R.__Establish criteria for priority higher education facilities projects.

2.__Establishment of goals for higher education.__Within the limits of authorized appropriations and authorized expenditures of other funds, the board of regents shall establish policies of the state system that are consistent with the following goals:

A.__Ensuring that no qualified person be denied the opportunity for higher education on the basis of age, sex, ethnic background or social, physical or economic condition;

B.__Protecting academic freedom;

C.__Providing opportunities for education and training related to the economic, cultural and educational development of the State;

D.__Ensuring the fullest possible use of available resources in public and private institutions of higher education;

E.__Maintaining standards of quality ensuring a position of national leadership for state institutions of higher education;

F.__Applying the resources of higher education to the problems of society; and

G.__Fostering flexibility in the policies and institutions of higher education to enable the state system to respond to changes in the economy, society, technology and student interests.__The board of regents shall review recent studies of the need for higher education services, with special attention to those completed pursuant to legislative action, and shall initiate additional programs or services through one or more of the constituent units to meet such needs.

3.__Reports.__The board of regents shall request and receive, or be provided electronic access to, data, reports and other information from the constituent units of the state system necessary for the board to carry out its responsibilities pursuant to this chapter.

§10604.__Higher Education Coordinating Council established;

chair; public meetings and records