(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.