NY Educ L § 355 (2021)
2021 New York Laws EDN - Education Title 1 - General Provisions Article 8 - State University and State Financial Assistance for Higher Education 355 - Powers and Duties of Trustees--Administrative and Fiscal Functions.

§  355.  Powers  and  duties  of  trustees--administrative  and fiscal functions. 1. Subject to the provisions of the plan or general  revision thereof  proposed  by  the  state university trustees as approved by the regents pursuant to section two hundred thirty-seven  of  this  chapter, the state university trustees shall be responsible for:   a.  The  over-all central administration, supervision and coordination of  state-operated  institutions  and  the   general   supervision   and coordination  of  the  statutory  or  contract  colleges  in  the  state university.   b.  The  supervision  and  coordination  of  state-aided  programs  in institutions  providing  higher  education pursuant to the provisions of section three hundred fifty-eight hereof.   c. The approval of the establishment of community  colleges  and  four year  colleges  authorized  by  article  one  hundred twenty-six of this chapter, in conformance with the master plan; the provision of standards and  regulations  covering  the  organization  and  operation  of  their programs, courses and curricula, financing arrangements, state financial assistance,  tuition  charges and fees, and such other matters as may be involved in the operation of such colleges.   d. The establishment of health and medical centers, four year  liberal arts  colleges,  professional and graduate schools, research centers and other facilities, as provided in this article.   e. The approval of the appointment of the head of  each  statutory  or contract  college  and  community  college  by  the respective boards of trustees or other governing bodies of such institutions.   f.  The  promotion  of  and   participation   in   inter-institutional arrangements   among  independent  and  public  institutions  of  higher education  and  health  care  facilities   and   providers   and   other health-related  organizations  on  a  geographical  or  topical basis to encourage responsible and cost effective use of facilities and  academic and  health  care  resources  for  the  enhancement  and  enrichment  of educational experiences and opportunities  and  promoting  high  quality health  care  services  in support of the state university's educational mission.   2. The state university trustees are further authorized and empowered, subject to the provisions of  the  plan  or  general  revisions  thereof proposed  by  the  state  university trustees as approved by the regents pursuant to section two hundred thirty-seven of this chapter:   * a. To take, hold and administer on behalf of the state university or any institution therein, real and  personal  property  or  any  interest therein  and  the  income  thereof either absolutely or in trust for any educational or other  purpose  within  the  jurisdiction  and  corporate purposes  of the state university. The trustees may acquire property for such purposes by purchase, appropriation or lease and by the  acceptance of  gifts, grants, bequests and devises, and, within appropriations made therefor, may equip and furnish buildings and otherwise improve property owned, used or occupied by  the  state  university  or  any  institution therein.  The  trustees  may  acquire  property  by  the  acceptance  of conditional gifts,  grants,  devises  or  bequests,  the  provisions  of section  eleven  of  the  state  finance law notwithstanding. Where real property  is  to  be  acquired  by  purchase  or   appropriation,   such acquisition  shall be in accordance with the provisions of section three hundred seven of this chapter except that the powers and duties in  said section mentioned to be performed by the commissioner shall be performed by the state university trustees. The provisions of section three of the public lands law notwithstanding, the trustees may provide for the lease of  state-owned  real  property  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the state university that is part of a  tax-free  NY  area  approved  pursuant  to  article  twenty-one  of the economic development law, in such manner and upon such terms as the trustees shall determine, provided such lease  is consistent with the approved plan for such tax-free NY area.   * NB Effective until June 30, 2026   * a. To take, hold and administer on behalf of the state university or any  institution  therein,  real  and  personal property or any interest therein and the income thereof either absolutely or  in  trust  for  any educational  or  other  purpose  within  the  jurisdiction and corporate purposes of the state university. The trustees may acquire property  for such  purposes by purchase, appropriation or lease and by the acceptance of gifts, grants, bequests and devises, and, within appropriations  made therefor, may equip and furnish buildings and otherwise improve property owned,  used  or  occupied  by  the  state university or any institution therein.  Where  real  property  is  to  be  acquired  by  purchase   or appropriation,   such  acquisition  shall  be  in  accordance  with  the provisions of section three hundred seven of this  chapter  except  that the  powers  and duties in said section mentioned to be performed by the commissioner of education shall be performed  by  the  state  university trustees.   * NB Effective June 30, 2026   b.  To  make  and establish and from time to time alter and amend such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, for the government  of the state university and the institutions therein.   c.  To  provide  for  the  care,  custody and management of the lands, grounds, structures, buildings, equipment and facilities  of  the  state university and the institutions therein.   d.  To visit and inspect the institutions in the state university, and to distribute to or expend or administer  for  them  such  property  and funds  as the state may appropriate therefor, or as the state university trustees may hold  in  trust,  or  as  may  otherwise  come  into  their possession.   e.  To  merge  any  higher  educational  corporation  into  the  state university with the approval of the governing body of  such  corporation and  statutory  approval  of  the  legislature.  Any  higher educational corporation  is  authorized  and  empowered  to  merge  into  the  state university.  Upon the approval of an agreement of merger by the board of regents and subsequent statutory approval by the  legislature,  and  the filing thereof with the regents, the merger shall be deemed complete and all  the  right, title and interest in real property held by such merged higher educational corporation shall vest in and be held and enjoyed  by the  people of the state of New York and all the other estate, property, rights, privileges and franchises  of  such  merged  higher  educational corporation  shall  vest  in  and  be  held  and  enjoyed  by  the state university, as fully and entirely and without change  or  diminution  as the same were before held and enjoyed by such merged corporation, and be managed  and  controlled  by  the  state  university, but subject to all liabilities and obligations of such merged corporation and the rights of all creditors thereof;  except  that  the  state  university  shall  not thereby  acquire  power  to  engage  in  any activity or to exercise any right, privilege or franchise of a kind which  it  could  not  otherwise lawfully  engage in or exercise. The state university shall cause a copy of the agreement of merger, certified by the board of regents  to  be  a true and correct copy of the original filed in their office, to be filed in  the  office of the secretary of state and in the office of the clerk of the county in which the certificate of incorporation  of  the  merged corporation  was  filed,  in  each  case  in  which  the  certificate of incorporation of the merged corporation was filed in the office  of  the secretary  of state; and shall cause a like copy of the merger agreement  with the certificate of the board of  regents  to  be  recorded  in  the office  of  the recording officer of each county in which is located any real property in or to which the merged corporation had any right, title or  interest at the time of the merger; and it shall be the duty of each such recording officer to record such copy and certificate in his office in the books used for the recording of  deeds  and  to  index  the  same against the merged corporation as grantor and the people of the state of New  York  as  grantees.  Neither  the secretary of state nor the county clerk or the recording officer of any county shall be entitled to demand or collect any fee for filing or recording any such copy of an agreement of merger.   f. To grant all degrees, diplomas and  certificates  which  heretofore have  been  granted  or  have  been  authorized  to  be granted upon the completion of courses of study in any state-operated  institution  which now  is  or  hereafter  may  be  in  the  state university, prior to the acquisition of such institution by the state university, and  also  such other  degrees  as the regents may hereafter specifically authorize them to grant. In testimony thereof the state university  trustees  may  give suitable  diplomas  or  certificates  under  the  state  university seal including honorary degrees. Every  diploma  or  certificate  so  granted shall  entitle  the  conferee  to all privileges and immunities which by usage or statute are allowed for similar  diplomas  or  certificates  of corresponding grade granted by any institution of learning.   f-1.  Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, the state university of New York board of trustees shall pass  a  resolution by June first, two thousand fifteen, to develop a plan to make available to  students  enrolled in an academic program of the state university of New York beginning in the two thousand sixteen--two  thousand  seventeen academic  year,  approved  experiential  or applied learning activities. Such experiential or applied learning activities may include  completion of  activities related to students' program of study, including, but not limited to, service-learning activities completed as part of  a  course, paid  or  unpaid  internships, faculty-supervised undergraduate projects and activities leading to publication of research in journals or similar publications, production or performance of creative works, and iterative "co-op" partnerships that explicitly link the curricula to a  temporary, paid  position  in  industry  or  the  public  sector.  Such plan, to be completed by June first, two thousand sixteen,  shall  be  developed  in consultation  with  university  faculty  senate,  the faculty council of community colleges, the SUNY student assembly, and  other  stakeholders. Such  plan  shall  define  approved  experiential  or  applied  learning activities,   methods   of    faculty    oversight    and    assessment, responsibilities  of  business,  corporate, non-profit or other entities hosting students, and include a requirement for collecting and reporting data associated with such experiential or applied  learning  activities. Such  plan  shall have each college examine the feasibility of including such  experiential  or  applied  learning   activities   as   a   degree requirement.  Such  college  shall examine its ability to administer and provide such opportunities to students; the local  community's  capacity to  support such experiential or applied learning activities; the impact such requirement would have on the local workforce,  if  any;  potential for  such  a  requirement to enhance learning outcomes for students; and whether adding such  a  requirement  would  cause  potential  delays  in graduation for students.   g. To appoint the head of each state-operated institution in the state university  upon  the recommendation made to them by the council of such institution in accordance with the rules and  standards  established  by the  state university trustees; or if such recommendation is not made or  does not comply with  such  rules  and  standards,  then  to  make  such appointment  as is by them deemed necessary; to prescribe the functions, powers, and duties of the head of each such institution; and to  appoint or  provide  for the appointment of the members of the instructional and administrative staffs, and such other employees as may be necessary,  at each  state-operated  institution  upon  the  recommendation of the head thereof and prescribe or provide for the prescription of their duties.   h. To regulate the admission of students, prescribe the qualifications for their  continued  attendance,  regulate  tuition  charges  where  no provision is otherwise made therefor by law, and regulate other fees and charges, curricula and all other matters pertaining to the operation and administration   of   each   state-operated  institution  in  the  state university.  (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other  general,  special  or local law, rule or regulation, such regulations may permit persons sixty years  of  age  or  over to audit courses given therein without tuition, examination, grading or credit therefor upon a space available basis, as determined by the president of each such institution, provided that such audit attendance does not deny course  attendance  at  a  state-operated institution  by  an  individual  who  is  otherwise  qualified under the regulations promulgated pursuant to this section.  (2) Such regulations shall also provide that upon request by a student who is an eligible veteran the payment of tuition  and  other  fees  and charges, less the amounts payable for such purposes from scholarships or other  financial  assistance  awarded  said  veteran pursuant to article thirteen of this chapter, article one hundred thirty of this chapter  or any  other  state  or  federal  aid  program,  shall be deferred in such amounts and until such  times  as  the  several  payments  of  veterans' benefits  under  the  Veterans'  Readjustment  Benefit  Act  of 1966, as amended, are received by the veteran,  provided  that  the  veteran  has filed  a  claim  for  such benefits and presents to the state university proof of eligibility, extent of entitlement to benefits and the need for deferral until the receipt of such benefits.  (3) (i) Such regulations shall further provide  that  the  payment  of tuition and fees by any student in any state-operated institution of the state  university  who  is  a member or the spouse or the dependent of a member of the armed forces of the United States on full-time active duty and stationed in this state, whether or not a  resident  of  the  state, shall  be  paid  at  a  rate  or charge no greater than that imposed for students thereat who are residents of this state.  (ii) Such regulations  shall  further  provide  that  the  payment  of tuition  and fees by any student who is not a resident of New York state shall be paid at a rate or charge  no  greater  than  that  imposed  for students  who  are residents of the state if such student is enrolled in an institution or educational  unit  of  the  state  university  and  is attending  such  institution  or educational unit in accordance with the federal GI bills and  in  compliance  with  all  applicable  eligibility requirements thereof.   * (iii)  Such  regulations  shall  further provide that the payment of tuition and fees by any student who is not a resident of New York  state shall  be  paid  at  a  rate  or charge no greater than that imposed for students who are residents of this state if such student is enrolled  in an  institution  or  educational unit of the state university and is the spouse or the dependent of a member of the armed forces  of  the  United States  on  full-time  active  duty  and  not  stationed  in  this state immediately following being stationed therein.   * NB Effective July 1, 2022  (3-a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other general, special  or local  law,  rule  or regulation, the state university trustees shall be authorized to set a reduced rate of tuition and/or  fees,  or  to  waive tuition  and/or fees entirely, for students participating in any dual or concurrent  enrollment  program with no reduction in other state, local, or other support for such students  earning  college  credit  that  such higher  education  partner  would  otherwise  be  eligible  to  receive; provided that, for purposes of this  provision,  a  dual  or  concurrent enrollment  program  shall  mean  one or more college courses taken by a high school student through  a  state-operated  institution  while  such student  is  still  enrolled  in  high  school  or boards of cooperative educational services and for which the student  may  receive  both  high school and college credit.   * (4)  The  trustees  shall  not  impose a differential tuition charge based upon need or income. Except as hereinafter provided, all  students enrolled   in   programs  leading  to  like  degrees  at  state-operated institutions of the state university shall be charged a uniform rate  of tuition  except for differential tuition rates based on state residency. Provided, however, that the trustees may authorize the presidents of the colleges of technology and the colleges of agriculture and technology to set differing rates of tuition for each of  the  colleges  for  students enrolled  in degree-granting programs leading to an associate degree and non-degree granting programs so long  as  such  tuition  rate  does  not exceed  the  tuition  rate  charged to students who are enrolled in like degree programs or degree-granting undergraduate programs leading  to  a baccalaureate  degree  at other state-operated institutions of the state university of New York. Notwithstanding  any  other  provision  of  this subparagraph,  the  trustees  may  authorize  the  setting of a separate category of tuition rate, that shall be greater than  the  tuition  rate for  resident  students  and less than the tuition rate for non-resident students, only for students enrolled in distance  learning  courses  who are  not  residents of the state. Except as otherwise authorized in this subparagraph, the trustees shall not  adopt  changes  affecting  tuition charges  prior  to  the enactment of the annual budget, provided however that:  (i) Commencing with  the  two  thousand  eleven--two  thousand  twelve academic  year  and  ending  in  the  two thousand fifteen--two thousand sixteen academic year the state university of New York board of trustees shall be empowered  to  increase  the  resident  undergraduate  rate  of tuition  by  not  more  than  three  hundred  dollars  over the resident undergraduate rate of tuition adopted by the board of  trustees  in  the prior  academic  year,  provided  however  that  commencing with the two thousand eleven--two thousand twelve academic year and ending in the two thousand sixteen--two thousand seventeen academic  year  if  the  annual resident  undergraduate  rate  of  tuition  would  exceed  five thousand dollars, then a tuition credit for each eligible student, as  determined and   calculated  by  the  New  York  state  higher  education  services corporation pursuant to section six hundred eighty-nine-a of this title, shall be applied toward the tuition charged for each  semester,  quarter or  term  of  study. Tuition for each semester, quarter or term of study shall not be due for any student eligible to receive such tuition credit until the tuition credit is calculated and applied against  the  tuition charged for the corresponding semester, quarter or term.  (ii) Commencing with the two thousand seventeen--two thousand eighteen academic  year  and  ending  in  the  two  thousand twenty--two thousand twenty-one academic year the state  university  of  New  York  board  of trustees  shall be empowered to increase the resident undergraduate rate of tuition by not more  than  two  hundred  dollars  over  the  resident  undergraduate  rate  of  tuition adopted by the board of trustees in the prior academic year, provided,  however  that  if  the  annual  resident undergraduate rate of tuition would exceed five thousand dollars, then a tuition  credit  for each eligible student, as determined and calculated by the New York state higher education services corporation pursuant  to section six hundred eighty-nine-a of this title, shall be applied toward the tuition charged for each semester, quarter or term of study. Tuition for  each  semester,  quarter  or term of study shall not be due for any student eligible to receive such tuition credit until the tuition credit is  calculated  and  applied  against  the  tuition  charged   for   the corresponding  semester,  quarter  or  term.  Provided, further that the revenue resulting from an increase in  the  rate  of  tuition  shall  be allocated  to  each  campus  pursuant to a plan approved by the board of trustees to support investments in new classroom  faculty,  instruction, initiatives  to  improve  student  success  and on-time completion and a tuition credit for each eligible student.  (iii) On or before November thirtieth,  two  thousand  seventeen,  the trustees shall approve and submit to the chairs of the assembly ways and means  committee and the senate finance committee and to the director of the budget a master tuition plan setting forth the  tuition  rates  that the  trustees  propose  for resident undergraduate students for the four year period commencing with the  two  thousand  seventeen--two  thousand eighteen  academic  year  and  ending  in  the  two thousand twenty--two thousand  twenty-one  academic  year,  and  shall  submit  any  proposed amendments  to  such  plan by November thirtieth of each subsequent year thereafter through November thirtieth, two thousand twenty, and provided further,  that  with  the  approval  of  the  board  of  trustees,  each university  center may increase non-resident undergraduate tuition rates each year by not more than ten percent over the  tuition  rates  of  the prior  academic  year  for  a  six  year  period commencing with the two thousand eleven--two thousand twelve academic year and ending in the two thousand sixteen--two thousand seventeen academic year.  (iv) Beginning in state fiscal year two thousand  twelve-two  thousand thirteen  and  ending  in  state  fiscal  year two thousand fifteen--two thousand sixteen, the state shall appropriate and make available general fund  operating  support,  including  fringe  benefits,  for  the  state university  in  an amount not less than the amount appropriated and made available in the prior state fiscal year; provided, however, that if the governor declares a fiscal emergency, and communicates such emergency to the temporary president of the senate and speaker of the assembly, state support  for  operating  expenses  at  the  state  university  and  city university  may be reduced in a manner proportionate to one another, and the aforementioned provisions shall not apply.  (v)  Beginning  in  state  fiscal  year  two  thousand  seventeen--two thousand   eighteen  and  ending  in  state  fiscal  year  two  thousand twenty--two thousand twenty-one, the state shall  appropriate  and  make available general fund operating support, including fringe benefits, for the  state university in an amount not less than the amount appropriated and made available in the prior state fiscal  year;  provided,  however, that  if the governor declares a fiscal emergency, and communicates such emergency to the temporary president of the senate and  speaker  of  the assembly,  state  support for operating expenses at the state university and city university may be reduced in  a  manner  proportionate  to  one another,  and  the  aforementioned  provisions shall not apply; provided further, the state shall appropriate and  make  available  general  fund support  to fully fund the tuition credit pursuant to subdivision two of section six hundred sixty-nine-h of this title.  (vi) For the state university fiscal  years  commencing  two  thousand eleven--two   thousand  twelve  and  ending  two  thousand  fifteen--two thousand sixteen, each university center may set aside a portion of  its tuition  revenues  derived  from  tuition increases to provide increased financial  aid  for New York state resident undergraduate students whose net taxable income is eighty thousand dollars or  more  subject  to  the approval  of  a NY-SUNY 2020 proposal by the governor and the chancellor of the state university of New York. Nothing in this paragraph shall  be construed  as  to  authorize  that  students whose net taxable income is eighty thousand dollars or more  are  eligible  for  tuition  assistance program  awards  pursuant  to  section  six  hundred sixty-seven of this chapter.   * NB Effective until July 1, 2024   * (4) The trustees shall not  impose  a  differential  tuition  charge based  upon need or income. All students enrolled in programs leading to like degrees at state-operated  institutions  of  the  state  university shall  be  charged  a  uniform  rate  of tuition except for differential tuition rates based on state  residency.  Provided,  however,  that  the trustees  may authorize the presidents of the colleges of technology and the colleges of agriculture and technology to  set  differing  rates  of tuition   for   each   of   the   colleges   for  students  enrolled  in degree-granting programs leading to an associate degree  and  non-degree granting  programs  so  long  as  such  tuition rate does not exceed the tuition rate charged  to  students  who  are  enrolled  in  like  degree programs   or   degree-granting  undergraduate  programs  leading  to  a baccalaureate degree at other state-operated institutions of  the  state university  of  New  York.   Notwithstanding any other provision of this subparagraph, the trustees may  authorize  the  setting  of  a  separate category  of  tuition  rate, that shall be greater than the tuition rate for resident students and less than the tuition  rate  for  non-resident students,  only  for  students enrolled in distance learning courses who are not residents of the state. The trustees  shall  not  adopt  changes affecting tuition charges prior to the enactment of the annual budget.   * NB Effective July 1, 2024  (4-a)  Notwithstanding  any  law, rule, regulation, or practice to the contrary and following the review and approval of the chancellor of  the state university or his or her designee, the board of trustees may raise non-resident undergraduate rates of tuition by not more than ten percent over  the  tuition  rates  of  the prior academic year for the following doctoral degree granting institutions of the  state  university  of  New York:  the state university of New York college of environmental science and forestry as defined  in  article  one  hundred  twenty-one  of  this chapter,  downstate  medical  center,  upstate  medical  center, and the college  of  technology  at  Utica-Rome/state   university   polytechnic institute  for  a  four  year  period  commencing  with the two thousand twenty--two thousand twenty-one academic year  and  ending  in  the  two thousand  twenty-three--two  thousand twenty-four academic year provided that such rate change is approved annually prior to  board  of  trustees action by the chancellor of the state university or his or her designee.  (4-b)  (i)  In state fiscal year two thousand twenty-two--two thousand twenty-three, the state shall appropriate  and  make  available  general fund  operating  support  in  the  amount of thirty-three percent of the tuition credit calculated pursuant to section six hundred  eighty-nine-a of   this   chapter   for  the  two  thousand  twenty-two--two  thousand twenty-three academic year.  (ii) In state fiscal  year  two  thousand  twenty-three--two  thousand twenty-four, the state shall appropriate and make available general fund operating  support  in  the amount of sixty-seven percent of the tuition  credit calculated pursuant to section six hundred eighty-nine-a of  this chapter  for  the  two  thousand  twenty-three--two thousand twenty-four academic year.  (iii)  Beginning  in  state  fiscal year two thousand twenty-four--two thousand twenty-five and thereafter, the  state  shall  appropriate  and make  available  general  fund  operating  support  in the amount of the tuition credit calculated pursuant to section six hundred  eighty-nine-a of this chapter annually.  (5)  The  trustees shall further provide standards for the granting of advanced standing to veterans applying for  college  admissions  at  the state  university,  who  have successfully completed United States Armed Forces Institute or other comparable course work.  (6) Where an undergraduate state-operated  institution  of  the  state university   is  located  adjacent  to  another  institution  of  higher education and students of such undergraduate state operated  institution are,   under  arrangements  made  by  the  state  university,  taking  a substantial portion of their courses  at  such  other  institution,  the state  university trustees may permit the students of such undergraduate state-operated institution, subject to such conditions or limitations as they deem advisable, to participate in the  extra-curricular  activities and  utilize  services of such other institution if those privileges are extended by such other institution.  (7) In formulating the curriculum of each  state-operated  institution in  the  state  university  for professional education in medicine there shall be required and included in such curriculum and in the  plans  and recommendations   of   the  state  university  trustees  formulated  and transmitted in pursuance of the  provisions  of  section  three  hundred fifty-four  of  this  chapter,  courses  and  facilities,  which  in the judgment of the trustees shall  be  best  suited  to  encourage  and  to implement  the study and preparation, by students desiring the same, for the family practice of  medicine.  Such  courses  and  facilities  shall include:  the  establishment  and  maintenance of a department of family practice under the direction of a qualified family practitioner, courses of study under the supervision  of  qualified  family  practitioners,  a family  care  program  of  study  and  clinical experience, a program of preceptorships,  and  a  program  of  internships  or  family   practice residencies in the hospital or hospitals affiliated with such respective school.  (8) Such regulations shall further provide that the payment of tuition and  fees  by any student who is not a resident of New York state, other than a non-immigrant alien within  the  meaning  of  paragraph  (15)  of subsection  (a)  of  section  1101 of title 8 of the United States Code, shall be paid at a rate or charge  no  greater  than  that  imposed  for students who are residents of the state if such student:  (i)  attended  an approved New York high school for two or more years, graduated from  an  approved  New  York  high  school  and  applied  for attendance at an institution or educational unit of the state university within five years of receiving a New York state high school diploma; or  (ii)   attended  an  approved  New  York  state  program  for  general equivalency diploma exam preparation,  received  a  general  equivalency diploma  issued  within  New York state and applied for attendance at an institution or educational unit of  the  state  university  within  five years  of receiving a general equivalency diploma issued within New York state; or  (iii) was enrolled in an institution or educational unit of the  state university  in the fall semester or quarter of the two thousand one--two thousand two academic year and was authorized  by  such  institution  or  educational  unit  to  pay  tuition  at  the  rate or charge imposed for students who are residents of the state.   A  student without lawful immigration status shall also be required to file an affidavit with such institution or educational unit stating that the student has filed an application to legalize his or her  immigration status,  or  will  file  such  an  application  as  soon as he or she is eligible to do so.  (9) The trustees shall review any proposed community  college  tuition increase  and  the  justification  for  such increase. The justification provided by the community college for  such  increase  shall  include  a detailed  analysis  of  ongoing  operating  costs, capital, debt service expenditures, and all revenues.  (10) Such regulations shall further provide that any  student  who  is not a legal resident of New York state but is a United States citizen, a permanent  lawful  resident,  an  individual  who  is  granted  U  or  T non-immigrant status pursuant to the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, a  person  granted  temporary  protected  status pursuant  to  the  Federal  Immigration  Act of 1990, an individual of a class of refugees paroled by the attorney general of the  United  States under  his or her parole authority pertaining to the admission of aliens to the United States, or an applicant without lawful immigration  status may  have  the  payment of tuition and other fees and charges reduced by state-aided programs, scholarships or other financial assistance awarded under the provisions of  articles  thirteen,  thirteen-A,  fourteen  and fourteen-A  of  this  chapter,  provided  that  the  student  meets  the requirements  set  forth  in  subparagraph  (ii)  of  paragraph   a   or subparagraph  (ii)  of  paragraph  b  of subdivision five of section six hundred sixty-one of this chapter, as applicable.   i. To lease to  alumni  associations  of  institutions  of  the  state university  a  portion of the grounds occupied by any institution of the state university, for the erection thereon of dormitories to be used  by students  in attendance at such institutions. The terms of any lease and the character of the building to be erected shall be determined  by  the state  university trustees. Such lease, prior to its execution, shall be submitted to the attorney general for  his  approval  as  to  its  form, contents  and  legal  effect.  Nothing contained in this paragraph shall affect the provisions of any lease heretofore executed  by  a  board  of visitors  of  any  state-operated institution pursuant to law. The state university trustees may similarly enter into an agreement with an alumni association of an institution of the state university  to  furnish  heat from  a  central  heating  plant to any dormitory erected by such alumni association. Any such dormitory shall not be subject to taxation for any purpose.   j. To enter into a boundary line agreement for, on behalf of,  and  in the  name  of the people of the state of New York whenever a mistake has been made or an honest dispute exists as to the location of the division line between land owned by the state, which is under  the  jurisdiction, care, custody or control of the state university trustees, and adjoining land  not  owned by the state. Such an agreement shall fix and determine the division line between such lands, subject to  the  approval  of  the attorney general as to form, content and manner of execution.   k.  To  enlist  and accept the cooperation of municipal authorities in obtaining the  use  of  public  buildings,  lands,  property  and  other facilities,   or  portions  thereof,  under  the  jurisdiction  of  such municipal authorities, for the purposes of the  state  university.  Such appropriate  municipal  authorities  are hereby authorized to permit the use of  public  buildings,  lands,  property  and  other  facilities  or  portions  thereof under their jurisdiction for the purposes of the state university, with or without rental or other charges.   l.  To appoint university police officers who shall have the powers of police  officers  and  to  remove  such  police  officers  at  pleasure; provided,  however, that any person appointed a police officer must have satisfactorily completed or complete within one year of the date of  his appointment  a  course  of  law  enforcement  training  approved  by the municipal police training council in consultation with  the  university. It  shall  be the duty of such police officers to preserve law and order on the campuses and other property  of  the  university,  including  any portion  of  a  public  highway  which  crosses  or abuts such property. Subject to the  approval  of  the  chancellor,  the  president  of  each state-operated campus of the state university shall enter into a written agreement with adjoining law enforcement agencies establishing protocols for  the  exercise  of  authority  by  such  university  police  officer off-campus, including mutual aid and assistance. Such written  protocols shall not be deemed to supersede the authority of other police officers. The  provisions  of  this  paragraph shall not apply to any of the state institutions and property referred to in  section  five  thousand  seven hundred nine of this chapter.   m.  To  name  and  rename  any state-operated institution of the state university after consultation with its council.   n. To enter into a contract with the board of education of a  city  or school district in which a state-operated institution is located for the education  by  such  college,  for  such period of time as may be agreed upon, of all or part of the children of legal  school  age  residing  in such  city  or  school  district. A board of education in such a city or school district is hereby authorized and empowered to  enter  into  such contracts with the state university trustees, subject to the approval of the  commissioner  of  education,  and  to perform all necessary acts to carry out the purposes of this paragraph.   o. To conduct or authorize the conduct of research and experiments  at state-operated  institutions  of  the  state university in the field or, pursuant to agreements therefor, in industrial and commercial plants, in connection with  the  educational  programs  of  the  state  university, including  projects  involving  the  care, preservation, utilization and management of natural resources and the disposition of crops  and  other products incidental thereto.   p.  To  perform  such other acts as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out effectively the objects and purposes of the  state  university as specified in this article.   q.  To  prepare  and  adopt, within the amounts appropriated therefor, plans for land acquisition, state university development and  expansion, space   needs   and   uses   and   for  the  construction,  acquisition, reconstruction, rehabilitation and improvement  of  academic  buildings, dormitories  and  other  facilities  required  or to be required for the state-operated institutions and the statutory or contract colleges,  and for  such  planning  functions  to  retain or employ private architects, engineers  and  artists,  or  firms  thereof,  or  other  and  different consultants  for  proposed  projects  and  for  the preparation of space requirements,   cost    estimates,    preliminary    plans,    budgetary justifications,  and  construction  standards.  During  the selection of projects for such plans, the trustees shall, where applicable, give  due consideration  to  projects  that  support improvements in environmental protection,  energy  and   resource   management,   solar   energy   and conservation   with   particular  consideration  given  to  a  project's potential to generate cost savings over time.    r. To cooperate with and assist the state university construction fund in the construction,  acquisition,  reconstruction,  rehabilitation  and improvement  of  academic  buildings,  dormitories  and other facilities pursuant to  article  eight-A  of  this  chapter,  and  to  approve  the architectural concept of all such construction projects.   s.  To  lease  or  make available to the state university construction fund, the dormitory authority or other public benefit  corporation,  the New   York  state  teachers'  retirement  system,  the  New  York  state employees' retirement system, or a business that intends to locate in  a tax-free NY area approved pursuant to article twenty-one of the economic development law, a portion of the grounds or real property occupied by a state-operated  institution  or  statutory  or  contract college for the construction, acquisition, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of academic buildings, dormitories or other facilities thereon  pursuant to  article  eight-A of this chapter and for the purpose of facilitating such  construction,  acquisition,  reconstruction,   rehabilitation   or improvement, to enter into leases and agreements for the use of any such academic  building,  dormitory  or other facility in accordance with the provisions of section  three  hundred  seventy-eight  of  this  chapter; provided,  however,  that  nothing  herein  contained  shall  affect the provisions of any lease or agreement heretofore executed  by  the  state university  with  the dormitory authority. The state university trustees may also enter into agreements with the  state  university  construction fund,  the  dormitory authority or other public benefit corporation, the New  York  state  teachers'  retirement  system,  the  New  York   state employees' retirement system or any business that intends to locate in a tax-free NY area approved pursuant to article twenty-one of the economic development  law,  to  furnish  heat from a central heating plant to any academic building, dormitory or other facility erected by them  or  with moneys  supplied by them. Any such academic building, dormitory or other facility shall not be subject to taxation for any purpose.   t. The trustees shall have the power to lease or make available  to  a not-for-profit corporation or political subdivision of the state, or the state,  or  the  office  for  the  aging,  for the purposes set forth in section sixteen hundred seventy-seven of  the  public  authorities  law; pertaining  to  the  use  of dormitory authority facilities by the aged, facilities or portions thereof located on the grounds or  real  property occupied  by  a  state-operated  institution  or  statutory  or contract college, which facilities are owned by or  mortgaged  to  the  dormitory authority.  Such  leases  and  agreements  shall  be upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the parties  thereto,  provided that any such lease or agreement shall be subject to the approval of the dormitory   authority.   Nothing   herein  contained  shall  affect  the provisions of any lease or agreement heretofore executed  by  the  state university with the dormitory authority, or any other agency.   u.  To  establish a water conservation program for academic buildings, dormitories and other facilities of the state university.  Such  program shall include a survey of water use and conservation in such buildings.   v. To cooperate with and assist the state university construction fund in   the   construction  of  academic  incubator  facilities.  "Academic incubator facilities" as used in  this  chapter  shall  mean  facilities providing  low-cost  space,  technical  assistance, support services and educational opportunities, including but not limited to central services shared by tenants of the facility, to new high technology  companies  in the formative stages of development through a partnership with the state university  and  shall  be state university educational facilities under subdivision twenty-eight of section sixteen hundred seventy-six  of  the public  authorities law. Academic incubator facilities shall promote job  creation, entrepreneurship,  technology  transfer  and  provide  support services  to  incubator tenants, including, but not limited to, business planning,  management  assistance,  financial-packaging,   linkages   to financing sources, and coordination with other sources of assistance.   w.  When  authorized  by  law,  to cooperate with and assist the state university construction fund in the acquisition and development of sites for university-related economic development  facilities  as  defined  in section three hundred seventy-two-a of this title.   x.  To  enter into one or more agreements with the dormitory authority to provide financial assistance on behalf of the state, as  provided  in subdivision  eight  of  section  six thousand three hundred four of this chapter, to the local sponsors of community  colleges  for  the  design, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of  one  or  more  facilities  for  locally sponsored community colleges including the furnishing and equipping of such  facilities  pursuant  to section  six  thousand  three  hundred  four  of this chapter. Each such agreement shall provide for annual payments to the  dormitory  authority from  the  state aid or other financial assistance provided to the local sponsors of such community colleges and paid into the community  college tuition   and   instructional   fund  pursuant  to  paragraph  (iii)  of subdivision two of section ninety-seven-p of the state finance law,  and may contain such other terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the parties  thereto,  including, but not limited to, provisions relating to the establishment of reserve funds and indemnities. Each such  agreement shall be subject to the approval of the director of the budget.   y.  To  better  secure  dormitory authority bonds issued in connection with dormitory facilities, including dormitory facility  revenue  bonds, the  state university of New York is hereby authorized, in its own name, to assign or otherwise transfer to the dormitory authority any or all of the state  university's  rights,  title  and  interest  in  and  to  the dormitory  facility  revenues,  and  to  enter  into agreements with the dormitory authority pursuant  to  subdivision  two  of  section  sixteen hundred  eighty-q  of  the public authorities law in furtherance of such assignment or transfer. Any assignment or transfer made pursuant to this paragraph shall constitute a true sale  and  absolute  transfer  of  the dormitory  facilities  revenues. The characterization of such assignment or transfer shall not be negated or adversely affected by the  retention by  the  state  university  of New York of any ownership interest in the dormitory facilities revenues or of any residual right to payment of any dormitory  facility  revenues  remaining  in  the  dormitory  facilities revenue  fund  after  the moneys therein have been applied in accordance with paragraph (b) of  subdivision  three  of  section  sixteen  hundred eighty-q  of  the public authorities law. All rights, title and interest in and to any moneys paid to or upon the order of the  state  university of  New  York  pursuant  to  any  agreement by and between the dormitory authority and the state university of New York entered into pursuant  to subdivision  two  of  section  sixteen  hundred  eighty-q  of the public authorities law or pursuant to any agreement entered  into  pursuant  to paragraph  j of subdivision two of section sixteen hundred eighty of the public authorities law shall vest in the state university  of  New  York and  be  the  absolute property of the state university of New York, and the dormitory authority shall  no  longer  have  any  interest  in  such moneys.   z.  In  connection with business/university partnerships in support of the corporate purposes of the state university, to participate in  joint and  cooperative  arrangements  with  businesses  that have located in a tax-free NY area approved pursuant to article twenty-one of the economic  development law provided  such  arrangements  are  consistent  with  the approved plan for such tax-free NY area.   2-a.  Notwithstanding  any other provision of law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the state university trustees charter school committee, as a charter entity, are further authorized and empowered, to promulgate regulations with respect to  governance,  structure  and  operations  of charter  schools  for  which  they  are  the  charter entity pursuant to section twenty-eight hundred fifty-one of this chapter.   3. The state university trustees shall adopt and  implement  a  patent policy   for  research  conducted  in  university  facilities  which  is consistent  with  the  university's  mission  of  education,   scholarly research  and public service. Such policy shall be designed to encourage research activities which produce new knowledge which is of  benefit  to the  public  and which may result in the development of new products and processes which are likely to  improve  the  quality  of  life  and  the standard  of  living of the people of the state, contribute to increased productivity and advance the public health,  safety  and  welfare.  Such policy  shall  also  provide appropriate incentives for participation by private sector business concerns  in  efforts  to  develop  and  utilize patents orginated in conjunction with such research and to commercialize new  products  and  processes based on the results of such research. The trustees, when it is deemed necessary to fulfill the objectives of  this subdivision, shall adopt and implement appropriate modifications to such policy.  The  trustees  shall  include  in the annual report required by section three hundred fifty-nine of this chapter an  evaluation  of  the effectiveness  of  the  policy  adopted  pursuant  to  this  subdivision together with a synopsis of any changes in that  policy  adopted  during the previous year.   4.  Notwithstanding  the  provisions  of section forty-four, fifty, or fifty-one of the state finance law or any other provision of law to  the contrary, the state university trustees are authorized and empowered:   a.  To  review and coordinate the budget and appropriation requests of all state-operated institutions and statutory or contract  colleges  and combine  these requests with the fiscal requirements for institutions of higher education specified in section three hundred  fifty-eight  hereof into a university program budget for submission to the governor together with   appropriate   comments   by   the  trustees  of  the  independent institutions operating statutory or contract colleges on behalf  of  the state  regarding the portion of the program budget which relates to such colleges. Such submission shall be made pursuant to  the  provisions  of section twenty-two of the state finance law.   b.  To  expend  all  lump sum or consolidated appropriations and other appropriations made for  the  state  university,  including  all  moneys derived  from other sources in the course of the administration thereof. Within aggregate funds available for  expenditure  pursuant  to  section forty-nine  of  the  state finance law, the state comptroller shall draw warrants for the payment of all vouchers approved by the  chancellor  of the  state  university, as the chief administrative officer of the state university, or by such authority or authorities in the state  university as  shall be designated by the chancellor by a rule or written direction filed with the state comptroller, when and in the manner  authorized  by the   state   university   trustees.   Such  lump  sum  or  consolidated appropriations  made  for  personal  service,  or  for  maintenance  and operation  or  for  non-personal  service,  or maintenance undistributed including personal service, other than appropriations  from  proprietary or  fiduciary  funds,  shall  be  available  for  payments  for personal service, or maintenance and operation or for  non-personal  service,  or for maintenance undistributed including personal service upon the filing  of  a  schedule  of  positions  and salaries provided, however, that the salary of the chancellor shall be in accordance with section one hundred sixty-nine of the executive law and that the portions  of  the  salaries funded  from  state  appropriations  for the presidents and senior staff shall not exceed that of the chancellor and the amounts to be  available for  other personal service classes of expenditure, and for the expenses of maintenance and operation,  or  for  non-personal  service  with  the director  of  the  budget,  chairman  of  the  senate finance committee, chairman of the  assembly  ways  and  means  committee,  and  the  state comptroller.  Any  such schedule may be amended and such amendment shall be filed with  the  officers  named  above.  The  state  comptroller  is authorized  to  pay  any  amounts  required for the salaries and related employment   benefits   of   state   university   employees   from   any appropriations or other funds available therefor. In regard to the state university,  the  budget  director  shall exercise the authority granted under section forty-nine of the state finance  law  by  establishing  an aggregate amount available for expenditure for the state university from the  aggregate  appropriations  made,  by  funding source, for the state university in the state operations appropriations act,  rather  than  by making  the  specific  approvals  and by filing the certificates of such approvals authorized by section forty-nine of the state finance law. The schedule of positions and salaries required to be filed  by  the  budget director  pursuant  to section forty-nine of the state finance law shall be replaced by the schedule of positions and salaries filed by the state university pursuant to this paragraph. If the director  of  the  budget, pursuant to section forty-nine of the state finance law, shall establish as  available  for  expenditure  an  aggregate  amount  less  than  that contained in the appropriations made for the  state  university  in  the state  operations appropriations act, the board of trustees shall within thirty days of the action of the director of the budget  file  with  the comptroller,  with  an  informational copy to the budget director and to the chairs of the assembly ways and means and senate finance committees, a certificate allocating such lesser amount in no  greater  detail  than provided  for  in  the state operations appropriations act. In the event that the board has failed to file such certification within such  thirty day  period, the budget director may issue a certificate of availability for the state university reflecting such amount  in  no  greater  detail than provided for in the state operations appropriations act.   c.  To  increase or decrease appropriations by transfer or interchange as follows:  (1) Amounts appropriated for the programs or purposes or for any  item or   items   within   such   programs  or  purposes  of  any  individual state-operated institution and the statutory or contract colleges of the state university,  including  state  university  central  administration within the schedules of such units or for any individual hospital within the schedule of hospitals of the state university from a particular fund or  funds  in a fiscal year may be interchanged between such programs or purposes of such unit or hospital of state university, or between  items within  the  same  program  or purpose, or with other items appropriated from such fund not in  the  same  program  or  purpose,  but  which  are contained  in  the  state  comptroller's classification of items as last promulgated pursuant to a certificate of  allocation.  Such  certificate shall  be  submitted by such units to the board of trustees of the state university. Such certificate shall be submitted by the board of trustees to the state comptroller with copies to be sent to  the  chairs  of  the senate  finance  committee and the assembly ways and means committee and the director of the budget for informational purposes  only.  The  total amount  appropriated  for any program or purpose may be decreased by not  more than the aggregate of five percent  of  such  appropriation  for  a program  or  purpose with the approval of the units or hospitals or such amounts may be decreased by more than the aggregate of five  percent  of such appropriation with the approval of the state university trustees.  (2)  Amounts appropriated to state-operated institutions and statutory or contract colleges within the schedule of such units or  to  hospitals within  the  schedule  of  hospitals  of  the  state  university  from a particular fund or funds in a fiscal year for the programs  or  purposes of  such  units  or hospitals of the state university may be transferred between and among such units or hospitals pursuant to a  certificate  of allocation,  submitted  directly  by  the  state university to the state comptroller, with copies of such certificates to be sent to  the  chairs of  the  senate  finance  committee  and  the  assembly  ways  and means committee and the director of  the  budget  for  informational  purposes only. The total amount appropriated for any unit may not be decreased by more  than the aggregate of three percent of an appropriation for a unit or the aggregate of ten percent of an appropriation for a hospital.  (3) Amounts appropriated for programs or purposes,  or  for  any  item within  such  programs  or  purposes, within the university-wide program schedule of state university from a particular fund or funds in a fiscal year shall not be decreased by means of transfer or interchange by  more than  the aggregate of four percent of an appropriation for a program or purpose within such schedule.  (4) Amounts appropriated for hospitals within the hospital schedule of the state university from a particular fund or funds in  a  fiscal  year for  programs  or  purposes  of such hospitals shall not be increased or decreased  by  means  of  transfer  or  interchange  from  the   amounts appropriated  to  the  state-operated  institutions and the statutory or contract colleges, university-wide programs, or  central  administration of  the  state  university. The aggregate appropriation for the hospital schedule shall not be  increased  or  decreased  by  such  transfers  of appropriations.  (5)  Amounts  appropriated for the central administration of the state university within the central administration schedule from a  particular fund  or  funds in a fiscal year for programs or purposes including, but not  limited  to,  administration  of  state-operated  institutions  and statutory  or contract colleges, university-wide programs, and hospitals of the state university shall not be increased by means of  transfer  or interchange  by  more  than  five percent of the aggregate appropriation within such schedule.  (6) Notwithstanding the  foregoing  provisions  of  this  subdivision, whenever  the  director of the budget, pursuant to section forty-nine of the state finance law, shall establish an  aggregate  amount  less  than that  contained in the state operations appropriations act, the trustees may transfer or interchange any or all of such lesser amount  among  any of  the programs or purposes or items without regard to the restrictions provided in this subdivision.  (7) On the fifteenth day of October, January, April and July  of  each year, the state university shall provide the chair of the senate finance committee   and  the  assembly  ways  and  means  committee,  the  state comptroller and the director of the budget with quarterly reports of all transfers or interchanges made by the state university pursuant to  this section,  with  such  reports  to  include  the  program  impact of each transfer or interchange. The allocation of lump sum appropriations  from a  fund  or funds made to the state university for later distribution to state operated institutions, statutory or contract  colleges,  hospitals and/or  central administration of the state university or the allocation of lump sum appropriations made to all state  departments  and  agencies  for  later  allocation for specific programs or purposes or units of the state university shall not be deemed to be part of any total increase or decrease authorized by this section.   * 5.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision two of section one hundred twelve and sections one hundred fifteen, one hundred  sixty-one, and  one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law and sections three and six of the New York state printing and public documents law  or  any other  law to the contrary, the state university trustees are authorized and empowered to:   a.  (i)  purchase  materials,   proprietary   electronic   information resources  including  but  not  limited  to  academic, professional, and industry journals, reference handbooks and  manuals,  research  tracking tools, indexes and abstracts, equipment and supplies, including computer equipment  and  motor  vehicles, (ii) execute contracts for construction and construction-related services  contracts,  and  (iii)  contract  for printing,  without  prior approval by any other state officer or agency, but subject to rules  and  regulations  of  the  state  comptroller  not otherwise  inconsistent  with  the  provisions  of  this  section and in accordance with guidelines promulgated by the state university board  of trustees after consultation with the state comptroller;   a-1.  execute contracts for services to an amount not exceeding twenty thousand dollars without prior approval by any other  state  officer  or agency,  but  subject  to rules and regulations of the state comptroller not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this  section  and  in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the state university board of  trustees after consultation with the state comptroller. In addition, the trustees,  after  consultation  with  the  commissioner  of  general services,   are   authorized   to  annually  negotiate  with  the  state comptroller increases  in  the  aforementioned  dollar  limits  and  the exemption of any services or categories of services from these limits;   b.  to  establish  cash advance accounts for the purpose of purchasing materials, supplies, or services, for cash advances for travel  expenses and per diem allowances, or for advance payment of wages and salary. The account  may  be  used to purchase such materials, supplies, or services where the amount of a single  purchase  does  not  exceed  one  thousand dollars,  in  accordance  with such guidelines as shall be prescribed by the  state  university  trustees  after  consultation  with  the   state comptroller;   c.  establish  guidelines  in  consultation  with  the commissioner of general services authorizing participation by the  state  university  in programs administered by the office of general services for the purchase of  available  New York state food products. The commissioner of general services shall provide assistance to the state university  necessary  to enable the university to participate in these programs;   d.   award  contract  extensions  for  campus  transportation  without competitive bidding where such contracts  were  secured  either  through competitive  bidding  or  through  evaluation of proposals, however such extensions may be rejected if the amount to be paid to the contractor in any year of such proposed extension fails to reflect any decrease in the regional consumer price index for the New York,  New  York-Northeastern, New  Jersey  area,  based upon the index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) during the preceding twelve-month period. At the time  of  any  contract extension,  consideration  shall  be  given  to any competitive proposal offered  by  a  public  transportation  agency.  Such  contract  may  be increased  for  each  year of the contract extension by an amount not to exceed the regional consumer price index increase for the New York,  New York-Northeastern,  New  Jersey area, based upon the index for all urban consumers (CPI-U), during the preceding twelve-month period, provided it  has been satisfactorily established by the  contractor  that  there  has been  at  least  an  equivalent  increase  in  the amount of his cost of operation, during the period of the contract.   e.  guidelines  promulgated  by the state university board of trustees shall, to the extent practicable, require that competitive proposals  be solicited  for  purchases, and shall include requirements that purchases and contracts authorized under this section be at the  lowest  available price,  including  consideration of prices available through other state agencies, consistent with quality requirements, and as will best promote the public interest. Such  purchases  may  be  made  directly  from  any contractor pursuant to any contract for commodities let by the office of general services or any other state agency.   * NB Effective until June 30, 2026   * 5.  Notwithstanding  the  provisions of paragraph two of section one hundred twelve and sections one hundred fifteen, one hundred  sixty-one, one  hundred  sixty-three  and  one  hundred  seventy-four  of the state finance law and sections three and six of the New  York  state  printing and  public  documents  law  or any other law to the contrary, the state university trustees are authorized and empowered to:   a.  (i)  purchase  materials,   proprietary   electronic   information resources  including  but  not  limited  to  academic, professional, and industry journals, reference handbooks and  manuals,  research  tracking tools,  indexes and abstracts equipment and supplies, including computer equipment and motor vehicles, where the amount  for  a  single  purchase does  not  exceed  twenty  thousand  dollars, (ii) execute contracts for services and construction contracts to an amount  not  exceeding  twenty thousand  dollars,  and  (iii)  contract  for  printing to an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars, without prior  approval  by  any  other state  officer  or  agency,  but subject to rules and regulations of the state comptroller not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated  by the state university board of trustees after consultation with the state comptroller.  In  addition,  the  trustees,  after consultation with the commissioner of general services, are authorized to  annually  negotiate with the state comptroller increases in the aforementioned dollar limits and the exemption of any articles, categories of articles or commodities from  these  limits.  Rules  and  regulations  promulgated  by the state university board of trustees shall, to the extent  practicable,  require that competitive proposals be solicited for purchases, and shall include requirements  that purchases and contracts authorized under this section be at the lowest available  price,  including  consideration  of  prices available   through   other  state  agencies,  consistent  with  quality requirements, and  as  will  best  promote  the  public  interest.  Such purchases  may  be  made  directly  from  any contractor pursuant to any contract for commodities let by the office of general  services  or  any other state agency;   b.  to  establish  cash advance accounts for the purpose of purchasing materials, supplies, or services, for cash advances for travel  expenses and per diem allowances, or for advance payment of wages and salary. The account  may  be  used to purchase such materials, supplies, or services where the amount of a single purchase does not exceed two hundred  fifty dollars,  in  accordance  with such guidelines as shall be prescribed by the  state  university  trustees  after  consultation  with  the   state comptroller.   c.  establish  guidelines  in  consultation  with  the commissioner of general services authorizing participation by the  state  university  in programs administered by the office of general services for the purchase of  available  New York state food products. The commissioner of general  services shall provide assistance to the state university  necessary  to enable the university to participate in these programs.   d.  (1)  Award  contract  extensions for campus transportation without competitive bidding where such contracts  were  secured  either  through competitive  bidding or through evaluation of proposals in response to a request for proposals pursuant to subparagraph (2)  of  this  paragraph, however  such extensions may be rejected if the amount to be paid to the contractor in any year of such proposed extension fails to  reflect  any decrease  in  the  regional  consumer  price index for the New York, New York-Northeastern, New Jersey area, based upon the index for  all  urban consumers  (CPI-U) during the preceding twelve-month period. At the time of  any  contract  extension,  consideration  shall  be  given  to   any competitive  proposal  offered  by  a public transportation agency. Such contract may be increased for each year of the contract extension by  an amount  not to exceed the regional consumer price index increase for the New York, New York-Northeastern, New Jersey area, based upon  the  index for  all  urban  consumers  (CPI-U),  during  the preceding twelve-month period,  provided  it  has  been  satisfactorily  established   by   the contractor  that  there  has been at least an equivalent increase in the amount of his cost of operation, during the period of the contract.   * NB Effective June 30, 2026   * 6. To enter into any  contract  or  agreement  deemed  necessary  or advisable   after  consultation  with  appropriate  state  agencies  for carrying out the objects and purposes of state university without  prior review  or  approval by any state officer or agency other than the state comptroller and the attorney general including contracts with non-profit corporations organized by officers, employees,  alumni  or  students  of state  university  for  the  furtherance  of  its  objects and purposes. Contracts or agreements entered into  with  the  federal  government  to enable participation in federal student loan programs, including any and all  instruments  required  thereunder,  shall  not  be  subject  to the requirements of section forty-one of the state  finance  law;  provided, however,  that  the  state  shall  not  be liable for any portion of any defaults which it has agreed to assume pursuant to any such agreement in an  amount  in  excess  of  money  appropriated  or  otherwise  lawfully available  therefor  at  the  time the liability for payment arises. The foregoing notwithstanding,  any  contract  made  for  or  by  the  state university  for  the purchase of: (i) materials, equipment and supplies, including computer equipment; (ii) motor  vehicles;  (iii)  construction and construction-related services contracts; and (iv) printing shall not be subject to prior approval by any other state officer or agency.   * NB Effective until June 30, 2026   * 6.  To  enter  into  any  contract  or agreement deemed necessary or advisable  after  consultation  with  appropriate  state  agencies   for carrying  out the objects and purposes of state university without prior review or approval by any state officer or agency other than  the  state comptroller and the attorney general including contracts with non-profit corporations  organized  by  officers,  employees, alumni or students of state university for  the  furtherance  of  its  objects  and  purposes. Contracts  or  agreements  entered  into  with the federal government to enable participation in federal student loan programs, including any and all instruments  required  thereunder,  shall  not  be  subject  to  the requirements  of  section  forty-one of the state finance law; provided, however, that the state shall not be  liable  for  any  portion  of  any defaults which it has agreed to assume pursuant to any such agreement in an  amount  in  excess  of  money  appropriated  or  otherwise  lawfully available therefor at the time the liability for payment arises.   * NB Effective June 30, 2026    * 6-a. The  state  university  trustees  shall  adopt  guidelines  for foundations  of  state-operated campuses that require each foundation to adopt a conflict of interest policy applicable to  such  foundation  and its  affiliated  corporations.  Among  other items, the state university trustees'  guidelines shall require such foundation policies to provide: (a) that service as a board member or officer thereof shall not be  used as  a  means  for  private  benefit or inurement for the board member or officer, a relative thereof, or any entity in which the board member  or officer,  or  relative  thereof,  has  a business interest; (b) no board member or officer who is a vendor of goods or services to the foundation or its affiliated corporation, or who has a business  interest  in  such vendor,  or whose relative has a business interest in such vendor, shall vote on, or participate  in  the  foundation's  administration  of,  any transaction  with  such  vendor; and (c) a board member or officer shall advise the chair of the foundation or its affiliated corporation of  his or  a  relative's  business  interest  in  any such existing or proposed vendor with the  foundation  or  its  affiliate.  The  state  university trustees'  guidelines shall define the nature of a business interest and the closeness of a personal relation that bring  a  relationship  within the purposes of this subdivision.   * NB Repealed July 1, 2024   7. To refund or credit moneys paid to the state university for tuition or  any  other fee or charge imposed or received by the state university trustees (1) where such moneys were not required  by  law  or  trustees' rule,  to  the  extent of the amount paid; (2) where such moneys were in excess of the amount required by law or trustees' rule, to the extent of such excess; (3) where registration or attendance at a state  university institution  is  canceled  or  terminated  prior to the expiration of an academic term otherwise than by dismissal, to the extent  prescribed  by rule  or  otherwise by the state university trustees; provided, however, that no moneys shall be refunded or credited unless application therefor is made within three years after receipt of such  moneys  by  the  state university.   8.  Except  as  otherwise  provided herein, all moneys received by the state university of New York and by state-operated institutions  thereof from  appropriations, tuition, fees, user charges, sales of products and services and from all other sources, including sources and activities of the state university which are intended by law to be self-supporting may be credited to an appropriate fund or funds  to  be  designated  by  the state  comptroller.  The  amounts  so paid into such fund or funds which were received by or for the state university shall be used for  expenses of  the state university in carrying out any of its objects and purposes and such amounts received by or for state-operated institutions  of  the state  university  shall  be  used  for expenses of the state university under  regulations  prescribed  by  the   state   university   trustees. Notwithstanding  the  foregoing  provisions  of  this  subdivision,  all dormitory facilities revenues transferred to the dormitory authority  by assignment  or  otherwise  pursuant to paragraph y of subdivision two of this section shall upon receipt by the state university acting as  agent for  the dormitory authority be transferred and immediately paid without appropriation thereof  to  the  commissioner  of  taxation  and  finance pursuant  to  subdivision  four of section four of the state finance law for deposit to the dormitory facilities revenue fund.   8-a. All monies received by state university  health  care  facilities from  fees,  charges, and reimbursement and from all other sources shall be credited to a state university health care account in a  fund  to  be designated  by  the  state comptroller. Notwithstanding the provision of any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, a portion  of  such  monies  credited  may  be transferred to a state university account as requested by the state university chancellor or his or  her  designee.  Monies  to establish  reserves  for  long-term  expenses of state university health care facilities and to fulfill obligations required for any contract for health  care services authorized pursuant to subdivision sixteen of this section may be designated by the  state  university  as  a  reserve  and transferred  to  a  separate contractual reserve account. The amounts in such accounts shall be available for use in accordance with paragraph  b of  subdivision four and subdivision eight of this section. Monies shall only be expended from the state university health care account  and  the contractual  reserve  account pursuant to appropriation. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, the state finance law or any other law to the contrary, such appropriations shall remain in full force and  effect for  two  years  from the effective date of the appropriation act making the appropriation. Monies so transferred may be returned  to  the  state university  health  care  account; provided, however, that funds in such contractual reserve account must be sufficient to meet  the  obligations of all such contracts.   8-b.  Notwithstanding  the provision of any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, the state university shall be entitled to annually receive an apportionment and payment of state assistance  equal  to  all  moneys derived  as  a  result  of  the  tuition  increase,  calculated  as  the difference in the amount generated using the tuition rates authorized by the state university trustees for the two thousand  seven--two  thousand eight  academic  year  and  the amount generated using the tuition rates authorized by state university trustees for the two  thousand  nine--two thousand  ten academic year, pursuant to the following schedule: for the two thousand nine--two thousand ten academic year, the state  university shall  receive  an  amount  equal  to  twenty  percent  of  such tuition increase; for the two thousand ten--two thousand eleven  academic  year, the  state university shall receive an amount equal to thirty percent of such tuition increase; for the two thousand eleven--two thousand  twelve academic  year,  the  state  university shall receive an amount equal to forty percent of  such  tuition  increase;  and  for  the  two  thousand twelve--two  thousand thirteen academic year, the state university shall receive an amount equal to fifty percent of such tuition increase.  Such apportionment  shall  be  for  the  enhanced  investment  in  the  state university of the state of New York and shall be used to supplement, not supplant, state gross general fund support, unless the director  of  the budget  determines that state fiscal conditions preclude such an outcome and, in which case, the director shall submit  a  report  regarding  the recommended   funding   levels   and   whether   the   tuition  increase apportionment provisions of this subdivision have been complied with for the state university of the state of New  York  to  the  chairs  of  the senate  finance  committee and the assembly ways and means committee and the chairs of the senate higher education  committee  and  the  assembly higher  education  committee  no  later  than fifteen days following the release of the executive budget.   9. Notwithstanding any other provision  of  this  section,  the  state university trustees may assign to the state university construction fund for  the corporate purposes of the fund all or any portion of any moneys received  or  to  be  received  by  the  state  university  and  by  the state-operated institutions which are not required by a donor or grantor to be used for other state university purposes.   10.   The   state   university   trustees   may  authorize  the  chief administrative officer of each medical center of  the  state  university operating  in-patient  or  out-patient  hospital  facilities  or  clinic facilities to compromise any claim which the state may  have  for  care,  maintenance  or  treatment  received  or  furnished  to patients in such facilities, in proper cases, where  substantial  justice  will  best  be served  thereby.  Any  such  compromise  shall  be  subject to the prior written approval of the attorney general.   11.  Notwithstanding  any  provision of law, rule or regulation to the contrary,  the  state  university  trustees  may  authorize  the   chief administrative  officer  of  each medical center of the state university operating  in-patient  or  out-patient  hospital  facilities  or  clinic facilities  to  establish  a  system for the billing of patients for the care, maintenance or treatment received or furnished to patients in such facilities, which in proper cases or in the exercise of  prudent  fiscal discretion  may  allow  for  the  payment  of such charges by means of a credit card or similar device. Such system may allow for the payment  of such  reasonable  administrative  fees  as may be regularly imposed by a banking institution or other credit service organization for the use  of such   credit   devices.   In   establishing   such   system  the  chief administrative  officer  shall  seek  the  assistance   of   the   state comptroller  who  shall assist in developing such system so as to ensure that state funds allocated to such medical centers shall be utilized  in an economically feasible method.   12.  The  state comptroller, or a legally authorized representative of the state comptroller, may accept from the state university in  lieu  of an  examination of the books and accounts of state university, including its receipts and disbursements and any other  matters  relating  to  its financial  standing,  an  external examination of its books and accounts made at the request of state university.   13. Master capital plan. On or before November fifteenth of each year, the trustees of the state university  of  New  York  shall  approve  and submit  to the chairmen of the assembly ways and means committee and the senate finance committee and to the director  of  the  budget  a  master capital  plan  setting  forth  the  projects proposed to be constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated or otherwise substantially altered pursuant to appropriations enacted or to be enacted during  the  succeeding  five years.  Such plan shall specify the name, location, estimated total cost at the time the project is to be bid, the anticipated date or  dates  on which  the design of such project is to commence, the proposed method of financing and the estimated economic life of  each  project.  Such  plan shall   further   specify   whether  proposed  projects  constitute  new construction, substantial  rehabilitation,  moderate  rehabilitation  or minor   rehabilitation   and   shall   indicate   how  projects  support improvements  in   environmental   protection,   energy   and   resource management, solar energy and conservation. Such criteria for each method of  financing  shall  include, but not be limited to: (i) an analysis of private  enterprise,  federal  and  any  other   appropriate   financing standards,  (ii)  the  consideration  of  the period of economic life of projects as related to the method of financing, and (iii)  project  cost ranges  for  the  methods  of  financing.  Such  plan  specification and categories  of  construction  shall  be  defined  by  the  trustees,  in consultation with the state university construction fund.   Such  capital  master plan report shall also include, for each project over  one-million  dollars,  a  description  of  the  project;  expected construction start date; any changes to the previously reported start or expected  completion  dates;  any  changes  to  the expected cost of the project; the total cash encumbered for the project for the year and  the total  to  date  for  the  project;  and the total cash expended for the project for the year and the total to date for the project.   All projects  that  are  reported  under  this  subdivision  shall  be identified  by  campus,  the name of the specific facility for which the  allocation is provided and a description of what the project is that  is being provided.   14.  Notwithstanding  the  provisions of any general, special or local law or charter, the state university trustees shall prepare or cause  to be  prepared  a  development  and  operation plan for a state university athletic facility, as defined in section sixteen hundred eighty-e of the public authorities law. Such development and  operation  plan  shall  be submitted  to the director of the budget for approval not later than the fifteenth day of September of the fiscal year of the state. The director of the budget shall file a copy of such plan and approval  thereof  with the  chairpersons  of the senate finance committee and the assembly ways and means  committee.  No  proposed  amendment  to  the  plan  shall  be effective  until submitted by the state university trustees and approved by, the director of the budget  and  filed  by  the  director  with  the chairpersons  of  the senate finance committee and the assembly ways and means committee.   Such development and operation plan shall include, but not be  limited to, provisions concerning the following:  (a) revenue and expense estimates for the succeeding three year period commencing  in the year of the completion of construction and beneficial occupancy of the state university athletic facility;  (b) the sources of revenues that are projected to be available to meet all costs of the operation, repair, maintenance and  continuing  use  of the  state university athletic facility, and any net income remaining to cover subsequent annual debt service expenses, and evidence satisfactory to the state university of New York and the director of the budget that, consistent with university and  community  use  as  set  forth  in  this section,  revenues  will  be maximized and available when needed for the state university athletic facility; and  (c) plans for the  development,  operation,  repair,  maintenance  and continuing use of the state university athletic facility under the care, custody,  and  management of the state university to include, but not be limited to, athletic competition of the state university of New York  at Buffalo,  amateur  sports,  appropriate community events, and activities that generate support for facility operations.   15. State university fiscal year.  Notwithstanding  any  provision  of this  chapter,  the state finance law, or any other law to the contrary, on and after the first day of July, nineteen hundred  ninety-three,  the fiscal year of the state university of New York, for the purposes of the budget,  appropriations,  receipts and disbursements of state moneys and all other revenues of the state university, financial reporting, and all other affairs of the state university which are regulated in  accordance with  or  are  based on a fiscal year, shall begin with the first day of July  and  end  with  the  next  following  thirtieth   day   of   June. Appropriations made for the state university for whatever purpose on the basis  of  the  state  university fiscal year which at the close of such fiscal  year  shall  cease  to  have  force  and  effect  except  as  to liabilities  already  incurred  thereunder  shall as to such liabilities continue in force and effect until the next succeeding thirtieth day  of September,  on  which  date  such appropriation shall lapse and no money shall thereafter be paid out of the state treasury or any of  its  funds or any of the funds under its management pursuant to such appropriation.   16. Subject to laws and regulations applicable to the state university as a health care provider the state university trustees may:   a.  Notwithstanding  section  one  hundred  sixty-three  of  the state finance law, authorize contracts for  a  state  university  health  care facility  for participation in managed care networks and other joint and cooperative arrangements with public, non-profit  or  business  entities  including  entering  into  a  maximum of twenty network arrangements per year, as partners, joint ventures, sole member or members of  non-profit or  for-profit  corporations,  sole  member  or members of non-profit or for-profit   limited  liability  companies,  as  lessor  or  lessee,  as participants in joint operating agreements, and shareholders of business corporations,  and  the  provision  of  management  and   administrative services  by  or  for state university; provided, however, that any such contracts  with  for-profit  entities  shall  be  authorized  only  upon approval  by the commissioner of health and the director of the division of the budget of a request by  the  chancellor  demonstrating  financial need  of  a  state university health care facility. Any contract for the provision of management services shall be subject to  any  provision  of the  public  health  law  and health regulations applicable to the state university as a health  care  provider,  including  any  review  by  the commissioner  of  health  pursuant  to  10  NYCRR  section  405.3(f). In addition, the commissioner of health shall provide  for  public  comment within  thirty  days of a submission of any management contract required to be reviewed pursuant to regulation. The trustees may  also  authorize contracts, including capitation contracts, for a state university health care  facility  for the provision of general comprehensive and specialty health care services, directly or through contract  with  other  service providers  or entities, including state university employees or entities comprised thereof. Contracts authorized hereunder shall be:  (1) consistent  with  trustee  guidelines  respecting  all  terms  and conditions necessary and appropriate for managed care and other network, joint  or cooperative arrangements, including guidelines for comparative review where appropriate;  (2) subject to laws and regulations applicable to the state university as  a  health  care  provider,  including  with  respect  to  rates  and certificates of need; and  (3)  subject  to  article  fourteen  of  the civil service law and the applicable provisions of  agreements  between  the  state  and  employee organizations pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law.   * b.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision two of section one hundred twelve of the state finance law, subdivision six of section  one hundred  sixty-three of the state finance law and section sixty-three of the executive law (i) authorize contracts for the purchase of goods  for state  university  health  care facilities without prior approval by any other state officer or agency, including contracts for  joint  or  group purchasing  arrangements  of  goods,  in  accordance with procedures and requirements found in paragraph a of subdivision five of  this  section, and   (ii)   authorize  contracts  for  services  which  do  not  exceed seventy-five thousand dollars without prior approval by any other  state officer  or  agency in accordance with procedures and requirements found in paragraph a of subdivision five of this section. Contracts authorized pursuant to this paragraph shall be subject to article fourteen  of  the civil  service  law  and the applicable provisions of agreements between the state and employee organizations pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law.   The trustees are authorized  to  negotiate  annually  with  the  state comptroller increases in the aforementioned dollar limits.   * NB Effective until June 30, 2026   * b.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision two of section one hundred twelve of the state finance law relating to the dollar threshold requiring the comptroller's approval of contracts and subdivision six of section one hundred sixty-three of  the  state  finance  law,  authorize contracts  for  the  purchase of goods and services for state university health care facilities:  (1) for any contract  which  does  not  exceed  seventy-five  thousand dollars; or  (2)  for  joint  or  group purchasing arrangements which do not exceed seventy-five thousand dollars without prior approval by any other state, officer or agency in accordance with procedures and  requirements  found in paragraph a of subdivision five of this section.  (3)  contracts  authorized  hereunder  shall  be  subject  to  article fourteen of the civil service  law  and  the  applicable  provisions  of agreements  between  the  state  and  employee organizations pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law.   The trustees are authorized  to  negotiate  annually  with  the  state comptroller increases in the aforementioned dollar limits.   * NB Effective June 30, 2026   c.  Authorize  contracts  for  the  acquisition,  by  purchase, lease, sublease, transfer of jurisdiction or otherwise, of facilities  suitable for  the  delivery  of  health  care  services and for the construction, repair, maintenance, equipping, rehabilitation or  improvement  thereof. Such  contracts  shall be subject to approval by the attorney general as to form and by the director of the budget  and  the  state  comptroller. Contracts  under this paragraph shall be funded from any moneys lawfully available for the expenses of the health care facilities.   17. Investigation of crimes and crime reporting.    a.  The  board  of trustees of the state university of New York shall adopt rules requiring that  each  institution  of  the  state university, on or before January first, two thousand, adopt  and  implement  a  plan  providing  for  the investigation  of  any  violent  felony  offense  occurring at or on the grounds of each such institution, and providing for the investigation of a report of any missing  student.  Such  plans  shall  provide  for  the coordination  of the investigation of such crimes and reports with local law enforcement agencies. Such plans shall include, but not  be  limited to,  written  agreements with appropriate local law enforcement agencies providing for the prompt investigation of such crimes and reports and  a requirement  that  the  institution  shall  notify  the  appropriate law enforcement agency as soon as practicable  but  in  no  case  more  than twenty-four  hours  after a report of a violent felony or that a student who resides in housing owned or operated by such institution is missing; provided that each institution shall: (1) inform each victim of a sexual offense of their options to notify proper law  enforcement  authorities, including  on-campus and local police; (2) inform the victim of a sexual offense of the right to report or not to report such  offense  to  local law  enforcement  agencies;  and  (3) offer the option to be assisted by campus authorities in notifying  such  authorities,  if  the  victim  of sexual  assault  so  chooses,  all in compliance with applicable federal law, including, but not limited to, the federal  Campus  Sexual  Assault Victims' Bill of Rights under Title 20 U.S. Code Section 1092(f).   b.  As  used  in  this subdivision, the following terms shall have the following meanings:  (i) "Local law enforcement agencies"  means  any  agency  or  agencies employing  peace  officers or police officers for the enforcement of the laws of the state, and which has or have jurisdiction  under  provisions of  the  criminal  procedure  law  over  offenses occurring at or on the grounds  of  any  institution  subject  to  the   provisions   of   this subdivision.  (ii)  "Missing student" means any student of an institution subject to the provisions of this subdivision, who resides in a facility  owned  or operated  by such institution and who is reported to such institution as missing from his or her residence.  (iii) "Violent felony offense"  means  a  violent  felony  offense  as defined in subdivision one of section 70.02 of the penal law.   18.  Scholarships  for academic achievement. a. (1) Beginning with the two  thousand--two  thousand   one   academic   year   and   thereafter, scholarships  for  academic  achievement  shall  be awarded to full-time students completing their sophomore and junior years  of  study  at  all state  university  state  operated  campuses.  Two thousand five hundred scholarships shall be awarded to students in the junior  year  of  study and  two thousand five hundred scholarships shall be awarded to students in the senior year of study.  (2) Scholarships made to students in the junior year shall be  to  the two  thousand  five  hundred  students with the highest cumulative grade point average at the end of such students sophomore year of  study.  Any student  receiving  such  award  shall  be a New York state resident and shall have a minimum grade point average of 3.5. Such scholarship  shall be  awarded  at  the  beginning of the spring semester of such student's junior year.  (3) Scholarships made to students in the senior year will  be  to  the two  thousand  five  hundred  students with the highest cumulative grade point average at the end of such students' junior  year  of  study.  Any student  receiving  such  award  shall  be a New York state resident and shall have a minimum grade point average of 3.5. Such scholarship  shall be  awarded  at  the  beginning of the spring semester of such students' senior year.   b. Each individual state university of New York state operated  campus shall  receive  no  more  than  its  pro  rata  share of awards than the percentage of such university's juniors and  seniors  represent  of  the entire system enrollment in the junior and senior classes.   c.  Upon  determination  of  the  recipients of the annual awards, the chancellor shall notify the members of  the  state  legislature  of  all recipients  who permanently reside within the district that such members represent.   19. The state university of New York shall provide the chairs  of  the assembly  ways and means committee and the senate finance committee with the formula and/or methodology used in determining state aid allocations to  state  university  of  New  York   state   operated   campuses   and university-wide  programs  and  the  specific  budget allocation to each campus and university-wide program based on the  overall  funding  level for state-operated campuses and university-wide programs included within the  executive  budget  submission  for the state university of New York within forty-five days after the submission of the executive budget  and within thirty days after the enactment of the state budget.   20.  The  state  university  trustees shall adopt rules requiring that each institution of the state  university  of  New  York  adopt  written policies  requiring that all public single-occupancy bathroom facilities be designated as gender neutral for use by no more than one occupant  at a  time  or  for  family  or  assisted use. Such gender neutral bathroom facilities shall be clearly designated by the posting of such on or near the  entry  door  of  each  facility.  For  purposes  of  this  section, "single-occupancy bathroom" shall have the same meaning as paragraph (d) of  subdivision  one  of  section  one  hundred forty-five of the public buildings law.   * 21. The state university trustees shall  adopt  a  policy  requiring that  each  institution  of the state university of New York collaborate with students, faculty and staff to encourage campuses to eliminate  the use of certain plastic items generally recognized by the public as being designed  for  single use. Such plastic items may include, but shall not be limited to,  tableware,  straws,  stirrers,  cups  and  food  service  containers.  In  establishing such a policy, the trustees shall consider the following:   a. the availability of affordable alternatives;   b.  the  accessibility  of  alternatives to all students, faculty, and staff;   c. an evaluation of the effectiveness of reusable alternatives; and   d. benchmarks for assessing progress.   * NB Effective January 31, 2022