Circular No. 08/2014/TT-BGDĐT Issuing the Regulation on the Organization and Operation of Regional Universities and Member Higher Education Institutions

 

CIRCULAR

Issuing the Regulation on the organization and operation of regional universities

and member higher education institutions

Pursuant to the Higher Education Law on June 18, 2012;

Pursuant to Decree No. 36/2012/NĐ-CP dated April 18, 2012, of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of Ministries and ministerial-level agencies;

Pursuant to Decree No. 32/2008/NĐ-CP dated March 19, 2008 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

Pursuant to Decree No. 141/2013/NĐ-CP dated December 24, 2013 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Higher Education Law;

Considering the proposal of the Director of the Department of Organization and Cadres.

The Minister of Education and Training issues the Regulation on the organization and operation of regional universities and affiliated higher education institutions.

Article 1. Attached herewith is the Regulation on the organization and operation of regional universities and affiliated higher education institutions.

Article 2. This Circular takes effect from May 5, 2014.

Article 3. The Heads of the Office, the Directors of the Department of Organization and Cadres, the Department of Planning and Finance, the Department of Higher Education, the Heads of related units, Thai Nguyen University, Hue University, Da Nang University, and affiliated higher education institutions of regional universities are responsible for implementing this Circular.

 

 

REGULATIONS

Organization and Operation of Regional Universities

and member higher education institutions

(Issued together with Circular No. 08/2014/TT-BGDĐT dated March 20, 2014 of the Minister of Education and Training)

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Article 1. This Regulation stipulates the organization and operation of regional universities, including: organizational structure and personnel, educational activities, scientific research and technology, international cooperation, quality assurance in education, finance, assets, working relationships, information dissemination, reporting, inspection, and supervision.

Article 2. This Regulation applies to Thai Nguyen University, Hue University, Da Nang University (hereinafter referred to collectively as regional universities) and affiliated higher education institutions, as well as relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in the organization and operation of regional universities.

Article 3. Affiliated higher education institutions shall implement the provisions set forth in the Charter of the university, the Charter of the college, and this Regulation.

Article 4. Position and Functions of Regional Universities

Clause 1. A regional university is a public higher education institution comprising affiliated higher education institutions, units directly under the regional university, organized in two levels, offering multi-disciplinary programs at various levels of higher education, and conducting scientific research and technology transfer to meet the socio-economic development needs of regions, provinces, and the country.

Clause 2. A regional university is subordinate to the Ministry of Education and Training and is subject to management by the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities (collectively referred to as provincial-level People's Committees) where the regional university is headquartered, in areas assigned according to the law; it has legal personality, its own seal, and separate accounts.

Article 5. Party Organizations, Mass Organizations, and Social Organizations

Party organizations, mass organizations, and social organizations within regional universities, units directly under regional universities, and affiliated higher education institutions are established and operate in accordance with Article 13 of the Higher Education Law.

Chapter II
ORGANIZATION AND PERSONNEL OF REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES

Article 6. Organizational Structure of Regional Universities

Clause 1. The Board of the Regional University.

Clause 2. The Director and Deputy Directors.

Clause 3. The Office and functional departments, including: the Department of Organization and Cadres; the Department of Planning and Finance; the Department of Education; the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment; the Department of International Cooperation; the Department of Student Affairs; the Department of Examination and Quality Assurance in Education; the Department of Inspection; the Department of Legal Affairs and Awards; the Department of Infrastructure. The total number of functional departments shall not exceed ten.

Clause 4. Educational and scientific research units directly under the university, including: faculties, research institutes, centers, branch campuses (if any); organizations serving education, scientific research, and application; production and service facilities.

Clause 5. Affiliated higher education institutions, including: universities, colleges.

Clause 6. Scientific and educational boards, advisory boards.

Article 5. University Region Council

1. Tasks and powers of the University Region Council

a) Approve the strategy, planning, and overall development plan of the university region as proposed by the university region director;

b) Decide on the direction of training activities, science and technology, international cooperation, ensuring educational quality; on the mobilization, management, utilization, and sharing of resources and common facilities; guiding the development of the civil servant, public official, and workforce team and other important issues as proposed by the university region director;

c) Decide on the organizational structure and investment development direction of the university region as proposed by the university region director;

d) Decide on the establishment, merger, division, separation, dissolution of units under the university region as stipulated in Clause 3, 4 of Article 4 of this Regulation; approve the project for establishing, merging, dividing, separating, and dissolving member higher education institutions as proposed by the university region director to be submitted to competent authorities for consideration and decision;

đ) Approve or amend and supplement the operation regulation of the University Region Council proposed by the chairman of the University Region Council; internal expenditure regulations of the university region as proposed by the university region director;

e) Supervise the implementation of resolutions of the University Region Council, the implementation of democratic regulations, organizational and operational regulations of the university region; periodically or urgently request the university region director to report and explain about the activities of the university region;

g) Organize the evaluation of the university region director in implementing the resolutions of the University Region Council.

2. The term of office of the University Region Council is five years, according to the term of office of the university region director.

3. Structure of the University Region Council

a) The number of members of the University Region Council must be odd, ranging from 17 to 29 members, including:

- Automatic members include: director, deputy directors, party secretary, union president, secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the university region; principals of member higher education institutions;

- Invited members not exceeding 1/3 of the total number of University Region Council members, including: representatives of state management agencies; some members inside or outside the university region, who are reputable and experienced in the fields of education, science, technology, production, and business.

b) The University Region Council has a chairman, members, and a secretary. The secretary performs the permanent duty of the council, directly assisting the chairman in preparing the program, content, and documents, serving as the secretary of council meetings; drafting, completing, and archiving council documents; informing about council activities, convening meetings, sending documents, and performing other tasks assigned by the chairman; working on a full-time or part-time basis and receiving responsibility allowance (if applicable) as stipulated in the University Charter for secretaries of university councils. The University Region Council secretary is introduced by the chairman for the council to vote on confidence and issue a resolution, with the University Region Council chairman appointing the secretary.

4. Procedures for establishing the University Region Council and appointing the chairman of the University Region Council

a) Based on the provisions of Clause 3 of this Article, the university region director organizes a meeting of automatic council members to determine the number, structure, and proposed list of council members, submit to the university region party committee for approval, and decide to establish the University Region Council;

b) After the establishment decision, based on the provisions of Clause 2 of Article 6 of this Regulation, the University Region Council holds its first session, chaired by the university region director, to discuss, vote on confidence, and issue a resolution regarding the proposal for the chairman of the University Region Council. Based on the council's resolution, the university region director directs the completion of the dossier and submits it to the Minister of Education and Training for consideration and decision on the appointment of the University Region Council chairman.

5. Principles of operation of the University Region Council

a) The University Region Council operates based on the principle of collective work and majority decision-making. Council sessions are considered valid when at least 2/3 of the council members attend. A resolution of the council only has legal validity when more than half of the total number of council members vote in agreement;

b) The University Region Council meets regularly twice a year and can organize extraordinary sessions upon written request from more than 1/3 of the total number of council members or to address urgent issues as proposed by the university region director or the chairman of the University Region Council. Council members have the responsibility to fully participate in council meetings and contribute opinions. Members absent from meetings must provide reports and written opinions on the contents of the session to be sent to the council;

c) The University Region Council may use the seal of the university region to carry out activities within the scope of the council's tasks and powers. The university region office assists the council. The operating budget of the University Region Council and the responsibility allowances of its members (if applicable) are included in the operating budget of the university region.

6. Dismissal of University Region Council members

The dismissal of the Chairman and members of the University Region Council is implemented when:

a) There is a written request from the individual to withdraw from the council;

b) The chairman or member of the University Region Council no longer meets the criteria and conditions to hold the assigned position or has transferred to another job that is no longer suitable as prescribed;

c) More than 1/2 of the council members make a written request for dismissal;

d) The chairman or member of the University Region Council is disciplined with a warning or higher penalty or is criminally prosecuted.

7. Based on the resolution of the University Region Council and the opinion of the university region party committee, the university region director decides on the dismissal of council members or submits to the Minister of Education and Training for the decision on the dismissal of the chairman of the University Region Council.

Article 6. Chairman of the University Council of the Region

1. The chairman of the University Council of the Region shall meet the criteria for the director of the University of the Region as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 7 of this Regulation. However, regarding age, it shall be implemented according to the regulations on the age of the chairman of the school council as provided for in the University Charter.

2. The chairman of the University Council of the Region shall be elected from among the members of the University Council of the Region by secret ballot and must have more than two-thirds of the members of the council's trust. The term of office of the chairman of the University Council of the Region shall be the same as that of the University Council of the Region.

3. The chairman of the University Council of the Region shall be responsible for directing and managing the activities of the University Council of the Region; convening and chairing meetings of the University Council of the Region in accordance with the law; organizing supervision over the implementation of resolutions of the University Council of the Region; signing documents and resolutions of the University Council of the Region; appointing and dismissing the secretary of the council according to the resolution of the council. The chairman of the University Council of the Region shall enjoy responsibility allowances as provided for in the University Charter for the chairman of the school council.

4. In case the chairman of the University Council of the Region is absent for a period of three months, he/she must delegate authority to one member of the University Council of the Region to assume the responsibilities of the chairman of the University Council of the Region. Such delegation must be carried out in writing, publicly announced, and reported to the Ministry of Education and Training. The delegation period shall not exceed three months and shall not be applied consecutively.

Article 7. Director of the University of the Region

1. The director of the University of the Region is the head and legal representative of the University of the Region in relations with organizations and individuals both domestically and internationally as prescribed by law, and is responsible for managing all aspects of the University of the Region's activities.

2. The director of the University of the Region shall be appointed and relieved of duty by the Minister of Education and Training. The term of office of the director of the University of the Region is five years and may be reappointed but not more than two consecutive terms.

3. Criteria for the director of the University of the Region: having good political qualities and ethics; having prestige in the field of education and scientific research; having at least five years of experience in management at the department or equivalent level or higher in higher education institutions; holding a doctoral degree and associate professor or higher title; having good health, and being of appropriate age to serve at least one term when first appointed.

4. Duties and powers of the director of the University of the Region

a) Implementing the resolutions of the University Council of the Region;

b) Issuing regulations, rules, and guiding documents within the University of the Region in accordance with the University Charter, College Charter, this Regulation, and relevant laws to manage, operate, and resolve issues of the University of the Region as per the resolutions of the University Council of the Region;

c) Implementing the duties and powers of the University of the Region as stipulated in this Regulation;

d) Deciding on the establishment, dissolution, appointment of chairmen, members, and issuance of organizational and operational regulations of the Scientific Research and Training Council, advisory councils; based on the resolutions of the University Council of the Region, deciding on the establishment, merger, division, dissolution, and issuance of organizational and operational regulations of subordinate units of the University of the Region (excluding regional branches of the University of the Region);

đ) Submitting to competent authorities for decision-making on the establishment, merger, division, dissolution of member higher education institutions and regional branches of the University of the Region (if any) according to the resolutions of the University Council of the Region;

e) Developing plans for the development of the civil service and staff of the University of the Region; issuing conditions and standards for the recruitment of staff and workers of the University of the Region; organizing the implementation of recruitment, utilization, and management of civil servants, staff, and workers of subordinate units of the University of the Region in accordance with the law and provisions of this Regulation;

g) Deciding on the appointment and dismissal of heads and deputies of heads of member higher education institutions and subordinate units according to current regulations on cadre work;

h) Deciding on the establishment of school councils; appointing, relieving, and removing the chairman and members of school councils of member higher education institutions;

i) Building and implementing democratic regulations at the grassroots level; adopting opinions and accepting supervision from individuals, organizations, and associations within the University of the Region;

j) Annually reporting the results of the University of the Region's tasks and the Board of Directors' performance to the University Council of the Region;

k) Other duties and powers assigned by the Minister of Education and Training and as provided for by law.

Article 8. Deputy University Region Director

1. The Deputy University Region Director assists the University Region Director in managing areas of work assigned by the University Region Director; shall be responsible under the law, the Minister of Education and Training, and the University Region Director for the areas of work assigned.

2. A University Region may have no more than three Deputy Directors. In cases where more than three Deputy Directors are needed, the University Region Director must report to the Minister of Education and Training for consideration and decision. Criteria for Deputy University Region Directors: having good political qualities and ethics; having a reputation in the field of education and scientific research; having at least five years of experience in management from the department level or higher in higher education institutions; holding a doctoral degree or higher; being in good health, with an age sufficient to serve at least one term when first appointed.

3. The Deputy University Region Director is appointed or relieved of duty by the Minister of Education and Training upon the proposal of the University Region Director. The term of office of the Deputy University Region Director follows that of the University Region Director and can be reappointed.

Article 9. Member Higher Education Institutions

1. The head of a member higher education institution is the legal representative of the unit and is responsible for all activities of the unit. During operation, if there is disagreement with the University Region, the head of the member higher education institution must report to the Minister of Education and Training and relevant agencies for consideration and decision.

2. The organizational structure of member institutions is determined by the University Region Director according to requirements to ensure consistency, rationality, effectiveness, and not contrary to the Charter of Universities and Colleges.

Article 10. Units Subordinate to the University Region

1. Office and functional departments

a) The Office and functional departments are subordinate units; they have the function of advising and assisting the University Region Director in leadership, management, and operational activities of the University Region;

b) The appointment and removal of heads and deputy heads of the Office and functional departments are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law and this Regulation. Heads of Departments such as Organization and Cadres; Training; Science, Technology, and Environment; Examination and Quality Assurance; Inspection must have been university lecturers and have taught at the university level for at least five years. The Head of the Examination and Quality Assurance Department must hold a certificate completing the training program for quality assurance auditors as prescribed by the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. Faculties subordinate to the University Region are subordinate units; they are subject to comprehensive and direct management by the University Region regarding organization, staffing, finance, and activities; they do not have separate seals or accounts. The functions, tasks, powers, organization, and activities of faculties subordinate to the University Region are implemented as stipulated for faculties of universities in the University Charter.

3. Research Institutes Subordinate to the University Region

a) Research Institutes Subordinate to the University Region are public service organizations in science and technology established by the University Region Director based on the resolution of the University Region Council; they have their own accounts and seals. They have the function of conducting scientific research, developing technology, transferring technology, and performing other scientific and technological services as prescribed by law;

b) Research Institutes Subordinate to the University Region have the following duties and powers:

- Being autonomous and responsible for implementing tasks as prescribed by the Law on Science and Technology and this Regulation;

- Being able to train doctoral degrees when meeting the conditions prescribed by law;

- Implementing scientific and technological tasks assigned by the University Region and competent authorities; signing and implementing scientific and technological tasks, research contracts, and development contracts; technology transfer contracts; scientific and technological service contracts with individuals and organizations as prescribed by law;

- Jointly operating with domestic and foreign organizations and individuals to develop and produce scientific and technological products; signing and implementing consulting service contracts on science and technology; training and disseminating knowledge; producing and supplying goods and services suitable for the specialized field of the institute as prescribed by law;

- Deciding to invite and sign contracts with experts and scientists both domestically and internationally; deciding to send institute staff abroad for work as prescribed by law.

c) The organizational structure of the research institute includes: Institute Director, Deputy Directors, Scientific and Training Council, Training Management Department, departments (for institutes tasked with training doctoral degrees), Office, and Centers. The tasks and powers of units within the institute are decided by the University Region Director based on the proposal of the Institute Director. Centers within the institute are not allowed to carry out training programs leading to diplomas or certificates.

The institute has no more than two Deputy Directors. The Institute Director and Deputy Directors must hold a doctoral degree, have a reputation, research experience, and management capability, and have spent at least five years teaching and researching at the institute or university. The term of office and appointment of the Institute Director and Deputy Directors are carried out as stipulated for Department Heads and Deputy Heads in the University Charter.

4. Centers Subordinate to the University Region

a) Centers Subordinate to the University Region are service units subordinate to the University Region; they have the function of providing support services for training, scientific research, and technology transfer; organizing knowledge enhancement and consultation;

b) Centers Subordinate to the University Region are not allowed to organize training or joint training to issue diplomas or certificates;

c) The University Region Director decides to establish centers, defines their functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structures; decides whether centers have separate accounts and seals according to the law.

5. Branches of the University Region

a) Branches of the University Region (if any) are managed by the University Region; they have their own seals and accounts; they are located in provinces or cities different from the main headquarters of the University Region; they are managed by the People's Committee of the province where the branch is located as prescribed by law;

b) The organizational structure of the branch includes: Director, deputy directors, scientific and training council, departments, faculties, subjects. The branch shall have no more than two deputy directors. The standards for the director and deputy directors are the same as those for the rector and vice rectors stipulated in the University Charter;

c) The branch of the regional university performs tasks under the management of the regional university director; reports to the regional university director on the activities of the branch; reports to the provincial People's Committee where the branch is located on activities related to local administrative management authority;

d) The branch of the regional university is established by the Minister of Education and Training when it meets the conditions prescribed by law;

6. Production, business, and service units directly affiliated with the regional university are entities responsible for production, business, and services established and operated according to the Enterprise Law and other relevant laws. These units shall not organize education, joint education programs to issue diplomas or certificates;

Article 11. Scientific and Training Council, Other Advisory Boards

1. The scientific and training council of the regional university is an advisory body to the regional university director regarding educational work, common scientific and technological activities of the regional university and its affiliated units; advising on the orientation of vocational training development, research fields, technological development, and international cooperation; scientific and technological projects approved by the regional university director;

2. The composition of the scientific and training council of the regional university is as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 19 of the Higher Education Law; it has a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, and members appointed and relieved from duty by the regional university director;

The term of office of the scientific and training council is the same as that of the regional university director;

3. The regional university director decides to establish other advisory boards in accordance with the law;

Article 12. Civil Servants, Public Officials, and Employees of the Regional University

1. Civil servants and public officials of the regional university and its member higher education institutions, and affiliated units are a shared resource of the entire regional university; they perform tasks assigned by their direct managing unit and participate in common tasks of the regional university. The regional university specifies the methods for coordinating human resources throughout the regional university in its regulations on the management, utilization, and development of civil servants and public officials of the regional university;

2. Civil servants and public officials of the regional university are obligated to comply with legal provisions, regulations on the management, utilization, and development of civil servants and public officials of the regional university, this Regulation, and regulations of their direct managing unit;

3. In addition to the rights and obligations stipulated in the Civil Servant Law and the Public Official Law, civil servants, public officials, and employees of the regional university also have the following rights and obligations: Participate in providing opinions on important matters of the regional university; use the training, scientific research, and technological services of the regional university; be provided preferential mechanisms, policies, and facilities for professional activities; actively and creatively choose appropriate methods and means suitable for their training and scientific research tasks; participate in scientific research projects and programs; be provided opportunities by the regional university for training and upgrading qualifications and access to new knowledge; enjoy other benefits prescribed by the regional university and have the obligation to comply with this Regulation and other relevant laws.

Article 13. Tasks and Authorities Regarding Human Resources Work

1. Regional University has the tasks and authorities:

a) Issuing strategies and policies for developing human resources of the regional university; issuing regulations on managing, using, and developing a unified cadre and civil servant workforce throughout the entire regional university based on state regulations, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Education and Training, including: standards and guidelines for recruitment, management, use, appointment, dismissal, transfer, rotation, commendation, disciplinary action for cadres and civil servants, employees uniformly throughout the entire regional university; stipulating policies to attract, utilize, reward, and develop high-quality human resource teams according to legal provisions; organizing training and retraining for the cadre and civil servant workforce and employees; implementing systems, policies, and care for the material and spiritual lives of cadres, civil servants, and employees;

The regional university may invite scientists, managers, experts from both within and outside the country with credibility to teach, conduct scientific research, manage specialized fields, manage projects, programs, and science and technology training activities of the regional university.

b) Building and submitting to the Minister of Education and Training for approval the job position plan of the regional university's administrative body; approving the job position plans of member higher education institutions and subordinate units, and consolidating and reporting to the Ministry of Education and Training as prescribed;

c) Recruiting, utilizing, and managing cadres and civil servants according to the cadre ranks, occupational title grades, job positions, and appointing professor and associate professor titles for units specified in Article 10 of this Regulation and according to legal provisions;

d) Organizing occupational title promotion examinations for civil servants according to the classification and authorization of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Training; deciding on appointments, changes in occupational titles for lecturers, senior lecturers, researchers, senior researchers, officers, and senior officers throughout the entire regional university; consolidating and reporting to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Training cases not within their authority;

The Director of the regional university decides on appointments, dismissals, removals, transfers, rotations, commendations, disciplinary actions, and implements other systems and policies according to legal provisions for heads and deputy heads of member higher education institutions and subordinate units of the regional university.

2. Member Higher Education Institutions have the tasks and authorities:

a) Building strategies and policies for developing human resources, determining job positions of the unit, and reporting to the Director of the regional university for approval;

b) Building recruitment plans, conducting self-recruitment, recognizing recruitment results for cadres and civil servants according to the regional university's regulations; signing labor contracts and work agreements with cadres, civil servants, and employees, and reporting to the regional university;

c) Building teaching staff, researcher teams, and personnel meeting quantity requirements, balanced in structure by level, field, and reaching standards according to the regional university's regulations; participating in implementing transfers, rotations, and special assignments for staff, cadres, and civil servants according to the unified regulations of the regional university and state management agencies;

d) Appointing professor and associate professor titles for cadres and civil servants of the unit according to regulations.

Chapter III
EDUCATION AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES

Article 14. Opening Departments

1. The Regional University shall inspect and confirm the conditions for opening departments and majors for member higher education institutions and affiliated units in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. Member higher education institutions have the responsibility to build and report to the Regional University for review the proposal to open departments and majors, and submit to the Ministry of Education and Training for decision.

Article 15. Training Programs and Textbooks

The Director of the Regional University organizes the construction, review, and issuance of training programs; organizes the compilation or selection and approval of higher education textbooks for affiliated units and common subject textbooks within the Regional University (if applicable).

The process of constructing, reviewing, and issuing training programs; the process of compiling or selecting and approving higher education textbooks shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training.

Article 16. Admissions

1. The Regional University has autonomy in admission methods and is responsible for the admissions work of the Regional University. Annually, based on the criteria and principles for determining admission quotas set by the Ministry of Education and Training, the Regional University is responsible for directing, guiding, and consolidating the admission quotas of each member higher education institution and affiliated unit, and reporting to the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. Based on the notification of admission quotas from the Ministry of Education and Training, the Regional University will notify the admission quotas to member higher education institutions and affiliated units.

Article 17. Organizing Training

1. The Regional University organizes training at its own facilities and other facilities permitted by the competent state management agency for education and training; it is responsible for issuing relevant regulations related to the management of training activities, suitable to the model and characteristics of the Regional University and the law, to be implemented throughout the Regional University.

2. The Rector of member higher education institutions is responsible for specifically implementing according to the regulations of the Regional University as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and organizing and managing the entire training process at their respective units.

Article 18. Certificates and Diplomas

1. The Regional University has autonomy and bears responsibility for printing, managing, issuing, recovering, and canceling certificates and diplomas in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. The Director of the Regional University issues certificates and diplomas to students of affiliated training and research units within the Regional University in accordance with the regulations.

3. The Rectors of member higher education institutions issue higher education diplomas to students trained at their respective units; issue certificates to students upon completion of the training program in accordance with the regulations.

Article 19. Students

1. The Regional University builds and enacts regulations on student affairs within the Regional University in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training; has the right to accept Vietnamese and foreign students and postgraduates from other training institutions to study and research at the Regional University in accordance with the regulations.

2. Students, postgraduates, and doctoral candidates of the Regional University have the responsibility to fulfill their obligations and are guaranteed rights in learning, research, and living in accordance with the regulations.

Chapter IV
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Article 20. Building scientific and technological activity plans

1. The regional university shall build and promulgate its development strategy, long-term, medium-term, and annual plans on scientific and technological activities; approve the development strategies for scientific and technological activities of member higher education institutions and subordinate units; approve, manage, and inspect large-scale projects and interdisciplinary, multi-field research topics at the regional university level.

2. The rector of each member higher education institution shall organize the building of strategic and planning documents on scientific and technological activities of their respective units, report to the regional university to incorporate them into the overall activity plan; determine the scientific and technological tasks at the institutional level.

Article 21. Organization and management of scientific and technological activities

1. Regional University has the tasks and authorities:

a) Issue regulations on managing scientific and technological activities of the regional university in accordance with laws on scientific and technological management; organize inspections, evaluations, and summaries of the implementation of scientific and technological activity plans of the regional university and member higher education institutions and subordinate units;

b) Implement scientific and technological tasks of the regional university;

c) Transfer and apply research results to create new knowledge, technologies, and solutions;

d) Cooperate in research and technology transfer with other higher education institutions, research institutes, enterprises, localities, and organizations both domestically and internationally as prescribed by law;

đ) Mobilize and effectively utilize financial resources for scientific and technological activities; establish and implement activities of science and technology development funds in accordance with regulations;

e) Build, approve, and manage capacity enhancement research projects; manage and coordinate the activities of laboratories, libraries, and shared centers of the regional university.

2. Scientific and technological research tasks at the regional university level recognized as equivalent to those at the Ministry, provincial, or centrally-administered municipal levels shall be organized and managed according to regulations issued by the regional university director, consistent with regulations for Ministry-level tasks.

3. Member higher education institutions have the following responsibilities and authorities:

a) Adhere to the regional university's regulations on scientific and technological activities and perform other duties and authorities as prescribed by law. National-level scientific and technological tasks led by member higher education institutions shall be implemented and managed according to national regulations. The rector of each member higher education institution is responsible for reporting to the regional university director on the management, implementation, and application of results from these scientific and technological activities;

b) Manage and organize the implementation of regional university-level and institutional-level scientific and technological activities or other scientific and technological activities; organize and manage students' scientific and technological activities; report to the regional university for monitoring and summarizing;

c) Proactively develop resources to serve scientific and technological activities; report to the regional university when participating in bidding for national key research programs to avoid duplication among units within the regional university.

Article 22. On information and scientific equipment

1. Regional universities shall establish an information - library system and a common scientific database; organize the management and provision of scientific and technological information sources; stipulate and guide the implementation of intellectual property rights at member higher education institutions and subordinate units; develop, approve, and manage projects to enhance equipment for training, scientific, and technological activities at the regional university level; manage and coordinate the operations of regional university laboratories and shared centers, as well as national key laboratories located within the regional university.

2. Member higher education institutions shall be responsible for building and managing projects and targeted programs to enhance equipment for their own training, scientific, and technological activities; participate in the construction and management of regional university equipment enhancement projects, shared laboratories, and national key laboratories.

Chapter V
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Article 23. Tasks and powers of regional universities

1. Establish and promulgate regulations on international cooperation management in accordance with the provisions of the law; guide member higher education institutions and subordinate units to implement the law's provisions on international cooperation.

2. Develop and implement short-term, medium-term, and long-term international cooperation strategies, programs, and plans of the regional university in line with the Party and State's policies; approve short-term, medium-term, and long-term international cooperation strategies, programs, and plans of member higher education institutions and subordinate units of the regional university.

3. Actively integrate into regional and international education in accordance with the provisions of the law.

4. Develop, negotiate, sign, and implement agreements on education, training, and scientific research cooperation with foreign countries; manage and implement international cooperation programs and projects in accordance with the law.

5. Approve joint training project proposals with foreign countries of member higher education institutions and subordinate units; monitor quality assurance conditions, periodically conduct quality assessments of joint training programs with foreign countries in accordance with the law.

6. Directly work with competent state agencies to handle entry and exit procedures for civil servants, employees, workers, students, trainees, and research fellows of subordinate units and foreign guests invited by the regional university; decide on sending heads of member higher education institutions abroad on official business.

7. Manage students, trainees, research fellows, staff, lecturers, researchers, and employees going abroad for study, internships, teaching, scientific research, academic exchanges, conference participation, and other international cooperation activities in accordance with the law.

8. Manage foreign delegations, individuals, organizations, and overseas Vietnamese coming to the regional university for teaching, studying, scientific research, technology transfer, and teaching experience exchange in accordance with the law.

9. Coordinate with relevant units to effectively implement and ensure security in international cooperation activities and perform other international cooperation tasks in accordance with the law.

Article 24. Tasks and Authorities of Member Higher Education Institutions

1. Develop, submit to the regional university director for approval, and organize the implementation of the strategy, programs, and plans for international cooperation of the unit.

2. Develop and submit to the regional university director for approval the project on joint training with foreign countries of the unit and implement it after being approved in accordance with the law; report to the regional university director on the activities of international cooperation of the unit.

3. Participate in linking with units under the regional university in international cooperation to enhance interdisciplinary aspects in training, scientific research, and technology.

4. Implement tasks related to international cooperation as prescribed by the regional university and report to the regional university on the activities of international cooperation of the unit.

Chapter VI
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTROL

Article 25. Tasks and Authorities of Regional University

1. Carry out tasks and authorities regarding quality assurance and control of higher education as stipulated in the Higher Education Law and relevant regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. Issue internal regulations and guidelines on evaluation criteria and quality assurance suitable to the characteristics of the regional university and the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. Develop and issue strategies and plans for internal quality assurance, quality culture; direct member higher education institutions and subordinate units to implement these strategies and plans; inspect, supervise, and evaluate the implementation of these strategies and plans throughout the regional university.

4. Develop and issue plans for quality assessment throughout the regional university; direct member higher education institutions and subordinate units to perform tasks related to quality assurance and assessment according to the regulations and plans issued; support member higher education institutions and subordinate units to register for quality assessment at recognized domestic, regional, and international quality assessment organizations.

5. Based on advanced countries' quality assessment criteria, invest in building some training programs that meet regional and international standards.

Article 26. Tasks and Authorities of Member Higher Education Institutions

1. Carry out tasks and authorities regarding quality assurance and control of higher education as prescribed by the Higher Education Law, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the regional university.

2. Be subject to direction, inspection, and supervision by the regional university and the Ministry of Education and Training on activities related to quality assurance and control of education.

Chapter VII
FINANCE AND ASSETS

Article 27. Tasks and Authorities of Regional University

1. Establish planning indicators, prepare annual and medium-term budget estimates for the entire regional university, clearly showing the funding portion of member higher education institutions, and submit to the Ministry of Education and Training for approval.

2. As a level II budget entity under the Ministry of Education and Training, receive the annual budget from the Ministry of Education and Training; allocate and transfer the budget to member higher education institutions and subordinate units according to the approved budget.

3. Implement the self-management system and bear financial responsibility within the scope of regular funding based on the approved annual budget; decide on revenue levels in accordance with the law.

4. Issue the Internal Expenditure Regulation of the regional university to unify principles for allocation, adjustment, and use of funds, and expenditure standards and norms throughout the regional university based on legal provisions; review the internal expenditure regulations of member higher education institutions and subordinate units.

5. Manage, guide, and inspect subordinate units in the use of financial resources in accordance with the law; proactively mobilize financial resources, support member higher education institutions in developing lawful revenues according to the law; manage resources of member higher education institutions and subordinate units; manage a unified financial plan database throughout the regional university.

6. Act as the principal investor for investment and construction projects (regardless of the source of capital) to build new, renovate, upgrade, repair, deepen investments, purchase equipment, and technology chains used in common by the regional university and projects with overall investment scale for the entire regional university.

7. Be authorized to decide on investment for Group C projects using legitimate income of the regional university and member higher education institutions. The regional university can organize the appraisal, approval of investment projects, appraisal and approval of bidding plans, verification and approval of final accounts for completed investment projects for authorized investment decisions.

8. Manage and coordinate activities concerning shared assets of the regional university; assign subordinate units to manage other assets formed from state budget sources located at the unit.

9. Perform other tasks related to assets and finance as prescribed by law.

Article 28. Tasks and Authorities of Member Higher Education Institutions

1. To develop and implement the annual budget revenue and expenditure forecast of the unit, submit it for approval by the regional university director, and organize its implementation.

2. Member higher education institutions are level III budget units, receiving annual budgets from the regional university and settling accounts with the regional university according to current regulations.

3. Member higher education institutions shall operate autonomously and be responsible according to current regulations within the scope of regular funding sources based on approved forecasts; independently decide on revenue levels according to legal provisions, expenditure levels for activities carried out by the unit based on state regulations, internal expenditure rules of the regional university, and internal expenditure rules of the unit.

4. Mobilize, develop, manage, and effectively utilize various financial resources and business revenues of the unit in accordance with legal provisions; manage the resources of the unit.

5. Member higher education institutions shall act as project investors for investment and construction projects (regardless of the source of capital) to build new, renovate, upgrade, repair, deepen investments, purchase equipment, and technology chains for their own use.

6. Develop, manage, and operate the technical infrastructure facilities assigned to manage. Implement socialization of construction and development activities of technical infrastructure facilities in accordance with the functions and tasks of the unit and according to legal provisions.

Article 29. Financial Responsibilities of Regional Universities and Member Higher Education Institutions

1. Regional universities and member higher education institutions shall implement accounting systems and budget settlement according to current regulations.

2. Annually, the regional university must disclose finances allocated according to the forecast and regulated funds from member higher education institutions according to the internal expenditure rules of the regional university; disclose finances of activities carried out by the regional university; disclose budget allocation for member higher education institutions according to the forecast assigned by the Minister of Education and Training.

3. Annually, member higher education institutions and subordinate units must disclose finances according to the allocated forecast and finances of activities carried out by the unit.

Chapter VIII
RELATIONSHIP OF WORK, INFORMATION SYSTEMS, REPORTING

AND INSPECTION, AUDIT

Article 30. Relationship between Regional University and Relevant Agencies, Organizations, and Individuals

The regional university and member higher education institutions shall cooperate and collaborate with localities, enterprises, and other public organizations domestically to determine training needs, scientific research, link training and scientific research with employment and recruitment of graduates; sign training, scientific research, and technology contracts; implement applications of new scientific and technological achievements into practical production, business, and social life; advise localities and enterprises in building strategies, planning, plans, policies, programs, and important economic and social development projects.

Member higher education institutions shall proactively coordinate with the regional university in resolving organizational and operational issues related to agencies, units, and People's Committees at all levels where the unit is located.

Article 31. Information and Reporting System

1. The regional university shall publicly disclose its development strategy, organizational structure, functions, tasks, and activities; it shall uniformly guide member higher education institutions to implement public disclosure requirements and contents as stipulated in the University Charter, College Charter, and regional university regulations.

2. The regional university and member higher education institutions shall have electronic information websites to publicly disclose information about their organization and activities and shall be responsible for the information posted.

3. At the end of each academic year or at any time upon request, the regional university shall report in writing to the Ministry of Education and Training on the implementation of its tasks; it shall also comply with statistical, information, and reporting systems regarding other areas of work to the Ministry of Education and Training and relevant agencies as prescribed.

Article 32. Inspection and Audit

1. The Ministry of Education and Training and other ministries and sectors shall conduct inspections and audits of the regional university in implementing this Regulation and other regulatory legal documents related to the activities of the regional university as prescribed by law.

2. The regional university shall organize self-inspection, audit, complaint resolution, anti-corruption activities of subordinate units; inspect and audit member higher education institutions and report to the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. Member higher education institutions shall carry out internal self-inspection, audit, complaint resolution, and anti-corruption activities in accordance with the law, and report to the regional university./.