a report of their accomplishments of the USG and OSAS as may be required;

There shall be University Student Judicial Divisions (USJDs) which shall be created for every college and campus which shall be headed by the appointed Student Associate Magistrate.

The following shall be the respective exclusive jurisdictions of the USJC and USJDs:

1. For complainant of any grounds for disciplinary action as provided for under Chapter 3 of the 1990 CLPC Student Manual involving students coming from different academic units/ campuses or against officers of the USG or its equivalent, or any members of the USJC/USJDs, the complaint shall fall within the jurisdiction of the USJC provided, however, that should any member of three USJC become the subject of the complaint the same shall be filed with the highest forum which as provided for under the 1990 CLPC Student Manual is the NEUST Student Discipline Board.
2. For complaints involving students belonging to the same particular academic unit/campus against officers within the same department/campus or its equivalent, the complaint shall fall within the jurisdiction of the USJDs.

The University Student Judicial Court/Division associate magistrate shall have a term of one year to commence from the date of his/her appointment and shall end upon appointment of new associate magistrate.

The Committee on Appointment shall be vested with the power to approve and disapprove the appointees of University Student Government and Local Student Government.

The functions of the Committee play an important role under the concept of check and balance to ensure that the appointees are fit and qualified to their respective positions.

All appointed officers of the listed in the Jurisdiction of the Committee on Appointment shall pass through the Committee of Appointment of the Legislative Branch for confirmation within fifteen (15) days after submission of the name of the USG and LSG appointees. Inaction on the part of the Committee on Appointment within a period of fifteen (15) days from receipt of the appointments shall be considered the same as deemed approved.

Composition of the Committee on Appointment. The Committee on Appointment shall be composed of the elected and designated Senator as set by this Constitution and Legislative Representatives for the Committee.

Jurisdiction of Committee on Appointment. The following officials are subject to the confirmation of the Committee on Appointments:

1. The USG Management Cabinet (as listed in this Constitution)
2. The LSG Management Cabinet (as listed in this Constitution)
3. Chairperson and Members of the Student Government Commission on Election
4. The Student Associate Magistrates of the Judicial Council

The Committee on Appointment shall approve the appointment in accordance with the qualifications set by this Constitution for elected positions. The Committee has the power to disapprove the appointment of USG Officials and LSG Officials if they failed to meet the qualifications. The disapproval of the Committee shall be final and executory.

The USG shall, subject to existing rules and regulations:

1. Adopt its own internal rules of government;
2. Organize, coordinate and direct student activities in all campuses designed to improve students' general welfare as well as to prepare them for responsible citizenship;
3. Represent the studentry in all major policy making bodies of the university as provided by law and University rules and regulations;
4. Advise, inform and make recommendations to the University President on student matters, affairs and activities;
5. Draft, amend and revise the NEUST-USG Election Code in congruence with election provisions provided in the USG Constitution and By-Laws. The NEUST-USG Election Code shall contain the rules and regulations to be observed during the election of student political organizations.
6. Represent the NEUST studentry in external student activities provided the latter are lawful and in accordance to university rules and regulations; and
7. Exercise powers consistent with its mandate, responsibilities and objectives of promoting and protecting the welfare of the students, provided such exercise is lawful and in accordance with the existing rules, regulations and policies of the University.

It shall be the duty of the University Student Government to

1. Depend as well as promote the rights and welfare of the whole NEUST studentry;
2. Serve as an active forum for student sentiments;
3. Develop a camaraderie, discipline and sense of responsibility among NEUST students;
4. Uphold the ideals of the university geared towards ensuring a well- rounded intellectual, social, cultural, civic and physical development of every NEUST student.
5. Develop social consciousness and promote nationalism among NEUST students;
6. Cooperate with the various sectors of the society in the pursuit of common interest, particularly in the establishment of a just and humane society;
7. Cooperate with the University's goal of transforming students and the community through science and technology.
8. Seek and engender educational reform along humanistic, nationalistic and scientific methods, for the full development of the human potential, to respond to the social realities and to contribute to the promotion of academic freedom.

The other officers of the University Student Government shall have the following duties and responsibilities.

The Governor of Local Student Government shall:

1. Be the Chief Executive Officer of Local Student Government.
2. Preside over all the meetings of the LSG in their respective departments.
3. Appoint members of the LSG Management Cabinet in accordance with the same qualifications set in this constitution for the elected positions for the LSG except for the grades and residency requirements (Qualifications are listed in the NEUST Election Code).
4. The LSG Management Cabinet shall be the Local counterpart of the USG Management Cabinet. Nevertheless, the LSG Governor has the authority to create positions necessary for the efficient performance of their functions.
5. Sign all the resolutions, communications and papers of the Local Student Government.
6. Represent the LSG in his/her official capacity as Governor on occasion and event where his/her department needs representation;
7. Perform such other duties as may be necessary in the performance of the functions of his/her Office for the welfare of the students.

The Vice Governor of Local Student Government shall:

1. Assist the Governor in all matters where his/her assistance is required;
2. Preside over the meeting of LSG in case the Governor is absent;
3. Take over the functions of the Governor in case of vacancy for the reason of his/her death, resignation, removal, suspension, illness, graduation, transfer of school, failure to enroll, failure to continue studying, physical or mental incapacity or his failure to qualify for office;
4. Perform such other duties as may be necessary in the performance of the functions of his/her Office for the welfare of the students.

USG Management Cabinet shall have the following duties and responsibilities.

Executive Secretary

• The Executive Secretary shall be responsible for all the official communication papers of the Local Student Government.
• Shall record and keep the minutes during every meeting of the LSG and other official meetings.

Presidential Spokesperson

• Shall be responsible for all the official announcements of the Local Student Government and respond to all queries relevant to the official functions of the USG.

Record and Property Custodian

• Shall save, keep, and organize all official documents of the Local Student Government.
• Shall be responsible in keeping all the properties of the USG and shall always maintain inventory of said properties.

Chairperson of the following commissions:
Commission on Finance and Accounting Services
Finance Secretary

• Prepare the LSG financial expenditures and other financial matters.

Auditing Secretary

• Audit the LSG financial expenditures and prepare financial reports.

Commission on External Affairs

• Shall coordinate with the offices outside the university concerning the official activities and projects of the USG.

Commission on Student Welfare and Development

• To facilitate and organize projects and activities concerning Student Welfare and Development.

Commission on Sports Development

• To facilitate and organize projects and activities concerning the Sports development of the students.

Commission on Environmental Development

• To facilitate and organize projects and activities concerning the Environmental Development of the University.
• Promote sustainable development on environmental concerns.

Commission on Culture, Literary, and Arts Development

• To facilitate and organize projects, activities and other programs that will help and benefit the students in relation to their Cultural, Literary and Arts Development.

Commission on Communication and Information Dissemination

• Ensure proper and smooth communication of the information within every commission of the USG, Local Student Governments, Colleges/Campuses/Departments and the University as a whole.

Commission on Infrastructure Development

• To facilitate and organize projects, activities and other programs concerning infrastructure development and University facilities that will promote the welfare of the students.

Commission on Health and Insurance Services

• Monitor and assist the students requiring medical assistance and assist the students in processing their insurance claims.

Commission on Scholarship

• Promote educational assistance to the students who are financially incapable and those who struggle in providing income for daily expenses.

Commission on Technical Services

• Provide technical support and assistance in every event or program of the USG.

Commission on General Services

• Assist and help in all the projects, activities and other programs of the USG requiring manpower and other related tasks.

Impeachable Officers.

1. USG President
2. USG Vice President
3. Student Chief Magistrate
4. Student Associate Magistrates
5. Chairperson and Members of the Student Government Commission on Election
6. Governor and Vice Governor of Local Student Government

Grounds for Impeachment and Discipline of Student Government Officers.

1. Any willful violation of this constitution;
2. Grave misconduct;
3. Abuse of authority;
4. Gross neglect of duty;
5. If the concerned official/s fails to attend four consecutive regular sessions without informing the body of his status or the reasons why he/she has not been attending or working. In the case of the USG President, if he/she failed to participate in the Administrative Council Meeting/s for four consecutive times or Board of Regents Meeting/s for two consecutive times or failed to conduct regular USG Meeting/s for four consecutive times.
6. Any other form of misconduct which undermines the integrity of the USG.

Composition of the Impeachment Council.

1. The Student Chief Magistrate as the presiding officer, except if he/she is the subject of the impeachment complaint.
2. The Senate Chairperson, who shall preside in case the Student Chief Magistrate is the subject of the impeachment complaint.
3. The Speaker of the House of the House of Representatives.
4. The other Seven (7) Senators.

The Impeachment Council shall convene in case of any verified complaint for impeachment against impeachable officers as above stated. The Council may immediately dismiss the complaint for improper form or lack of substance. The concerned officer shall be immediately served with the copy of the complaint who shall file a verified answer within the period of fifteen (15) days. The Council shall thereafter conduct a preliminary conference for the parties to discuss the possibility of settling the dispute amicably. Thereafter, the Council shall require the petitioner to submit his/her evidence and witnesses or submit verified position papers. The respondent shall thereafter submit his/her controverting evidence and witnesses or may likewise submit verified position papers. Thereafter, the council shall decide on the petition.

For the purpose of suspension, an affirmative vote of at least majority of all members shall be required. To impeach an officer, the vote of two-thirds (⅔) of all the members of the council is required. The period of suspension shall not exceed 60 days.

The decision of the Impeachment Council on all matters relevant to the discipline and impeachment of the concern officers shall be final and executory.

The respondents shall have no right to vote in any of the disciplinary proceedings.

The USG Fee Forms part of the Custodial Funds and deposited under the Trust Fund.

Part of the sources of funds of USG is from the Internally-Generated Income (Tuition Fees) for Student Development under Instruction.

These funds will be utilized based on their specific budgetary allocation subject to accounting and auditing rules and regulations of the government.

The USG Budget shall be dedicated to the programs, projects and activities of the University Student Government. The USG Legislative Branch shall have an automatic 7% share on the USG Budget while the USG Student Judicial Council shall have an automatic 3% share on the USG Budget and shall enjoy autonomy on its utilization, subject to accounting and auditing rules and regulations of the government.

Budget Call. Beginning December 1, the USG President shall require LSG, USG Legislative Branch and USG Judicial Branch to submit their respective budget proposals for the following academic year. The Senate Chairperson, Student Chief Magistrate and Governor shall, not later than December 7, submit their budget proposal to the Office of the USG President.

Upon receipt of the respective budget proposal, the USG President shall, not later than December 15, submit the proposed Executive Budget to the Committee on Finance of the Assembly. Upon receipt of the Executive Budget, the Committee on Finance shall, not later than December 21, submit the Committee Report to the Assembly for approval. The Assembly through the vote of majority, voting separately, shall approve the budget and submit the same to the USG President for approval not later than December 31 of the same year.

If by the end of December 31, the Assembly shall have failed to pass the budgetary appropriations for the ensuing year, the budgetary appropriations for the preceding year shall be deemed re-enacted and shall remain in force and effect until the Assembly passes the budgetary appropriation.

No law shall be passed authorizing the transfer of certain budget appropriation. The USG President with concurrence of the Assembly may, however, augment any item in the general appropriation for other expenditures from savings or unutilized funds.

The Local Student Government, or student body organizations (in colleges or units where no Local Student Government have been organized or exist), shall coordinate with the University Student Government; provided, that they shall be autonomous-in the management of their own internal affairs and in the implementation of their respective programs and activities.

Policies, rules, procedures, source of funds and programs/ projects adopted/ approved by the Local Student Government (or student body organizations) which uphold pertinent/applicable policies, rules, etc. adopted/ approved by the University Student Government shall prevail.

Unless otherwise provided for in the Constitution of the Local Student Government concerned or, except when the College Representative is a voting member of the college student council, the college representative shall, at all times, be free from the control of the college student council with regard to the performance of his duties, functions and activities as a member of the University Legislative or Judicial Branch.

The Board of Advisers of the USG shall be composed of five members one of whom shall be the Chairperson. The members shall be appointed by the OSAS Dean from at least seven recommendees of the USG. Two of the advisers must be designated each to the Legislative and Judicial Branch of USG.

There shall be one or more Advisers of every Student Council and Confederation. The adviser(s) shall be chosen by the officers and members of the council and confederation, whose acceptance to the position of Adviser must be done in writing and filed with the Dean of Student Affairs and Services or OSOAD Coordinator in the Campus.

All advisers shall meet the following qualifications: a. Must be a faculty member; b. Must be of good moral character, and must be knowledgeable of student organizations as evidenced by experiences and training.

shall be coterminous with the terms of the Confederation and the Student Council Officers. If the Adviser was not able to finish his term, the provisions of section 2 hereof shall be followed and the new Adviser shall serve for the remainder of the term.

The Adviser shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

1. He/She shall make himself/herself available for consultations of all members of the organization especially to the officers;
2. He/She must be present in the planning of activities of the Organization to assure that the activities may realize the objectives of the organization;
3. He/She shall be present in the activity of the organization if it is held off campus or when the organization is representing the school; and
4. He/She shall foster unity and harmony within the organization.

In case the Adviser fails to perform the duties and responsibilities provided in the preceding section and/or suffers a loss of confidence among the majority of the officers and members determined through secret balloting conducted, the Adviser shall be replaced upon the recommendation of the new Adviser by the Organization to which they belong.

The Chairperson of the Board of Advisers of the USG shall be an ex-officio member of the organization.

Advisers shall have no right to vote in the proceedings of the USG Student Council and Confederations.

The Student Government Commission on Election shall be the highest governing body in all matters pertaining NEUST-USG Elections.

This Student Government Commission on Election shall be advised by and report to the Student Government Commission on Election Adviser.

One Hundred Fifty days (150) prior to the expiration of terms of the incumbent officers of the NEUST USG Officers, the USG President shall organize the Student Government Commission on Election.

Composition of the Student Government Commission on Election.

1. The Student Government Commission on Election shall be composed of the Chairperson and four (4) members who shall be appointed by the USG President.
2. The Chairperson of USG Board of Advisers, Dean of OSAS, Head and Coordinators of OSOAD in all Colleges/Campuses, shall act as ex-officio members of the electoral board without the right to vote.

Qualifications of Student Government Commission on Election.

1. To be qualified as a Student Government Commission on Election, he/she shall meet the same qualifications set in this constitution for the elected positions except for the grades and residency requirements.
2. The Committee on Appointment shall confirm the appointment of the Student Government Commission on Election given by the USG President. Correspondingly, the Head of OSOAD and Dean of OSAS shall corroborate the appointment of the Student Government Commission on Election.

Responsibilities of the Student Government Commission on Election.

1. To govern and facilitate all Student Government elections;
2. To remain neutral and unbiased in all elections; i. No member of the Student Government Commission on Election shall help, assist, serve on, or campaign for any Student Government campaign, ticket, or candidate.
3. To be responsible for educating candidates; i. Hosting a minimum of one informational meeting to inform all potential candidates of tickets, their structure, function and responsibilities before the first week of the election timeline.
4. To disqualify any candidate in case of any ground/s for disqualification;
5. To remain in constant contact with the Student Government Adviser,
6. To work with the Student Government communications staff to ensure high voter turnout;
7. To reach out to students to raise awareness on potential candidacy and elections;
8. To hold voting stations on campus during election days; and
9. To attend all meetings of the Student Government Commission on Election i. Three (3) unexcused absences from Student Government Commission on Election meetings shall result in automatic removal from the Student Government Commission on Election up- on majority vote of the other members of the Board. The remaining members of the Student Government Commission on Election upon recommendation of the Student Government Commission on Election Adviser shall appoint for the vacant position.
10. Members of the Student Government Commission on Election shall not be involved in any other capacity within Student Government.
11. Student Government Commission on Election members wishing to seek another office within the Student Government must resign immediately before seeking the new office.

Student Government Commission on Election Quorum

1. The Student Government Commission on Election shall not conduct business without the presence of a quorum.
2. A quorum of the Student Government Commission on Election shall consist of the presence of a simple majority 50%+1 of its members including the Chairperson of the electoral board. In the absence of the Chairperson of the electoral board, quorum shall consist of the presence of two-thirds (⅔) of its membership.

An Election Committee shall be constituted by the Student Government Commission on Election in each of the department/college/campus, the task of which is to supervise all matters pertaining to elections in their respective department/colleges/campuses. The Election Committee shall be composed of Coordinators and structured in accordance to the Student Government Commission on Election composition.

The Student Government Commission on Election has the primary responsibility to take charge of monitoring of election returns and to decide on matters pertaining to election procedures.

In case of vacancy in the Election Committee, the Student Government Commission on Election shall appoint qualified substitutes subject to the approval of two-thirds (⅔) of the members of the Student Government Commission on Election.

The seal of the University Student Government.

The seal of the USG Assembly.

The seal of the USG Student Judicial Council.

This Constitution shall be promulgated in English and translated in Filipino.

No elective or appointed Officer under this Constitution shall receive compensation except scholarship, which will be sanctioned only upon a resolution duly approved by the USG.

Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed by:

1. The Assembly, upon a vote of three-fourths of all Members of both Houses, voting separately, or
2. Constitutional Convention.

Amendments to this constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the student through initiative upon the petition of at least twelve per centum of the total number of students, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three per centum of the number of students therein. No amendments under this Article shall be authorized within two years following the ratification of this constitution nor sooner than once every two years thereafter.

The Assembly shall provide for the implementation of the exercise of this right.

Any Amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution shall be valid when ratified by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite.

The enforcement of the conduction of postponement and rescheduling of the election shall be endorsed by the Student Government Commission on Election upon the approval of the University President, in line with the Constitutions and bylaws of the University.

Repealing Clause. Any part or provisions of this Constitution that are found contrary to or inconsistent with the Philippine Constitution, or with other existing laws of the land and of the rules and regulations of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology are deemed null and void.

All existing policies, memoranda, Office Orders and other pertinent documents of the USG not inconsistent with this Constitution Shall remain operative until amended, repealed, rescinded or revoked.

The new structure of the University Student Government as herein provided shall be effective on the first election of all officers of the USG under this Constitution.

This Constitution shall take effect after the ratification and approval of the majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite and fifteen (15) days after posting in the bulletin boards of each department/ college/campus. HEREBY ADOPTED by the University Student Government this                  day of                            , 2023.