Section 61.055 - Partnerships or Affiliations(a) The board shall encourage cooperative programs and agreements among institutions of higher education, including programs and agreements relating to degree offerings, research activities, and library and computer sharing.(b) A general academic teaching institution or medical and dental unit may establish a partnership or affiliation with another entity to offer or conduct courses for academic credit or to offer or operate a degree program if:(1) the governing board or other appropriate official of the institution or unit determines that the partnership or affiliation is:(A) consistent with the role and mission established for the institution or unit;(B) in accordance with the degree and certificate programs authorized to be offered by the institution or unit; and(C) consistent with the role and mission of the university system, if any, to which the institution or unit belongs;(2) the partnership or affiliation is approved by the coordinating board; or(3) the partnership or affiliation is established to secure or provide clinical or other similar practical educational experience in connection with a course or degree program authorized to be offered by the institution or unit.Amended by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg. - Regular Session, ch. 1155,Sec. 36, eff. 9/1/2013.Amended by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg. - Regular Session, ch. 1155,Sec. 35, eff. 9/1/2013.Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1447, Sec. 1, eff. 6/17/2001.Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 11, eff. 9/1/1993 Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3072, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/1971.