Section 1. "Higher education institution" means any institution of post-secondary education that offers undergraduate or graduate degree programs, including but not limited to universities, colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools.

Section 2. "Vocational training" means any training or education program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a specific trade or profession.

Section 3. "Research and development" means any systematic activity directed toward discovering new knowledge or improving existing knowledge in a particular field or discipline.

Section 4. "Accreditation" means the process by which a higher education institution is evaluated to determine whether it meets established standards of quality and academic rigor.

=== Section 5. === "Industry partnership" means any collaboration between a higher education institution and private industry aimed at promoting innovation, enhancing workforce development, or furthering research and development in a particular field or discipline.

Section 1. Establishment of Research and Development Programs: The government of The Kodiak Republic recognizes the importance of research and development in driving innovation and advancing knowledge across various fields. As such, the government will establish new research and development programs across the country.

Section 2. Criteria for Research and Development Programs: The Ministry of Education and Health will establish criteria for the establishment of new research and development programs based on factors such as alignment with national priorities, potential impact on society, and availability of resources.

Section 3. Collaboration with Industry and Academia: The research and development programs established under this section will collaborate closely with industry partners and academic institutions to ensure that research projects align with current and future workforce needs, and that research outcomes are effectively translated into practical applications.

Section 4. Funding: The government of The Kodiak Republic will allocate 10% of the Higher Education Fund to support research and development programs. The Ministry of Education and Health will establish mechanisms for distributing funds from the Higher Education Fund for research and development, including grants, loans, and other financial instruments.

Section 5. Monitoring and Evaluation: The Ministry of Education and Health will monitor and evaluate the performance of research and development programs established under this section, including their adherence to quality standards, their impact on society, and their contribution to national priorities. The results of these evaluations will be made public and used to inform future decisions regarding the allocation of resources for research and development.

Section 1. Recognition of Private Universities: The government of The Kodiak Republic recognizes the important role that private universities play in expanding access to higher education and promoting diversity of academic offerings. As such, private universities will continue to operate in the Kodiak Republic, but will be subject to certain regulations and oversight.

Section 2. Accreditation: Private universities operating in the Kodiak Republic must be accredited by the Kodiak Tertiary Education Standards Agency (KTESA) to ensure that they meet national standards for quality and academic rigor.

Section 3. Tuition and Fees: Private universities are not eligible for state-funded tuition under this act, but may charge tuition and fees to cover the costs of providing education. The Ministry of Education and Health will establish guidelines for tuition and fee increases, and will closely monitor the affordability of private university education for all students.

Section 4. Accountability and Oversight: Private universities must adhere to the same standards of accountability and oversight as state-funded universities, and must submit to regular audits and evaluations by the KTESA. The Ministry of Education and Health will establish mechanisms for enforcing compliance with regulations and addressing instances of non-compliance.

Section 5. Collaboration with State-Funded Universities: Private universities are encouraged to collaborate with state-funded universities to expand access to higher education and promote innovation in academic offerings. The Ministry of Education and Health will establish mechanisms for facilitating collaboration between private and state-funded universities, including joint research projects, exchange programs, and joint degree programs.

Section 6. Scholarships and Grants: Private universities are authorized to provide scholarships and grants to students to encourage academic excellence and to promote diversity of student populations. Private universities may also apply for grants from the Higher Education Fund established under this act to support their educational offerings and initiatives.

Section 3. The Ministry of Education and Health will establish a public reporting system that will provide regular updates on the use of funds from the Higher Education Fund to ensure transparency and public accountability.

Section 3. Reporting Requirements: The Ministry of Education and Health shall report to the public on the use of funds from the Higher Education Fund on a quarterly basis. The report shall include information on the allocation of funds, the number of scholarships and grants awarded, and the progress of vocational training and apprenticeship programs.

Section 4. Oversight and Accountability: The Ministry of Education and Health shall establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the use of funds from the Higher Education Fund, including regular audits and reports to the public. The Ministry shall also establish procedures for revoking funds from institutions that fail to meet established standards.

Section 5. Sunset Provision: This act shall expire five years after its effective date, unless renewed by the Legislature.

Section 6. Transitional Provisions: Institutions of higher education shall have one year from the effective date of this act to comply with its provisions. During this transitional period, the Ministry of Education and Health shall provide guidance and support to institutions to help them comply with the act.

=== Section 1. === The [[Kodiak Higher Education Rebuild Package, 649]], is hereby repealed, except for the provisions related to full tuition payment for students attending state-funded higher education institutions and any rules, regulations, and guidelines established under the Higher Education Rebuild Package that are not in conflict with this act shall remain in effect until amended or repealed.

=== Section 2. === [[The Advanced Education Act (637)]], passed on February 12, 2022, shall remain in effect and be supplemented by the provisions outlined in this act.

=== Section 3. === This act shall not be construed to affect any contractual obligations entered into before the date of its passage.