Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas
| Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas | |
|---|---|
|
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| Style | His Magnificence |
| Residence |
University of Santo Tomas Main Building Sampaloc, Manila |
| Nominator | Members of the Order of Preachers of the University, the Academic Senate, and the Board of Trustees of the University |
| Appointer | Congregation for Catholic Education (currently, Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi) |
| Term length | 4 years, no term limit |
| Inaugural holder | Domingo González |
| Formation | ca. 1612 |
The Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas is the highest-ranking officer and chief administrator of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), the oldest and the largest Catholic university in Manila, Philippines. The rector typically sits as chief executive and chair of the university board of trustees. He exercises policy-making as well as general academic, managerial, and religious functions over all university academic and non-academic staff. His term lasts for four years and he is qualified for re-election for two or more terms.
In theory, the highest official of the University is the Chancellor, but his role is largely ceremonial and he does not exercise authority over the day-to-day operations of the University. The current Master of the Order of Preachers is the ex officio Chancellor of the University and the Head of the Dominican Province in the Philippines serves as his de factovice.
The incumbent rector is the Rev. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P.
Since the establishment of UST in 1611, in order to serve as Rector Magnificus of the University, one must be:
During the early years of UST, the selection of new rector took place during the elective chapters meetings which were formally assembled in every two years. These board meetings were constituted by the different superiors of the Dominican houses throughout the Philippines. Among themselves, the heads of the Dominican convents then nominate their three candidates. The list of three candidates selected for rectorship is called a ternia. The ternia shall be then conveyed to the Master General in Rome for his approval once the provincial chapter has generated the list of nominees.
The pontification of the rector magnificus during the eighteenth century was coded by the statute similar to that being used at the University of Mexico during that time.
Nowadays, a new rector is being selected by process of election. The outset of the election is the selection of three candidates for rectorship through a secret balloting among the members of Saint Thomas Aquinas Priory in UST. The group shall then communicate with the Vice-Grand Chancellor the list of candidates they had selected. Also the prior of the Dominicans in the Philippines, the Vice-Grand Chancellor will pass the list to the Academic Senate and to the Board of Trustees. Through this process, rank of preference for the candidates is being determined with their credentials and eligibility being evaluated.
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