The institute shall conduct a comprehensive instructional program in marine science, resources, and engineering at the graduate level and offer undergraduate courses for those students interested in the marine environment, and perform basic and applied research in the marine environment; and may provide shore-based facilities, including, but not limited to, laboratories, boats, classrooms, dormitories, and a cafeteria for faculty and students who are engaged in studies of the marine environment.
Tex. Educ. Code § 67.62