Part IV. General Governance

Scope. All recognized/accredited student organizations as well as those seeking recognition/accreditation at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology are covered by these rules.

Definition of Terms. The terms as used in these implementing rules and regulations are defined as follows:

1. University means the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology including its different campuses located at Sumacab, General Tinio St. Cabanatuan City, Fort Magsaysay, San Isidro, Atate, Gabaldon, Peñaranda, Gapan City, Carranglan, Talavera, San Leonardo and San Antonio, and Papaya.
2. University President means the University President of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology.
3. Dean of Student Affairs and Services means the officer designated to coordinate the operation of units or departments in-charge of student personnel services under the general supervision of the University President.
4. Committee on Student Organization and Activities (CSOA) means the commit-tee composed of the Dean of Student Affairs as ex-officio member, directors of units and student representative to be designated by the Supreme Student Council as provided for Under Art 325 and 329, Revised University Code of NEUST.
5. Office of Student Organization, Activities and Development (OSOAD) means the office directly under the supervision of the Dean of Student Affairs and Services and which is given the task to coordinate all matters pertaining to student organizations, activities and development.
6. Recognition means the authority to operate at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology granted by the University President to an interested student organization.
7. Disestablishment means the revocation of the authority of a student organization to operate at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology for cause as provided for in these implementing rules and regulations.
8. Student Organization means the group of NEUST students bound by common organizational objectives seeking to achieve these objectives through sorority, order or any other form of organized groups whose members are students of the University.
9. Recognized Student Organization means a student organization that after meeting all necessary requirements as prescribed under these rules and regulations is granted the authority to operate at NEUST by the University President.
10. College-Wide Student Organization means a student organization whose members belong to two or more units/departments of the University.
11. Unit Organization means a student organization whose members belong exclusively to one unit/department of the University.
12. Class Organization means a student organization composed of members of a class in any unit/department of the University.
13. Supervision means the power to direct, control and evaluate recognized student organizations while operating within the college subject to provisions of existing college policies and laws of the land.
14. Faculty Adviser means a permanent faculty member of NEUST designated to advise the officers and members of the recognized student organization on matters pertaining to its operation in accordance with established rules and regulations of the university and as provided for in existing laws.
15. Political Student Organization means a college-wide, campus-wide, unit or class organization that governs the NEUST studentry. The college-wide student political organization is the University Student Government; the campus wide student political organization means Local Student Council; the organizations are the confederations and the class organizations are those grouped by the University Registrar.
16. Non-Political Student Organization means any university-wide, campus-wide, unit or class organization other than those enumerated in the preceding sub-section, These organizations have specific objectives that serve to categorize them to any of the following: socio-civic religious organizations, fraternities/sororities, special interest clubs/associations and the like.
17. University Student Government means the highest governing student body of NEUST.
18. Operation means the implementation of the program projects and activities of an organization for the purpose of achieving its goals and objectives.
19. Accredited Student Organization means any student organization granted the certificate of accreditation as provided for under the pertinent rules.

Authority to Operate. Student desiring to establish, join and participate in student organizations shall do so as a right, subject only to the provisions of these rules and regulations and existing laws. The authority to operate shall be granted by the University President to any student organization upon the meeting of requirements for recognition as provided for under these rules. Student organizations that exist/operate outside of the system of school recognition shall continue to be governed by laws.

Supervision of Student Organizations. It shall be the responsibility of the University President to supervise and regulate the operations and activities of all duly recognized student organizations, provided, however, that such responsibility may be delegated to the following University officials or bodies:

1. The control and supervision of student non-political organization to the Dean of Student Affairs and Services
2. The control and supervision of university-wide and campus-wide student political organization to the CSOA, provided, however, that such responsibility, may be delegated to the Dean of Student Affairs as provided for under CLPC Revised College Code.
3. The control and supervision of unit and class student political organizations to the director/head of the academic units/department under which such organizations are classified.

Recognition as pre-condition for operation. The authority to operate or recognition of the student organization shall be a precondition for its operation in the College. Only student non-political organizations are covered by the rules on recognition.

Recognition of Student Political Organizations. Student political organizations shall not be required to apply for recognition. They are deemed recognized by virtue of their affiliation with the University Student Government and shall be allowed to operate subject to the supervision of the College Officials mentioned under Rule 4 of the preceding section.

Application for Recognition/Renewal for Recognition. Any group of fifteen (15) students may apply to form a student organization and seek the authority to operate or to continue its operations. Such an application must be filed with the OSOAD within the period commencing from the day following the last day of the final examinations of the second semester of the current school year to the second Monday of May of the summer following said school year.

Requirements for Application for Recognition. following are the requirements to be followed by a organization seeking the authority to operate:

1. Formal letter of application;
2. Constitution and by-laws;
3. Registration fee;
4. List of interim/incumbent board of officers, with their names, respective positions, course and year, address, date of birth and specimen signatures;
5. Names, courses and year and signatures of at least 15 founding/current members inclusive of officers;
6. Proposed activities for the entire school year including the tentative dates of implementation and a brief description of each activity;
7. Name of the faculty adviser/s with a letter of acceptance addressed to the Dean of Student Affairs and Services. The applicant organization shall submit three copies of the documents stated above.

Requirements for Application for Renewal of Recognition. The following are required from student organizations, which have previously been granted recognition and are seeking for renewal of recognition:

1. Formal letter of intent to seek renewal for recognition;
2. Amended constitution and by-laws (if not amended, only a certification to this effect signed by its president and concurred by the faculty adviser);
3. New list of board of officers, with their names, respective positions, course and year, address, updated constitution and by-laws and a certification to this effect by the president and concurred by the faculty adviser;
4. Name of the faculty adviser/s with a letter of acceptance addressed to the Dean of Student Affairs and Services;
5. Proposed activities for the entire school year including the tentative dates of implementation and brief description of the activity
6. List of at least 30 members with their names, course and year, addresses and specimen signatures.
7. Registration fee of 100.00

All the above documents must be submitted in three copies to the OSOAD.

Requirement regarding Constitution and By-laws.

1. State clearly the names, nature, goals and objectives of the organization;
2. Provide for the internal government mode of selection and qualifications of officer, their terms of office functions and duties;
3. Provide for funding of the organization, and its operation and the collection, disbursement, accounting and auditing funds;
4. Provide for a system of accountability of its officers and members and requirements as membership.

Approval of Constitution and By-Laws. The constitution and by-laws of a University-wide student political or non-political organization seeking recognition shall be approved by the CSOA. As provided for under Art. 331 of the NEUST Revised University code, no University-wide student organization shall be allowed to function without a constitution which has been previously approved by the CSOA or its equivalent, provided, however, that the CSOA may delegate this task to the Director of Student Affairs. In the case of units or class non-political organization, the Director of respective academic unit shall approve their constitution and by-laws.

Denial of Application for Recognition of New Organization. The application for renewal of new student organizations shall be denied on any of the following grounds:

1. Non-compliance with the requirements enumerated under Rule 4 hereof;
2. Disapproval of the constitution and by-laws by the duly constituted college authorities.

Denial of Application of Renewal of Recognition. The application for renewal of recognition of previously recognized student organization shall be denied on any of the following grounds:

1. Non-compliance with the requirements enumerated under Rule 5 hereof;

2. Evidence showing non-compliance of documents required at the end of each school year by the OSOAD from recognized student organizations such as the following:

   1. A narrative report on accomplishment during the organizations' year of operations prior to the date of application for renewal of recognition;
   2. A financial statement of accounts of funds collected from membership fees duly signed by the organization treasurer, auditor, president and faculty adviser and duly noted by the university official in-charge of the control and supervision of said organization as provided for under Rule 4 of the preceding section of these rules and regulations;
   3. A financial statement of accounts of funds collected from sources other than membership fees indicating therewith the purpose for which these funds are collected duly signed by the same individuals indicated in the preceding sub-section;
3. Implementing/undertaking programs projects or activities that are without prior approval of the University officials in-charge of the control and supervision of said organization as provided for under Section 4 of the preceding section of these rules and regulations;
4. Poor or below satisfactory performance in relation to the accomplishment of its programs, projects and activities in accordance with the goals and objectives of its constitution and by laws.

Deliberation of Application. The application of any student organization shall be deliberated upon by a committee composed of the coordinator of OSOAD, a designated member of the Academic Council and the USG President or his designated representative. The Dean of Student Affairs shall act as ex-officio chairman of the committee.

Notice. Notice of denial or approval of the application of any applicant-organization shall be sent in writing within two weeks after the first day of classes in August of the ensuing school year.

Appeal. The applicant-organization whose application for recognition is denied may within ten days from receipt of the notice of denial file an appeal with the Office of the Dean of the Student Affairs seeking reconsideration of its application.

1. If the cause for denial is due to sub-section a or b of Rule 9, said requirements should be submitted with the letter of appeal.
2. If the cause for denial is due to sub-section c or d of Rule 9, the appeal must be made on the ground of abuse of discretion duly substantiated by evidences negating the cause for denial.
3. The Dean of Student Affairs and Services shall within 20 days from receipt of the letter of appeal decide on it. If the cause for denial is due to sub-section c or d of Rule 9, he shall convene the body that rendered the decision and conduct a fact finding investigation and hearing with the applicant-organization given the opportunity to be heard and defend itself.
4. The decision of the Dean of Student affairs may be appealed to the CSOA by the applicant-organization of the committee on recognition within 10 days after receipt of the decision. Notice of appeal shall be forwarded to the CSOA. The Dean of Student Affairs and Services shall request the Office of the University President to designate an ad-hoc CSOA chairman in his place for the particular case at hand. The CSOA shall convince for the purpose of reviewing the case within 20 days from the receipt of the records of the case and shall render decision within such period. The decision of the CSOA shall be final and unappealable.
5. The notice of appeal is accompanied by an appeal brief by the appellant. The appeal brief should contain the arguments of the appellant and supporting evidences. Only those evidences presented during the fact-finding investigations/hearing shall be accepted and given weight.

Certificate of Recognition. Upon approval of the application for recognition, a corresponding certificate of recognition shall be issued by the Office of Student Affairs and Services duly signed by the University President, attested by the Dean of Student Affairs and Services and recommended by the committee on recognition. Such certificate shall be effective for one (1) school year only and will have to be renewed each succeeding school year that the organization is in existence except when the organization has been duly accredited as provided for under the pertinent rule. In the case of approval for renewal of recognition, a letter of approval of renewal shall be granted by the University President upon recommendation of the committee on recognition and attested by the Dean of Student Affairs and Services.

Publication of Recognition of Student Organizations. The OSOAD shall post at designated bulletin boards in the university premises and cause the publication in the university paper the list of student organizations whose applications or recognition or renewal of recognition have been approved.

Failure to Renew Authority to Operate. Any student organization that does not renew its recognition shall not be allowed to operate after the lapse of its authority to operate and shall be subjected to the rule on disestablishment.

At the time of the issuance of the certificate of recognition, the total membership of the applicant-organization shall not be less than thirty. Any violation of this section shall be deliberated upon by the committee on recognition on a case-to-case basis for purpose of revocation or disestablishment.

No student organization shall be issued a certificate of recognition or renewal for recognition without a faculty adviser recommended by the organization and appointed by the Dean of Student Affairs and Services. The term of the faculty adviser for any student organization shall be for one school year and may be renewed. If the faculty adviser withdraws before the period for expiration of the term is finished, a new faculty adviser shall be recommended and appointed to serve the unexpired term of the withdrawing faculty adviser.

A student organization shall have one or more faculty adviser provided, however, that in case of two advisers, one of them shall be the major adviser in case of three or more advisers, one of them shall be the chairman of the Board of Advisers.

The sole faculty adviser, major adviser or chairman of the Board of Advisers as the case may be shall have the following qualifications:

1. He must be a regular faculty member/non-teaching personnel of the University;
2. He must be knowledgeable and must possess experience/training as an adviser of a student organization for at least two years.
3. He must possess a good character and reputation for honesty and integrity. The other faculty advisers other than those mentioned as sole or major or chairman of the Board of Advisers may not necessarily meet the above qualifications.

The sole or major faculty adviser or chairman of the Board of Advisers shall have the following duties and responsibilities provided, however, that such maybe delegated by him to other advisers as the case may be:

1. He makes himself available for consultation to all members and officers of the organization;
2. He attends meeting of the organizations;
3. He assists in planning of activities for the organization to assume that the activities are aligned with organizational objectives;
4. He should be present if the organization's activity is held off-campus or when organization is representing the University,
5. He shall foster unity and camaraderie among officers and members of the organization and serves as arbiter of all internal conflicts.

Scope. The provisions of the rule on disestablishment shall cover only non-political student organizations.

Grounds for Disestablishment. An accredited or recognized student organization shall be disestablishment on any of the following grounds:

1. Failure or deliberate refusal to obtain a renewal of recognition or recognition during the period specified for such due to gross negligence and willful disregard of rules pertaining thereto;
2. Violation of its constitution;
3. Failure to comply with university policies, rules and regulation;
4. Repeated violations of the rule on the minimum number of membership during its existence as provided under Rule 16 of the preceding section;
5. Violation of existing laws, rules and regulation of the country;
6. Repeated/willful engaging in unauthorized activities;
7. Misrepresentation, false statement of fraud in connection with:
1. The adoption or ratification or its constitution and by-laws or amendments thereto;
2. Application for recognition/accreditation including the submission of required documents.
8. Failure to submit financial or otherwise required every end of the school year by OSOAD;
9. Collecting fees, contribution or any monetary exaction from its members without a resolution of at least 2/3 of its board of officers and members with concurrence of the faculty adviser stating the purpose for such collection and approval of supervising college/unit;
10. Election/appointment of any officer who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude;
11. Knowingly admitting as member or continue in membership of any individual who is not a bonafide enrolled student of NEUST and who belongs to a subversive organization or is engaged directly or indirectly in any subversive activity;
12. Engaging in activities/projects authorization or those contrary to public policy, good morals, custom and traditions and to the existing laws of the land.

Committee on Disestablishment. A Committee on Disestablishment shall be created consisting of the Dean of Student Affairs and Services as chairman, the USG President, the supervising college official of the concerned student organization and the head of OSOAD as members.

Due Process. Disestablishment of any accredited/recognized student organization shall be governed by due process of law. No disestablishment shall be made effective until after all of the following remedies are provided to the concerned organization:

1. A written complaint filed by any bonafide enrolled NEUST student, faculty member or school official stating the grounds relied upon, and providing supporting documents or affidavits and the like. Such complaint must be subscribed and sworn to by an authorized administering officer and filed with the Dean of Student Affairs and Services.
2. A service of the complaint to the organization represented by its president or his substitute requiring the filing of an answer with controverting evidence within 15 days from receipt thereof,
3. Hearing on the merits of the case to be conducted within 10 days from the receipt of the answer,
4. Written decision rendered based on the merits of the case;
5. Appeal following similar procedures and requirements on appeal under Rule 12 of preceding sections.

Resolution of Doubt. Any doubt in relation to the case of disestablishment shall be resolved in favor of the student organization.

Rules of Disestablishment Proceedings. Rules on procedures for disesta blishment hearings shall be flexible and shall avoid excessiive attention to technicalities.

Suspension of Authority to Operate. Any disestablished student organization shall not be permitted to operate from the date that the establishment has become final and executory. The period of suspension are as follows:

1. For a period of one year if the disestablishment is due to grounds indicated in sub-section a, c, d, g, h, & i of Rule 3.
2. For a period of two years if the disestablishment is due to grounds indicated in sub-section b & j of Rule 3.
3. For a period of three years if the disestablishment is due to grounds indicated in sub-section e, f, k, and I of Rule 3. A decision becomes final and executory when no appeal is made or if made, not filed within a reasonable period or was not given due course.

Application for Recognition of Disestablished Organization. If at the end of the period of disestablishment, a student organization desires to be recognized, it shall be permitted to do so by subjecting it to the prescribed requirements and procedures of recognition as if it were a newly established organization, provided, however, that it shall be subjected further to a period of one year probation by granting a temporary permit to operate subject to immediate cancellation of such upon commission of any of the grounds for disestablishment this time providing for more strict application of the provisions on disestablishment.

Banning of Authority to Operate. A student organization that is established twice shall be banned completely from operating at the college.

Publication of Disestablished Organizations. A notice of disestablished organizations shall be posted on designated bulletin boards in order to warn students in seeking membership to such organizations.

Record of Disestablished Organizations. A record of disestablished student organizations shall be kept by the OSOAD as provided for under Rule 5 of Section G.

Scope. All recognized non-political student organizations should be extended the privilege of accreditation provided they meet the requirements and qualifications set forth under this rule.

Qualification and Disqualifications. A recognized student organization shall be considered for accreditation if it meets all of the qualifications as follows:

1. Qualification
1. It has been awarded a certificate of recognition for a minimum of five consecutive years;
2. It has maintained a total membership of not less than 30 during its period of existence;
3. It has engaged in tangible programs, projects or activities that are in accordance with its goals and objectives and contributed to the development of its members, the enhancement of the image of NEUST as an educational institution and iii. to the attainment of institutional goals and objectives as well as the social, physical, educational moral, spiritual or cultural development of the NEUST studentry and the community,
4. It has consistently complied with other requirements of the OSOAD provided for under sub-section 1 to 3, Rule 9 of Section C.
2. Disqualifications
1. It has been established with a suspension to operate for more than one year during its period of existence;
2. One or more of its members/officers have been subjected to a disciplinary action by the constituted authorities of the University;

Requirements. The following shall be submitted by the student organization seeking accreditation by the OSOAD.

1. Letter of intent to apply for accreditation and accreditation fee of P300.00
2. Documents or any supporting evidence that meets all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications stated under Rule 2 hereof.

Application Period. The period for filing the letter of intent together with the requirements set forth under the preceding section shall be on the same period as provided for under Rule 3 Section C of these implementing rules and regulations.

Accrediting Team. An accrediting team recommended by the Dean of Student Affairs and Services and approved by the University President shall pass judgment on the application of the student organization. The team shall consist of the following: Head of OSOAD as chairman, a reputable member of the Academic Council,

The University Registrar, the Head Guidance and Counseling Office, the USG President and two student representatives designated by the USG President.

Accreditation Guidelines and Standards. The Department of Student Affairs and Services through a committee recommended by the Dean of Student Affairs and Services and approved by the University President shall prepare accreditation guidelines and standards.

Convening the Accreditation Team. Whenever an application for accreditation has been accepted, the accreditation committee shall be convened immediately at least five days from the date of acceptance of the application by the Dean of Student Affairs and Services upon the recommendation of the OSOAD Coordinator Notice of acceptance shall be given to the applicant organization.

Period of Accreditation. The accrediting team shall conduct an investigation of the applicant-organization and render a decision on the applicant within a period of one month from the date the committee convened.

Decision Rendered. The decision rendered by the accrediting team shall be final and unappealable. Said decision must be in writing duly signed by all members of the accrediting team. Notice shall be given within 10 days after the decision has been rendered by the OSOAD Head.

Accreditation Privileges. An accredited student organization shall have the following privileges:

1. Exemption from applying for yearly recognition for the entire period of its accreditation. In no case shall any organization be accredited for a period of less than 3 years, nor more than 5 years;
2. Automatic yearly registration during the period of accreditation;
3. Priority in being designated/assigned to represent the University in national conferences, training programs and/or activities for students outside the University;
4. In matters of student organization awards, greater weight in points. Ratings for its members or for itself as an organization as against members of a non-accredited organizations;
5. Priority for financial assistance on its projects from USG subjects to existing funds and budget allocation;
6. Other privileges as may be extended/granted.

Certificate of Accreditation. A certificate of accreditation shall be granted to the deserving student organization upon receipt of the decision of the accrediting team. Such certificate shall be awarded in fitting ceremony wherein officials and students are invited to attend.

Publication. The list of accredited organizations shall be posted in the designated bulletin boards and published in the University paper to encourage more membership to them and to motivate their leaders and members for greater achievement.

Rule on Construction. All provision pertaining to the accreditation of student organization shall be construed strictly against the applicant organization.

Scope. This rule shall govern all non-political student organizations.

Dissolution of Student Non-Political Organizations. The University policies, rules and regulations or the provision of the constitution and by-laws of such organizations if so provided shall govern dissolution of student non-political organizations.

Grounds for Dissolution. Any non-political student organization may be subjected to formal dissolution due to any of the following grounds:

1. Failure to secure renewal of authority to operate;
2. Deliberately operating without prior recognition within the University;
3. Voluntary action of at least 2/4 of its officers and majority of its members in a formal intent to dissolve;
4. Disestablishment of the organization for at least two times.

Formal Dissolution Due to Voluntary Action. When the dissolution of the student organization is through voluntary action of its officers and members the dissolution shall be done in the following manner:

1. A notice of formal dissolution shall be filed to the Dean of Student Affairs and Services. Such notice shall be duly signed by the President and 2/3 of the board of officers and majority of the members of the organization;
2. The Dean of Student Affairs and Services shall conduct one hearing for dissolution of the student organization with the presence of the president from the Board of Directors and members of the organization concerned.
3. If the Dean of Student Affairs and Services finds that the notice is in order, he/she recommends the formal dissolution of the organization to the University President;
4. Upon the approval of University President, the organization is formally dissolved. Upon receipt of such approval, the organization shall cease to operate and its designated officers must wind up its affairs within 30 days from receipt of the notice. The Dean of Student Affairs and Services shall supervise the winding up of the affairs of the dissolved organization.

Formal Dissolution Due to Other Grounds. When the ground for the dissolution is any of the grounds in sub-section a, b or d of Rule 3 of this Section, after due process afforded to the student organization, the Dean of Student Affairs and Services shall recommend for the dissolution of the organization to the University President. Upon approval by the University president, the organization is formally dissolved. Notice of the dissolution and other matters shall also be governed by the provisions of sub-section of the Rule 4 under this section.

Certificate of Clearance. Whether the dissolution of the student organization is voluntary or otherwise, it shall be the right of the University President to require the officers of such organization and the faculty adviser to secure a clearance from money and/or property responsibilities from the University policies, rules and regulations.

Scope. All student organizations, whether political or non-political shall be covered by the provisions under this Rule.

Registration of Student Non-Political Organizations. Within two weeks, after the election of its officers, any student political organization shall be obliged to register itself with OSOAD by fulfilling the following requirements:

1. Application for registration;
2. List of elected officers
3. Name of the faculty adviser with the letter of acceptance addressed to the Dean of OSAS and duly noted by the supervising University Official as provided for under Rule 4 of Section C.
4. Data on the number of members categorized by curriculum years/course and sex and certified by the University Registrar.

Registration of Recognized/Accredited Student Non-Political Organizations. The registration of recognized student non-political organizations should be automatic upon the approval of its application for recognition/accreditation by the University President. The entering of the information in the appropriate Registry of organization shall be a ministerial duty of the Head of the OSOAD.

Registry Books. The OSOAD of every campus shall maintain up-to-date yearly records of recognized/accredited student organization and those with the approved renewal of recognition. The following registry books shall be kept by the OSOAD of each campus:

1. Registry Book for Recognized Student Organizations
2. Registry Book for Accredited Student Organizations
3. Registry Book for Student Organization with approval
4. Renewal of Recognition

Comprehensive Registry Books. The OSOAD Head shall submit an annual list of recognized/accredited organizations as well as those with approved renewal of recognition to the Dean of OSAS not later than the fourth Monday of November of the current school year. Such list shall be recorded in the Comprehensive Registry Books for recognized/accredited organization as well as those with approved renewal of recognition.

Other Records. The OSOAD Coordinator in each campus shall also maintain and submit to the Dean of OSAS on the date specified under Rule 5 above, the following records:

1. A record of disestablished student organizations containing the name of disestablished organization, for disestablishment, total number of members, the time of disestablishment, president and faculty advisers.
2. A record and file of all constitutions and by laws, of duly recognized accredited student organizations.
3. A record of the yearly list of officers and members of the organization with their specimen signature and other information.
4. A record of the yearly list of advisers of the recognized/accredited student organizations with their respective appointments and acceptance.
5. Other records and up-to-date and comprehensive file of student organizations.

Exclusion and/or Cancellation. The failure of any organization to renew its authority to operate within the prescribed period shall be sufficient ground for the exclusion or cancellation of the name of the organization in the Registry Book of Student Organization.

Qualification for Membership in Student Political Organizations. Only bonafide students shall be automatic members of student political organizations in the University.

Qualification for Memlbership in Student Non-Political Organization. Only bonafide students who comply with the following requirements are allowed to to join non-political student organizations:

1. They must be taking an academic load of at least 12 units with the exception of graduating students carrying less than 12 units in the last term;
2. They must not be under any academic and/or disciplinary probation;
3. Other qualifications as may be prescribed in the constitution and by-laws of the organization concerned.

Application for Membership. The procedures for application for membership to any student non-political organization shall be governed by the respective constitution and by-laws of such organizations.

Qualification for Officership. Members of student organizations are encouraged to become officers of their organizations.

1. Only bonafide NEUST students are allowed to become officers of any student non-political organizations;
2. In addition to the above stated qualifications, the following are also required for officership;
1. They must be taking a minimum academic load of 12 units with the exception of graduating students who may enroll in less than 12 units in their final term;
2. They must not be under any academic and/or disciplinary probations;
3. They must not have any failing grade in any academic subject and must have an average of at least 2.5 or its equivalent or any other average as maybe stipulated in the organization's constitution and by-laws which-ever is higher;
4. They must posses other requirements as specified in the organization's constitution and by-laws.

Disqualification in Major Positions. No student can occupy a major position in more than two University-wide organizations whether political or non-political.

Vacating the Position. Failure to maintain the requirements for officership as provided under Rule 4 hereof while serving, as an officer would mean that the student has to vacate his post.

Selection of Officers. Officers may be selected through election or appointment pursuant to the provisions on selection of officers in the respective constitution and by-laws of the organizations.

Discrimination. No member of a student organization shall be denied the opportunity to occupy the position of officership by reason of ethnic origin, religion or creed, sex and poverty, except when an organization is established solely for members belonging to a particular ethnic group, religion or sex.

Hazing or Corporal Punishment. No student organization shall provide hazing or initiation of any kind as one of its requirements for membership or officership. Such act constitutes an offense that shall be subjected to disciplinary sanctions under this rule.

Membership Dues. As may be provided for in the approved constitution and by-laws, each student organization may collect reasonable amount of annual membership fee from its membership; provided, however, that every collection shall be correspondingly covered by the receipt issued by a treasurer of the organization and provided further, that any other amount as may accrue to the organization, whether from voluntary contribution or otherwise shall be collected in the same manner.

Book of Accounts. A book of accounts shall be maintained by each student organization that shall indicate all of collections and disbursements of the organization. Such book of accounts may be inspected and shall be opened for inspection during regular office hours by any member of the organization and the assigned faculty adviser and whenever the need for such inspection is warranted for circumstances.

Disbursements. Any disbursement from the funds of the student organization shall be effected only upon previous approval of its governing board through resolution, and upon the concurrence of the assigned faculty adviser; provided, however, that the actual withdrawal from the depository of such amount as maybe necessary each time, shall invariably be made by written authorization; and provided, further, that when the organization maintains a checking account, the corresponding check for each disbursement shall be signed jointly by the president and the treasurer of the organization.

Depository of Organization Funds. The student organization shall deposit its funds in any reputable bank in the city/town chosen by at least 2/3 of its board of officers and concurred by its adviser.

Audit and Deposit. Each student organization shall submit a copy of its financial statement and report of collection and disbursement of funds on or before March 15 of each year, such financial, as well as the required report shall be prepared by the organization treasurer, approved by the University President and duly noted by the faculty adviser of the organization. The University President may cause the financial status of each student organization to be audited by a competent person employed by the school at least once every year, and to take such action as may be appropriate under the law or school rules, whether there is a finding on misappropriation or defalcation of funds of the organization.

In matter not inconsistent with the provisions of this rule and not contrary to law, provisions on organization funds and related matters in the approved constitution and by-laws shall govern the financial operations of the organization concerned.

Recognized Organizations. The use of available college facilities shall be limited to student organizations that are duly accredited/recognized under constitution and by-laws shall govern the financial operations of the organization concerned.

Authorization. The University President shall authorize the use of the University facilities by the student organization requesting for such.

Property Responsibility. The officers of the student organization concerned 'shall be jointly and severally responsible for any damage or injury to the school property of facilities arising from the use thereof by the organization.

General Behavior. Every student shall observe the laws or the rules and regulations of the school and the standard of the good society; shall be courteous and considered on all occasion as befitting men and women of refinement and good breeding; and shall act with fairness, tolerance, moderation, and respect for the opinions and feelings of others, bearing in mind that education stands for broadmindedness and for appreciation and understanding of principles and values.

Prohibited Activities. Any student activity which partakes of the nature of subversion or insurgency, or which is deemed to be unlawful under existing legislations are strictly prohibited and disallowed. The violator as well as the offices of the student organization, including the faculty adviser/s if warranted by the circumstances of each case, shall be held administratively liable for the illegal activity of the organization without prejudice to criminal prosecution if the evidences so warrant.

Only duly recognized student organizations are allowed to conduct fund raising activities by filing a formal letter of application with the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs and Services. The letter should include:

1. Nature and purpose of activity;
2. Date, time and venue of the activity;
3. The Department of Social Welfare and Development permit in case the fundraising activity is conducted outside the institution;
4. The manner in which the funds raised shall be used;
5. The names of the members/officers directly in charge of the fund-raising activity.

This letter of request must be filed two (2) weeks before the commencement of said activity.

In case of raffles on campus, the following rules govern:

1. The application to conduct a raffle for fund raising must be accompanied by a permit issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) subject to limitations under Rule 1.3 of above;
2. The application should indicate the prize(s) to be offered, the price per ticket, the drawing date (time and place), and the manner in which the profit will be utilized;
3. The prize(s) to be offered in the raffle must be displayed at some central places on the campus and the list of winners must be conspicuously and widely publicized in the campus and outside if necessary.

All student organizations shall be allowed one (1) major fund raising activity in which the target net amount shall be less than P10,000.00.

No more than two (2) major fund raising activities sponsored by student organizations may run concurrently per month. The Office of Student Affairs and Services will coordinate the different student organizations if any conflict arises.

1. Date, time and venue of the activity;
2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development permit in case the fund- raising activity is conducted outside the institution;
3. The manner in which the funds raised shall be used;
4. The names of the members/officers directly in charge of the fund-raising activity.

Every organization granted permission to hold a fund raising activity must file a financial report of said activity with the Officer of Student Affairs and Services with in one (1) month after its termination

1. The application should indicate the prize(s) to be offered, the price per ticket, the drawing date (time and place), and the manner in which the profit will be utilized;
2. The prize(s) to be offered in the raffle must be displayed at some central place son the campus and the list winners must be conspicuously and widely publicized in the campus and outside if necessary.

CHED recognizes the academic freedom of the HEIs in promoting quality education for the continuing intellectual growth, the advancement of learning and research, and the education of high level professionals while enriching historical and cultural heritage through the conduct of off-campus activities as part of the curriculum.

All HEls are given the authority to design, determine and approve the conduct of off-campus activities a) as part of a duly approved curriculum as noted by CHED or b) as part of the HEls particular context or respective mission. Such authority of the HEIs however, shall be exercised with paramount consideration given to the safety and welfare of the student participants.

It is the obligation of the HEls to: (a) adopt mechanisms for safety and welfare of all participants to the off-campus activities; and (b) observe due diligence and strict adherence to the requirements stipulated in this CMO and the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC).

To ensure the well-being and safety of all the students in higher education and guarantee the quality of their learning and exposure, CHED, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), League of Cities of the Philip- pines (LCP), and League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), shall issue separate guidelines for the conduct of all off-campus activities, if needed.

These set of policies and guidelines aim to guide HEls in the conduct of off-campus activities in order to develop the holistic experience of students and to provide:

1. access to efficient and interactive learning for students through meaningful off-campus activities as part of their program requirement embodied in the approved curriculum;
2. quality off-campus activities necessary to the acquisition of relevant knowledge, skills, and values;
3. mechanisms to exercise due diligence prior, during and after the activities for safety and welfare of the students and HEIs' personnel; and
4. mechanisms for the implementation of parallel activities to those students who will not be participating in the activity.

The CMO shall cover all the conduct of off-campus activities of HEI's within the Philippines, which were approved by the concerned HEI authorities. The activities shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. Curricular
1. Educational Tours/ Field Trips visits to reputable firms or government sites and other areas identified by the concerned local government units (LGU's) safe for students;
   
   Culture and arts related activities such as visits to museums, culture sites, landmarks and other related venues; or plant industry visit, host training establishment visit and other related visits.
2. Participation and/or attendance degree program-related events
3. Field Study/Experiential Learning/Related Learning Experiences
2. Non-Curricular
1. mission-based activities (E.g. retreat, recollection, etc);
2. conventions, symposiums, trainings and team building;
3. volunteer work including peer helper programs, relief operations, community outreach and immersion; advocacy projects and campaigns;
4. participation in sports activities; activities initiated by recognized various student groups;
5. inter school competitions/tournaments;
6. culture and arts performances and competition.

International Educational Tours or Field Trips

International Educational Tours or Field Trips shall be governed by CHED Memorandum Order No. 26, s. 2015.

Internship/ OJT Practicum

Students undergoing local and international internship, practicum or on-the-job training, shipboard training programs, etc. shall be governed by separate guidelines for student internship programs.

Students should only be charged for actual costs of transportation, en- trance fees and related expenses, subject to consultation. General information on fees related to the conduct of off-campus activities should be included in the student handbook/manual;.