15-1743. Authorizing agreements for education of Arizona students outside compact area; limitations

A. The western interstate commission for higher education is authorized to act on behalf of this state in making arrangements for the placement of students in institutions and programs of higher learning outside the states which are parties to the compact for establishing the commission. For that purpose, the commission may negotiate and enter into arrangements and contracts with the Arizona board of regents, with public and private educational institutions and agencies and with other states. These arrangements and contracts may provide for the obtaining of one or more places for students on either a special or continuing basis; the payment of partial or full tuition and other charges not to exceed the cost of agreements within the compact area; and the furnishing of reciprocal, compensating or other advantages and benefits in support of the educational program involved.

B. The authority conferred by subsection A shall be exercised only pursuant to written agreement between the commission and the Arizona board of regents. Any such agreements shall include provisions for the payment of tuition and any other costs, and no such agreement shall be made which commits this state or any agency or officer of it to any obligation for which funds have not been appropriated or otherwise made available in accordance with law.

C. Nothing in this section alters any of the obligations or restricts or impairs any rights which this state may have under the compact establishing the commission.