Informational

Registration periods for the semester and summer terms are reflected in the academic calendar for each school year.

Each student is assigned an academic adviser who shall assist the student in programming his study load and monitor his academic performance every semester.

Every prospective student must enroll during the prescribed registration period. Detailed instructions on enrollment procedures are posted at enrollment time. No enrollment is possible without the necessary credentials. Enrollment by proxy is not allowed.

Bonafide Students. Considered a bonafide student of the University is one who is duly enrolled; that is, who has submitted his valid credentials, has attended classes, and has paid his fees or made arrangements for payment with the University.

Changing of Subjects. During the enrollment period a student may, with the approval of the academic adviser and the department head, change subjects by accomplishing an application for changing of subjects. Changes are not permitted after the close of the official enrollment period.

Dropping of Subjects. With the knowledge of the instructor in the subject and consent of the academic adviser and the department head, a student may drop a subject by accomplishing an application for dropping of subjects provided he has not dropped due to absences. If the dropping takes place after 75 percent of the hours prescribed for the subject has elapsed, the instructor concerned shall be requested to state on the form whether the student shall be dropped without a grade or given grade of "5" on the basis of his class standing for that subject.

The approved forms should be filed with the Registrar's Office for record purposes. Any student who does not follow this procedure shall be given a grade of "5".

Adding of Subjects. A student may add a subject within one week after the opening of classes by accomplishing an application form for adding of subjects and securing the signature of the instructor concerned. Recommendation from the academic adviser and approval of the department head must be secured.

Shifting of Courses. A student may change course or shift from one course to another by accomplishing a prescribed form. No student is allowed to change curriculum without the favorable recommendation of the different signatories in the application form.

Certificate of Transfer Credential (Formerly Honorable Dismissal)

A student who desires to transfer to another school should apply for a certificate of transfer credential. Such certificate will be issued after the applicant has been cleared of all financial and property liabilities to the University.

** However, no certificate of transfer credential shall be issued unless a written request from the student noted by the parent or guardian and approved by the Registrar is presented.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence not exceeding one academic year may be granted to a student upon presentation of a written petition noted by the parent or guardian to the Registrar stating the reason for the leave.

Withdrawal from the University without a formal leave of absence shall be ground for the curtailment of registration privileges.

Cross Enrollment

(Section 288 - 289, Chapter 42, Visca Code) No Student may enroll simultaneously in two schools without the prior approval of the Registrar. Violation of this rule may cancel the student's right to receive credit for work done in either of the schools.

Permission for cross enrollment is issued by the Registrar upon recommendation of the Dean concerned and only if the applicant is a candidate for graduation during the school year and the course is not offered during the school year in the University or if the subject required for graduation is a conflict with the other subjects.
The maximum number of units for which cross enrollment is ordinarily permitted is six (6) units during the regular term and three (3) units during summer term.
For those coming from other schools, they need to submit a permit to study duly signed by their Registrar.

Summer Study in Another School

A student in the university may enroll in another school during summer session and obtain credit in VSU only upon the prior recommendation of the Dean provided such school is an accredited by AAACUP/PAASCU and other related accrediting agencies.

No permit to study in another school during Summer will be granted for the following:

Any subject in which the student failed in VSU.
Any major, specialized or professional subject, in any curricular year.

	College of Fisheries (VSU-Tolosa Campus)

	College of Industrial Technology and Engineering (VSU-Isabel Campus)

	College of Environmental and Agricultural Technology (VSU-Alangalang Campus)

	College of Education and Agricultural Technology (VSU-Villaba Campus)

dass The Department of Agronomy and Soil Science (DASS) is among the very first departments created when this institution was converted into a state college in 1974. Many of its graduates are now successful professionals in various parts of the Philippines and abroad. The department has also produced graduates who became topnotchers in the Agriculturists Board Examination given by the Professional Regulatory Commission of the Philippines.

The Department is composed of two sections:

Agronomy Section

Agronomy is an agricultural science dealing with field crop production and management. In recent years, Agronomy has broadened itself to answer issues regarding sustainable development. Also, the impacts of existing production systems on total plant production, the environment, and human health are now a major concern of Agronomy.

Soil Science Section

Soils are the Earth's living skin. They are major support systems of human life and welfare. Soil Science is the ecological earth science that deals with the characterization, management, and protection of soil resources in the forest, agricultural, wetland, and urban ecosystems.

Curricular Offerings

Agronomy:

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) major in Agronomy

Master of Science (MS) in Agronomy
Master in Agricultural Development (MagDev) in Agronomy
Ph.D. in Agronomy (currently proposed)

Specializations :

Crop Production and Management
Crop Physiology
Seed Technology
Farming Systems
Forage and Pasture

Soil Science:

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) major in Soil Science

Master of Science (MS) in Soil Science

Specializations:

Pedology
Soil Conservation
Soil Chemistry
Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry
Soil Physics
Soil Survey and Land Use

Research Thrusts

Agronomy

Sustainable agriculture
Crop production and management
Pasture crop improvement
Development of low input agricultural technology
Response of crops to environmental stresses
Seed technology

Soil Science

Characteristics of soils in forest and agricultural ecosystems
Formation and degradation of volcanic and limestone soils
Effects of land-use change on soil characteristics and nutrient status
Land suitability evaluation and mapping of soils
Soil fertility evaluation and management of problems soils
Soil pollution and remediation
International Linkages

Some professors of the department maintain research collaborations with colleagues from noted foreign universities such as University of Hohenheim (Germany), University of Hawaii (USA), Cornell University (USA), Martin Luther University (Germany), National Taiwan University (Taiwan), Nagoya University (Japan), and United Nations University (Japan). Also, a professor in the department is an officer of the global organization of soil scientists, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS).

Selected Publications

Asio, V.B., C. C. Cabunos, and Z.S. Chen. 2006. Morphology, physicochemical characteristics and fertility status of soils formed from Quaternary limestone in Leyte, Philippines. Soil Science, USA, 171 (in press)
Li, C.C., M.Y. Wu, V.B. Asio, and Z.S. Chem. 2006. Using soil quality indices to assess the effects of applying swine manure compost on soil quality under a crop rotation system in Taiwan, Soil Science, USA, 171:210-222
Susaya, J.P., and V.B. Asio 2005. Status of phosphorus in the rain forest of Mt. Panagasugan, Leyte, Philippines. Annals of Tropical Research 27(2): 70-82
Asio, V.B. 2005. Comments on the historical development of soil and weathering profile concepts from Europe and the United States of America. Soil Science of Society of American Journal, USA, 69: 571-572
Ratilla, B.C. and R.G. Escalada. 2005. Time of incorporation of field legume herbage and its influence on the growth and yield of upland rice. Annals of Tropical Research 27:83-102
Tulin, A.B., V.B. Asio, D.M. Campilan and S. Kawai. 2004. Characterization of nutrient deficiency symptoms in sweet potato through a farmer-scientist participatory approach. Annals of Tropical Research 26:141-167
Cagasan, U.A. and B.C. Agarcio. 2004. Yield and economic returns of peanut and sweet corn as influenced by the timing of planting the crops in an intercropping scheme. Annals of Tropical Research 26: 1-22
Javier, R.R. 2003. Cultural management manipulation for baby corn production. I. Effects of variety and organic fertilizer application on baby corn. Annals of Tropical Research 24: 34-47
Villamayor, F.P. 2000. Selecting the best site for a sanitary landfill. Philippine Journal of Science 129: 47-49
Chen, Z.S., T.C. Tsou, V.B. Asio and C.C. Tsai. 2001. The genesis of Inceptisols on a volcanic landscape in Taiwan. Soil Science, USA, 166:255-266
Asio, V.B. R. Jahn, K. Stahr, and J. Margraf. 1998. Soils of the tropical forest of Leyte, Philippines. 2. Impact of different land uses on the status of organic matter and nutrient availability. In: Soils of Tropical Forest Ecosystems (A. Schulte and D. Ruhiyat, eds.). Springer Verlag, Berlin-Heidelberg-New York, pp: 37-44
Asio, V.B. Jahn R., Stahr, K. 1999. Changes in the properties of volcanic soil (Andisol) in Leyte due to the conversion of forest to other land uses. The Philippine Journal of Science 128: 1-13
Asio, V.B. and Chen, Z.S. (1998): Study of and site weathering in Northern Taiwan using micromorphological approaches. Taiwan Journal of Forest Science 13:259-269
Asio, V.B. and Badayos, R.B. 1998. Biological accumulation of calcium carbonate in some lowland rice soils in the Philippines. The Philippine Agriculturist 81:176-181
Escalada, R.G. B.C. Ratilla. 1998. Effects on Leucaena biomass application in comparison with inorganic fertilizer on cassava and taro yields in the Philippines. Agroforestry Systems 41:251-266
Asio, V.B. 1996. Characteristics, weathering, formation, and degradation of soils from volcanic rocks in Leyte, Philippines. Hohenheimer Bodenkundliche Hefte vol. 33, Stuttgart, Germany, 209 pp. (book)

Facilities & Resources

Lecture rooms, audio-visual room, soil & plant analysis lab, soil microbiology lab, soil science teaching lab, pedology & geo-ecology teaching lab, agronomy teaching lab, department library, graduate student room, computer room, conference room, screen houses, field station & experimental site, seed storage facility, and vehicles.

View Larger Map | Get Directions | View Bird's Eye

The VSU (main campus) is situated in Barangay Pangasugan, 8 km north of the City of Baybay, Leyte and 34 km south of Ormoc City. It is accessible from both directions because the national road cuts across the University campus. It can also be reached from various points in Leyte either by air through Tacloban City airport (116 km away) or by sea through the ports of Baybay City, Ormoc City, Hilongos (43 km), and Bato (50 km).

Manpower Capabilities

As of January 2002, the VSU main campus had a total of 261 faculty members (95 PhDs, 115 MS, and 51 BS), 175 (67%) of whom had permanent employment status. Some (52) members of the faculty were detailed in research centers and two were on secondment.

There were 296 (1 Ph.D., 15 MS, 126 BS, 44 graduate of certificate courses, 30 college level, 71 high school level, and 9 elementary level) regular administrative staff.

Physical Features

The VSU-Main Campus has a total land area of 1,099.4 hectares that extends from the shore of Camotes Sea to the top of Mt. Pangasugan. It comprises the following:

Campus Grounds - 61.6 ha.
Research/Experiments - 94.0 ha.
Instruction - 3.0 ha.
Production Area - 104.3 ha.
Pasture Area - 114.0 ha.
Forest Reservation - 574.2 ha.
Coconut - 62.3 ha.
Abaca - 25.0 ha.
Rice - 7.0 ha.
Orchard - 5.0 ha.
Corn - 3.0 ha.
Coffee - 2.0
Roads, Creeks/Marshy Areas - 44.0 ha.

Buildings

The University main campus has 188 buildings: 21 student dormitories, 75 staff houses, 17 academic buildings, 2 Administration buildings, and 63 others which include the Main Library, Student Union, Convention Center, Center for Continuing Education, Infirmary, Guesthouse, Hostel, Pavilion, Cebu and Manila offices, market, cafeteria, high school, elementary, workshop, DA auxiliary, gymnatorium, marine laboratory, fuel depot, powerhouse, motor pool, garage, nurseries, barns, and 9 research/training centers as follows:

Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PRCRTC)
National Abaca Research Center (NARC)
National Coconut Research Center (NCRC) - Visayas
Farm and Resource Management Institute (FARMI)
Institute for Strategic Research and Development Studies (ISRDS)
Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) - Leyte
Agricultural Training Institute-National Training Center (ATI-NTC) - Visayas
Multi-Media Development Center (MMDC)
Institute of Tropical Ecology and Environmental Management (ITEEM)

Scholarship/Grant	Requirements and Qualifications	PRIVILEGES
Scholarship/Grant	Requirements and Qualifications	Tuition Fees	Stipend	Book Allowance
A. ACES (Advance Credit for Exceptional Students)	1. High School Average of 85%	Free	800.00	200.00
	2. Must have passed 5 subjects or 15 units of the ACES Exam
	3. Must maintain a GPA of 1.450 for renewal
B. University	1. GPA of 1.000-1.450	Free	1,100.00	NONE
B. University	2. Must have a regular load during the previous semester as prescribed in the curriculum
C. College	1. GPA of 1.451-1.750	Free	700.00	NONE
C. College	2. Must have a regular load during the previous semester as prescribed in the curriculum
D. Honorific (good for 2 Semesters only)	1. Must be a HS Valedictorian or Salutatorian	Free	P 150.00	NONE
	2. Must have not taken any college units
	3. Must have a GPA of 2.500 for renewal
E. Entrance Full	1. Must belong to the 1st ten (10) passers of the Entrance Scholarship Exam	Free	1,100.00	NONE
E. Entrance Full	2. Must have a HS Average of 85%
F. Entrance Partial	1. Must belong to the next thirty (30) passers of the Entrance Scholarship Exam	Free	700.00	NONE
F. Entrance Partial	2. Must have a HS Average of 85%
G. Academic A	1. GPA of 1.751-2.000	Free	NONE	NONE
G. Academic A	2. Must have a regular load during the previous semester as prescribed in the curriculum
H. Academic B	1. GPA of 1.751-2.000	Free	P 150.00	P 200.00
	2. Must have a regular load during the previous semester as prescribed in the curriculum
	3. With family income not to exceed P60,000./annum
	4. Must have passed the interview
I. BSAE-FAP (BS in Agricultural Engineering Financial Assistance Program)	1. Must have a HS Average of 85%	Free (incl. dorm fees)	NONE	NONE
	2. Must pass the screening of the Dept. Scholarship Committee
	3. Must pass all subjects enrolled for renewal
J. BSF-FAP (BS in Forestry Financial Assistance Program	1. Must have a HS Average of 85%	Free (incl. dorm fees)	NONE	NONE
	2. Must pass the screening of the Dept. Scholarship Committee
	3. Must pass all subjects enrolled for renewal
K. C.A.-FAP (College of Agriculture Financial Assistance Program	1. Must have a HS Average of 85%	Free (incl. dorm fees)	NONE	NONE
	2. Must pass the screening of the CA Scholarship Committee
	3. Must pass all subjects enrolled for renewal