The general mandate of Negros Oriental State University is expressed in Section 2 of Republic Act 9299 herein quoted as follows: "The University shall primarily provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in the fields of arts, sciences, education, commerce, agriculture and forestry, and fishery and other related fields of study. It shall also promote research and extension services and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization."

Quoted hereunder, Section 3 of RA 9299 provides for the curricular offerings of the State University, to wit: "The University shall offer undergraduate and graduate studies in the fields of arts and sciences, philosophy, literature, mass communication, teacher education, agriculture and forestry, fishery, engineering and architecture, maritime education, industrial and information technology, hotel, and restaurant management, tourism, public health, criminology, volcanology/geology, public administration, business and accountancy, law, medicine, nontraditional courses and other degrees within its areas of specialization and according to its capabilities as the Board of Regents may deem necessary to carry out its objectives, particularly to meet the needs of the province of Negros Oriental and the region."

In addition to this, the law provides that "The University shall maintain and operate a laboratory high school if it has a College of Education. Otherwise, the existing laboratory high school shall be allowed to remain and operate until the existing students shall have completed their high school education."

In so far as administration is concerned, the law provides that "the University shall have the general powers of a corporation set forth in Batas Pambansa Blg. 68, as amended, otherwise known as "The Corporation Code of the Philippines." The administration of the University and the exercise of its corporate powers shall be vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the President of the University insofar as authorized by the Board."