(a) Each fiscal year, the governing board of an institution of higher education may make a contribution to the optional retirement program as provided by this section. The governing board may use any source of funds for the contribution.
(b) A contribution under this section may be any amount that is equal to or less than the difference between the amount the state is required to contribute under Section 830.201 to the benefit of each participant employed by the institution of higher education and the amount the state appropriates for that purpose.
(c) The governing board of an institution of higher education may contribute an amount under this section to the benefit of a participant employed by an institution of higher education on or before August 31, 1995, that is different from the amount the governing board contributes to the benefit of a participant employed by an institution of higher education after that date.