reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4670. Dissolution of Board of Regents of Rogers University.

On January 1, 1999, the entity known as the Board of Regents of Rogers University, created by Section 4651 of this title, shall be dissolved. No later than December 31, 1998, the Board of Regents of Rogers University shall determine how the property of Rogers University shall be divided, subject to the limitations provided in this section. The property and assets of Rogers University which have accrued from the beneficial interests running to Rogers University from the public trust created by the University Center at Tulsa Authority and the beneficial interests running to Rogers University from the foundation created for the benefit of Rogers University/Tulsa, shall be transferred to Oklahoma State University/Tulsa, contingent upon approval of the Authority and the foundation. The beneficial interests running to Rogers University from the foundation created for the benefit of Rogers University/Claremore shall be transferred to Rogers State University, contingent upon approval of the foundation. The assets and obligations of Rogers University shall be divided between Oklahoma State University/Tulsa and Rogers State University with the assets that belonged to Rogers State College prior to June 30, 1996, being transferred to Rogers State University and the assets that belonged to University Center at Tulsa being transferred to Oklahoma State University/Tulsa. The Board of Regents of Rogers University shall determine how the assets acquired since May 30, 1996, shall be divided between the two institutions. In cases of disagreement concerning asset distribution, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall make the final determination.
Added by Laws 1998, c. 325, § 10, eff. July 1, 1998. Amended by Laws 2002, c. 437, § 3, eff. July 1, 2002.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4671. Oklahoma State University - Long-range planning and development.

No later than November 1, 1998, the president of Oklahoma State University shall submit to the Legislature a long-range plan for the development of the Oklahoma State University/Tulsa program.
Added by Laws 1998, c. 325, § 11, eff. July 1, 1998.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4672. Rogers University/Tulsa - Coordination of student services.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall immediately establish policies and procedures requiring institutions that offer courses through Rogers University/Tulsa to cooperate in sharing information to implement a seamless system of student services at Rogers University/Tulsa consistent with federal law and accreditation standards. There shall be a single site on the Rogers University campus in Tulsa where students shall have access to student services. Student services shall include but not be limited to registration, student records, faculty advisement, scholarship information, and financial aid. The system of services for students shall provide an efficient interface among the different institutions offering courses and programs.
Consistent with federal law and accreditation standards, the Board of Regents of Rogers University shall have the power to access student records for students who take or have taken courses through a contractual arrangement between Rogers University and any other higher education institution. As part of any contract with a providing institution, Rogers University and students at Rogers University must be able to obtain immediate information related to student records, scholarships, financial aid, and other student services for Rogers University students.
Added by Laws 1998, c. 325, § 12, eff. July 1, 1998.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4673. University of Oklahoma/Oklahoma State University Graduate Center at Tulsa - Establishment and funding.

A. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall establish the University of Oklahoma/Oklahoma State University Graduate Center at Tulsa (OU/OSU Graduate Center at Tulsa). The Center shall be directly funded by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Center shall be subject to its direction for final approval of programs and courses of study. There shall be a joint admissions committee composed of five faculty members appointed by the University of Oklahoma and five faculty members appointed by Oklahoma State University. The president of the University of Oklahoma shall serve as chair and the president of Oklahoma State University shall serve as vice-chair for the first year of operation of the Center. After one year the positions of chair and vice-chair shall rotate annually between presidents of the two institutions. The chair shall appoint the provost with the approval of the vice-chair.
B. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall appropriate funds to the University of Oklahoma for the operation of the programs of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and for the programs designated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to be offered in Tulsa by the College. These programs shall be under the operational control of the University of Oklahoma.
C. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall appropriate funds to Oklahoma State University for the operation of the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and for any programs designated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to be offered in Tulsa by the College. These programs shall be under the operational control of Oklahoma State University.
D. A joint consortium for research shall be established as a part of the OU/OSU Graduate Center at Tulsa.
E. Any curricula offered by the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University at the graduate or professional level may be offered by the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.
Added by Laws 1998, c. 325, § 13, eff. July 1, 1998. Amended by Laws 2001, c. 230, § 4, eff. July 1, 2001.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4674. Technology Intern Partner Program.

A. It is the intent of the Legislature that the Board of Trustees for Oklahoma State University/Tulsa develop and implement a Technology Intern Partner Program. The purpose of the Program shall be to facilitate a positive relationship between the academic and business sector while providing valuable, hands-on experiences for students. In addition the Program will provide an additional method for introducing students to career opportunities in technology-based companies.
B. The benefits of the Technology Intern Partner Program are as follows:
1. Enhances classroom learning for the student by integrating academic curriculum and real-world work experience;
2. Assists students in career decision making through on-the-job experience in a chosen field;
3. Improves after graduation job opportunities for students by giving the student valuable work experience and contact with potential employers;
4. Teaches students valuable job search skills such as career assessments, resume writing, and interviewing techniques; and
5. Promotes the lifelong learning process of integrating work and learning, and enhances workplace skills in occupational, analytical, and teamwork performance.
C. It is further the intent of the Legislature that the Technology Intern Partner Program shall provide internships for eligible students with technology-based companies. One-half of the funding for the internships shall be provided by the University and one-half by the participating companies. The Board of Trustees should establish criteria and procedures for implementation and operation of the Program. The Board may decline to accept any such funding it deems inappropriate, including funding amounts the Board is unable to match.
Added by Laws 2002, c. 437, § 4, eff. July 1, 2002.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4701. Center for Instructional Excellence - Feasibility study.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are hereby authorized to study the cost feasibility of developing a "Center for Instructional Excellence". This Center should serve as the primary coordinating agency for the development and dissemination of instructional technology and should proceed immediately to collect from current resources the best available media materials, computer software, and other instructional technology available. This Center should renew public higher education's commitment to its principal mission of instruction by identifying master professors from throughout the system and underwriting, through release time and direct funding, the dissemination of their instructional work.
It is the intent of this legislation that all institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education shall cooperate in the development of the "Center for Instructional Excellence" by making available faculty and instructional resources. The Center shall then serve as a clearinghouse in disseminating the best of these resources to the remainder of the system. It is the intent of this legislation that the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall provide direct funding to the Center from both private and public resources to carry out the task of developing or acquiring all aspects of the rapidly changing instructional technology so that these methods may be evaluated and made available to institutions within The State System of Higher Education.
The Center should become the most cost effective method for instructional development by providing coordination for similar existing efforts on individual campuses and eventually bringing these operations under a central mechanism providing for a better economy of scale in making the necessary resources available to all higher education faculty members in order to provide for excellence in instruction at all levels.
The Center is made necessary because the traditional instructional process competes, without sufficient resources or modern technology, with much more powerful informational media and computer software being made available through the private sector in noneducational environments and because students, accustomed to more sophisticated methods of information acquisition, demand and deserve the most effective instructional process within their educational experiences.
The "Center for Instructional Excellence" should devise, in cooperation with the budget staff of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, appropriate formats for inquiring of institutions regarding resources devoted to improving the instructional process with a particular emphasis on depicting budgets, not just in programmatical terms, but in terms of the proportion of available resources devoted in each academic program to computer interaction, media, tutelage, team teaching, and other instructional innovations.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 4, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4702. Precollegiate compensatory courses - Report - Funding - Commendation of Regents.

A. The Legislature requests a report from the State Regents for Higher Education by Febuary 1, 1988, on the precollegiate compensatory courses and the expenditures related to such courses, authorized pursuant to this section.
B. When monies are made available, a fund shall be established in the office of the State Regents for Higher Education for the purpose of funding and offering precollegiate courses, over and above those offered for credit at the current institution which the student is attending. Such courses shall be offered to compensate for courses not offered previously to high school students. A fund shall be established at the State Department of Education for the purpose of funding and offering precollegiate courses, to be coordinated with the State Regents for Higher Education, according to priorities established by the State Regents for Higher Education as recommendations or requirements.
C. The Legislature commends the State Regents for Higher Education on the precollegiate course component of their Policy Statement on Admission to, Retention in, and Transfer among Colleges and Universities of The State System.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 5, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4703. General fee and tuition contributions - Appropriations - Investment in quality education - Intent of Legislature.

A. It is the intent of the Legislature that within a period of four (4) years Oklahoma shall reach the middle quintile among the states for like institutions in general fee and tuition contribution and in state appropriations invested in improving higher education.
B. It is the intent of the Oklahoma Legislature to build our existing higher education system into a system of greater quality. In order to do so, the Oklahoma Legislature intends to increase its investment in the quality of The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. The Legislature hereby authorizes the State Regents for Higher Education to fund institutions with careful consideration of their role within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education; such funding should be based on each institution's potential for excellence and in line with each institution's progress toward achieving its goals.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 6, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4704. Consolidation of financial assistance program - Increasing assistance - Priority system for eligibility for assistance - National Merit scholars.

A. The State Regents for Higher Education are hereby authorized to consolidate the administration of all scholarship, forgiveable loan and teacher institute monies within one student financial assistance program.
B. The Oklahoma Legislature believes that its citizens should receive the benefits of higher education and it further believes that the state benefits by having an educated populace. It is the intent of the Legislature to increase funding to grant, scholarship, teacher institute and forgivable loan programs, as funds are made available. The State Regents for Higher Education are hereby authorized to establish a priority system for eligibility for assistance based on any one or more of the following criteria:
1. need;
2. minority or underprivileged status;
3. potential for academic excellence;
4. potential for excellence in targeted career areas, such as teaching; or
5. potential as a research or teaching assistant at the post-graduate level.
C. As funds are made available, it is the intent of the Legislature to provide full scholarships to allow National Merit scholars to attend any public institution of higher education in this state. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide seventy-five percent (75%) scholarships to allow National Merit Semi-finalists to attend any public institution of higher education in this state.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 7, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4705. Educational trust fund - Study.

The State Regents for Higher Education are hereby authorized to study developing a program to create at least one trust fund whereby Oklahoma residents will be able to pre-pay all or part of enrollment fees or tuition to any Oklahoma institution of higher education recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. This program shall require that monies paid in shall be held in trust and used to pay all or part of the enrollment fees for the beneficiaries designated by the contributor to the trust. The program shall allow payments to be made either in a lump sum or in installments, with the amounts of money due being determined based on the age of the beneficiary. The program shall require the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to file a report with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate prior to January 31 of each year, detailing the activity of the trust in the previous year. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are authorized to model the planon the Michigan education trust act. The Regents shall, prior to January 31, 1988, file a report with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, outlining the program.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 8, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4706. Defining roles, goals and missions of like institutions - Admission standard - Commendation of two-year colleges for providing universal access and State Regents for updating and enforcing viability standard.

A. Recognizing the increasing demand for college and university education, the rapid changes facing our society, and the worldwide competition facing our citizens, the Legislature acknowledges the need to reexamine the state's higher education system to ensure that the system created half a century ago will meet the changing needs. It is the intent of the Legislature that the State Regents for Higher Education fully exercise their constitutional authority to reexamine and more clearly define the roles, goals and missions of like institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. It is further the intent of the Legislature that the State Regents examine the current system of governance of Oklahoma institutions of higher education and submit a report and recommendations to the Oklahoma Legislature by January 1, 1993. Such recommendations shall also examine qualifications for board service and shall be consistent with the functions assigned each institution.
B. The Legislature encourages the State Regents to set admissions standards reflecting the differences between the various institutions. The implementation of such standards shall not have a negative impact on current funding.
C. The Legislature commends the two-year colleges for providing universal access. In the interest of economy and of value for each dollar invested in the system, unnecessary duplication should be avoided.
D. The Legislature commends the State Regents for Higher Education for updating and enforcing the viability standards for institutions of higher education.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 9, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1992, c. 308, § 14, eff. June 1, 1992.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4707. Comprehensive examination for graduates.

The Oklahoma Legislature believes that any student who graduates from any institution of higher education in The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education should have a demonstrable knowledge of basic courses: English composition and comprehension and mathematics. It is therefore the intent of the Legislature that, prior to enrollment in upper division classes, each student shall demonstrate satisfactory achievement by passing a comprehensive examination. The Legislature commends the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for initiating the study of how best to accomplish this purpose.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 10, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4708. Cooperation with private sector in establishing centers of excellence.

Recognizing that true excellence can be achieved only through cooperation within institutions of higher education, among the institutions, and between the institutions and the private sector, it is the intent of the Legislature that institutions of higher education seek the establishment of centers of excellence on their campuses, as authorized by the Economic Development Act of 1987.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 11, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4709. Minority faculty representation - Faculty award and fellowship opportunities - Faculty salaries.

A. It is the intent of the Legislature that the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education continue to increase the proportional representation of ethnic minorities among the academic faculties at the individual institutions of The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. Funds shall continue to be made available to the institutions for the first year payment of salary following employment of a newly hired tenured or tenure-track minority faculty member. It is the intent of the Legislature that these funds be provided only for those persons who are hired with the intention of permanently filling a faculty position which either has become open or has been created at an institution. Funding for personal benefits shall be provided by the employing institution. It is the further intent of the Legislature that special effort continue to be given to recruitment of minorities in those academic fields in which they are particularly underrepresented. The State Regents shall encourage the institutions to continue aggressive recruitment of minority academic faculty.
B. It is the intent of the Legislature to initiate award and fellowship opportunities to commend faculty, serving at institutions of higher education within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, who have the potential for nationally or internationally recognized research or scholarship.
C. It is the intent of the Legislature to raise faculty salaries to a nationally competitive level. Institutions which are currently farthest from the national average shall be the first to participate in such increases in salary.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 12, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4710. Technology transfer systems.

The Oklahoma Legislature believes that one key to excellence in higher education is having an exceptional technology transfer system in place. This encourages an influx of excellent researchers who see the potential for marketing the products of their research. This benefits the state in several ways:
1. It allows the students the opportunity to work and study with the most brilliant minds in the research field;
2. It allows industries in this state a chance to utilize the discoveries made; and
3. It encourages the growth of new industries.
It is therefore the intent of the Legislature that the State Regents for Higher Education encourage individual institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education to devise and implement a plan to improve the technology transfer system within this state. It is further the intention of the Legislature that individual researchers be given a significant percentage of all monies generated by the successful marketing of their inventions.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 13, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4711. Business assistance liaison officer.

It is the intent of the Legislature that the State Regents for Higher Education designate an individual, within their office, who shall serve as a business assistance liaison to the Department of Commerce and individual institutions of higher education within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. This individual shall provide up-to-date information on higher education opportunities and developments to the Department of Commerce, serve as a referral resource for current information on technology transfer projects and research developments which may impact on economic development, and serve in any other related capacities which the State Regents for Higher Education deem necessary.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 14, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4712. Funds for Excellence Program.

There is hereby created, in the Office of the State Regents for Higher Education, a Funds for Excellence Program. The purpose of this program shall be to encourage the various institutions of Higher Education within The State System of Higher Education to compete for grants to be awarded to institutions with innovative programs aimed at improving the overall quality of higher education.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 16, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4713. Funds for Excellence Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Office of the State Regents for Higher Education to be designated the "Funds for Excellence Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations and shall consist of all monies received by the Office of the State Regents for Higher Education from all funds appropriated for that purpose by the Legislature and allocated thereto by the State Regents and all private contributions, grants, and donations of monies made for the purposes of Sections 4712 through 4715 of this title. All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Office of the State Regents for Higher Education for the purposes specified in Sections 4712 through 4715 of this title and for administering the provisions of Sections 4712 through 4715 of this title; however, such monies expended for such administrative costs shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the total amount of monies in said fund. Expenditures from said fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for approval and payment.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 17, operative July 1, 1987. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 642.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4714. Grant competitions - Rules and procedures - Funding.

A. If funds are available in the Funds for Excellence Fund, created pursuant to Section 4713 of this title, the State Regents for Higher Education shall develop and conduct a series of grant competitions for the various institutions of higher education within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
B. The State Regents for Higher Education shall devise the rules and procedures to be used in the grant competition within the following broad outlines set forth by the Legislature:
1. The State Regents for Higher Education shall set forth the theme of the competition. The general theme shall always relate to improving some aspect of higher education, however the specific theme could include, but not be limited to, any one or combination of the following:
a.
improving general or core curricular studies for undergraduates. Projects, for example, could involve a revision by the College Arts and Sciences of course requirements with special emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, or those integrating geography with core requirements,
b.
strengthening core arts and sciences curricular requirements for preprofessional students,
c.
effectively applying assessment in student admission, placement, retention, advancement and graduation,
d.
strengthening the economic development outreach activities of higher education institutions,
e.
strengthening academic alliances between high schools and higher education institutions, and
f.
improving academic cooperation between two-year colleges and technology center schools;
2. Each institution of higher education interested in participating in the competition shall conduct an internal competition, with internal peer review, to select three proposals. These three proposals shall be submitted to the State Regents for Higher Education and shall compete against the top three proposals from all other participating institutions of higher education. All projects offered must be collaborative efforts by departments or colleges. Projects offered by individuals shall not be considered; and
3. The State Regents for Higher Education shall conduct an external peer review of the top three proposals submitted by each institution and may select one or more for funding.
C. Funding shall be from the Funds for Excellence Fund, created pursuant to Section 4713 of this title.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 18, operative July 1, 1987. Amended by Laws 2001, c. 33, § 160, eff. July 1, 2001.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-4715. Disbursement from Funds for Excellence Fund.

Disbursements may be made from the Funds for Excellence Fund beginning July 1, 1989, if monies are available in said fund. Disbursements shall be made to the appropriate institutions of higher education for the purposes specified in the winning grant proposals.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 227, § 19, operative July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-6001. Legislative intent.

A. The Legislature finds and declares the following:
1. It is an essential function of state government to forever encourage schools and the means of education;
2. It is a responsibility of state government to maintain state institutions of higher education;
3. It is an essential function of state government to encourage attendance at state institutions of higher education;
4. Tuition costs at public institutions of higher education are difficult for many to afford and are difficult to predict in order to enable individuals and families to plan;
5. It is in the best interest of the people of this state to foster public higher education in order to provide well-educated citizens;
6. It is in the best interest of the people of this state to encourage state residents desiring higher education to enroll in state institutions of higher learning;
7. Students in elementary and secondary schools tend to achieve a higher standard of performance when the payment of tuition for their higher education is secured; and
8. Providing assistance to assure the higher education of the citizens of this state is necessary and desirable for the public health, safety and welfare.
B. It is therefore the intention of the Legislature that the purposes of the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Act and of the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Fund created by the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Act shall be to:
1. encourage education and the means of education;
2. maintain state institutions of higher education by helping to provide a stable financial base to these institutions;
3. provide wide and affordable access to state institutions of higher education for the residents of this state;
4. encourage attendance at state institutions of higher education;
5. provide students and their parents economic protection against rising tuition costs;
6. provide students and their parents assistance in financing postsecondary education;
7. help provide the benefits of higher education to the people of this state; and
8. encourage elementary and secondary students in this state to achieve high standards of performance.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 261, § 2, emerg. eff. June 29, 1988.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-6002. Definitions.

As used in the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Act:
1. "Advance tuition payment contract" means a contract entered into by the Trust and a purchaser to provide for the higher education of a qualified beneficiary;
2. "Regents" means the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education;
3. "Purchaser" means a person who makes or is obligated to make advance tuition payments pursuant to an advance tuition payment contract;
4. "Qualified beneficiary" means any resident of this state, eligible and entitled to attend a state institution of higher education without further in-state tuition payment pursuant to an advance tuition payment contract;
5. "Institution of higher education" means a state-supported institution of higher education within this state, which is designated by the Regents as an institution of higher education for purposes of the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Act;
6. "Trust" means the Oklahoma Tuition Trust;
7. "Tuition" means the general enrollment fees imposed each semester upon residents of this state to attend a state institution of higher education including all mandatory special fees required as a condition of enrollment as determined by the State Regents for Higher Education;
8. "Nonresident tuition" means the semester charges imposed upon nonresidents of this state to attend a state institution of higher education including all general enrollment fees, nonresident tuition payments and mandatory special fees as determined by the State Regents for Higher Education; and
9. "Eligibility period" means the period of time in which a qualified beneficiary may exercise the rights granted in an advance payment contract.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 261, § 3, emerg. eff. June 29, 1988.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-6003. Creation of Oklahoma Tuition Trust - Investment advisory committee.

A. There is hereby created the "Oklahoma Tuition Trust". The purposes, powers, and duties of the Oklahoma Tuition Trust are vested in and shall be exercised by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
B. The Regents may delegate to its chairperson or any other person such functions and authority as the Regents consider necessary or appropriate. These functions may include, but are not limited to, the oversight and supervision of employees of the Regents which implement the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Act.
C. The Regents may create an investment advisory committee. The committee shall be composed of five (5) members appointed by the Regents. The members shall have skill and experience in the business and financial fields. The members shall serve at the pleasure of the Regents. The committee shall make recommendations to the Regents concerning the investment of the monies of the Trust.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 261, § 4, emerg. eff. June 29, 1988.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-6007. Payments on behalf of beneficiaries - Scholarship refunds.

A. Within thirty (30) days of written notice to the Regents that a qualified beneficiary is enrolled in and attending classes for a given semester, quarter, term, or session, the Regents shall pay to the appropriate institution of higher education the then actual in-state fees on behalf of the qualified beneficiary.
B. If a qualified beneficiary or a nonresident beneficiary receives a scholarship which reduces the cost of tuition at the institution of higher education which such beneficiary attends, then the institution of higher education shall notify the Regents of the scholarship and its amount. The Regents shall refund the amount of the scholarship to the person designated in the contract as the appropriate person to receive a refund. The Regents shall pay to the institution of higher education the tuition amount less the scholarship amount. The refund amount shall be treated by the recipient of the refund as ordinary income for the year in which it is received.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 261, § 8, emerg. eff. June 29, 1988.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-6010. Ruling requests - United States Internal Revenue Service and Securities and Exchange Commission.

A. The Regents shall solicit answers to appropriate ruling requests from the United States Internal Revenue Service regarding the tax status of the value received under the contract to the purchaser or qualified beneficiary. The Regents shall attempt to ensure that purchasers and qualified beneficiaries receive the maximum federal and state tax benefits under this program. No contracts shall be entered into with any purchaser prior to June 1, 1990 or until receipt of an Internal Revenue Service private letter ruling determining that:
1. the income of the Trust is excludable from gross income as income earned by an integral part of the state or as income derived from the exercise of an essential governmental function that accrues to the state under Section 115 of the Internal Revenue Code; and
2. the purchase price of such a contract either is excludable from the application of the federal gift tax or qualifies as a gift of a present interest in property eligible for the ten-thousand-dollar annual exclusion,
whichever occurs later.
B. The Regents may solicit answers to appropriate ruling requests from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the application of federal security laws to the fund.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 261, § 11, emerg. eff. June 29, 1988.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-6011. Enforcement of act and contracts pursuant thereto.

State institutions of higher education, purchasers and qualified beneficiaries may enforce the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Act and any contract entered into pursuant to the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Act in the district court for Oklahoma County.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 261, § 12, emerg. eff. June 29, 1988.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-6012. Unauthorized loans and other transfers - Ceiling on tuition aid grants.

A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, the assets of the Trust shall be preserved, invested, and expended solely pursuant to and for the purposes set forth in the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Act and shall not be loaned or otherwise transferred or used by the state for any purpose other than the purposes of the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Act. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the Trust from investing in, by purchase or otherwise, bonds, notes, or other obligations of the state, an agency of the state, or an instrumentality of the state.
B. Not less than three percent (3%) nor more than ten percent (10%), as determined by the Regents, of the interest income generated by the investment of the assets of the Oklahoma College Tuition Trust Fund shall be used for the purpose of making tuition aid grants pursuant to the Oklahoma Higher Education Tuition Aid Act.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 261, § 13, emerg. eff. June 29, 1988.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-6013. Construction of act and contracts entered into pursuant thereto.

Nothing in the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Act or in an advance tuition payment contract entered into pursuant to the Oklahoma Tuition Trust Act shall be construed as a promise or guarantee by the Trust or the state that a person will be admitted to an institution of higher education or to a particular institution of higher education, will be allowed to continue to attend an institution of higher education after having been admitted, or will be graduated from an institution of higher education.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 261, § 14, emerg. eff. June 29, 1988.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-6014. Tax exemptions and deductions - Sale or transfer of advance tuition contracts.

A. The property of the Trust and its income and operation shall be exempt from all taxation by this state or any of its political subdivisions.
B. The purchaser may deduct from taxable income the amount of payment made under an advance tuition payment contract during the tax year.
C. An advance tuition payment contract is not a security subject to regulation by the state. An advance tuition contract may not be sold or otherwise transferred by the purchaser or qualified beneficiary without the prior approval of the Regents.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 261, § 15, emerg. eff. June 29, 1988.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-8003. Center for the Study of Literacy - Responsibilities.

It is the intent of the Legislature that the Center for the Study of Literacy located at Northeastern State University be responsible for:
1. Establishment of a clearinghouse for the exchange of information and sharing of ideas regarding successful literacy programs and opportunities for funding;
2. In cooperation with the Department of Education and the Department of Libraries, provision of assistance for the writing of applications for grants related to literacy;
3. Establishment of a statewide directory of literacy programs and related services, sorted by county and cross-referenced with support services, with the Clearinghouse for Literacy responsible for gathering, maintaining and disseminating the referral directory; and
4. Establishment and operation of a toll-free statewide literacy services referral system, as funds become available.
Added by Laws 1992, c. 393, § 1, eff. July 1, 1992. Amended by Laws 2000, c. 296, § 1, emerg. eff. June 5, 2000.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-8005. Adult Literacy Services Advisory Committee - Members.

A. The Adult Literacy Services Advisory Committee shall be composed of fifteen (15) members:
1. The Governor shall appoint two members who are executives of business or industry;
2. The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint one member to serve as cochair of the Committee who is a member of the House of Representatives and one member who is a volunteer of a local literacy program;
3. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall appoint one member to serve as cochair of the Committee who is a member of the Senate and one member who is a volunteer of a local literacy program;
4. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction shall appoint two members who work with a local adult basic education program and one member who is employed in the Lifelong Learning Section of the State Department of Education;
5. The Director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries shall appoint one member who is employed in the Literacy Resource Office of the Department of Libraries;
6. The Executive Director of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority shall appoint one member;
7. The Director of the Center for the Study of Literacy at Northeastern State University shall appoint one member;
8. The Director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education shall appoint one member who is employed by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education and who works in adult education;
9. The Director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services shall appoint one member who is employed by the Department and is knowledgeable about adult literacy and education needs; and
10. One member who serves as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition, Incorporated.
B. The Committee cochairs shall convene an organizational meeting no later than August 31, 2000, at which time the Committee may adopt rules governing its operation and elect other officers to serve the Committee. The presence of seven members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.
C. Appointed members shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
D. Nonlegislative members of the Committee shall be reimbursed by the appointing authority for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties pursuant to the State Travel Reimbursement Act.
E. Legislative members of the Committee shall be reimbursed by their appointing authorities for necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with Section 456 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 296, § 3, emerg. eff. June 5, 2000. Amended by Laws 2001, c. 33, § 162, eff. July 1, 2001.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-9002. Legislative findings.

The Legislature finds that providing access to additional sources of revenue for certain institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education is in furtherance of a policy for making postsecondary education accessible to more persons, providing increased educational opportunities, improved income-producing potential and other positive outcomes. The provisions of this act shall be considered an amendment authorized by subsection H of Section 9B of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution.
Added by Laws 2022, c. 406, § 2.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-9003. Higher education funding district.

An eligible two-year institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education that utilizes the procedures established by this act shall be considered a higher education funding district for purposes of establishing a district, organizing the district, calling for operational millage rates or sinking fund millage rates or both, in the same manner as provided by law pursuant to the provisions of Section 9B of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution and the provisions of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes which enable Section 9B of Article X.
Added by Laws 2022, c. 406, § 3.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-9004. Board of regents resolution for inclusion.

A. The board of regents of an eligible two-year college within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education may adopt a resolution to cause the college to be included, for purposes of this act, within a higher education funding district. The resolution shall require the approval of a majority of the members of the board of regents.
B. No higher education funding district shall be allowed to include the territory or establish any levy of any career technology district, including any existing college career technology district, that has been formed prior to the proposed formation of a higher education funding district.
Added by Laws 2022, c. 406, § 4.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-9005. District boundary map – Assessed value.

A. The board of regents of the eligible institution shall cause a map to be prepared depicting the boundary of the proposed district with the assets constituting the main campus of the institution to be located at some point within such boundary.
B. The county assessor of the county or counties within which the district is proposed to be located shall provide information to the board of regents regarding the net assessed value of all taxable property within the boundary of the proposed district, including the identification of any real property exempt from taxation pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution, any other provision of the Oklahoma Constitution or the provisions of Section 2887 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Added by Laws 2022, c. 406, § 5.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-9006. Precinct boundary map – County election board.

The county election board of the county or counties within which the proposed higher education funding district is to be located shall provide a precinct boundary map of the proposed area to the board of regents which has approved the resolution to call for a vote to form and organize a higher education funding district.
Added by Laws 2022, c. 406, § 6.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-9007. Election on district formation and millage rate – Bonds – Special election – Election costs.

A. An election may be conducted in November of any even-numbered year in order to determine whether the proposed higher education funding district shall be formed and its initial operational millage rate, which shall not exceed the number of mills as prescribed by Section 9B of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution. If the certified election results show that a sixty percent (60%) majority of all votes cast are in favor of the creation of the higher education funding district, the county election board shall declare the district to have been established and, if an initial operational millage was submitted to the voters as part of the same ballot measure for creation of the district, shall also declare such millage rate to be established for the district.
B. If there are to be any bonds or other evidence of indebtedness issued by the district contemporaneously approved at the election calling for the formation of the district or at any subsequent election called for the purposes of approving such bonds or other evidence of indebtedness, such information as may be required for the approval of a sinking fund millage rate as provided by law shall also be included on the ballot, but the principal amount of debt to be incurred, the projects to be constructed or improved or acquired with the proceeds of the bonds, the maximum maturity of the bonds and other information shall be included as part of the ballot title if that question is submitted to the voters.
C. A special election may be conducted in the manner prescribed by Section 12-116 of Title 26 of the Oklahoma Statutes if the question of the creation of the higher education funding district is to be submitted at any other time than a General Election.
D. All costs for elections related to higher education funding districts shall be paid for by the institution of higher education for the benefit of which the district is being created or, after approval of such district, for the benefit of which the district was created.
Added by Laws 2022, c. 406, § 7.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 70. Schools › §70-9008. Elections – Threshold for approval.

If approved by sixty percent (60%) or more of the voters at the election provided for by Section 7 of this act, there shall be created a higher education funding district which shall be governed by the board of regents for the institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education that has managerial control for the institution for the benefit of which the district has been created.
Added by Laws 2022, c. 406, § 8.