(a) Since academic education beyond the high school level is a statewide responsibility, the board, in its discretion and as the need arises, may cooperate with the federal government and qualified school districts and political subdivisions in the establishment of appropriate higher educational programs and activities. The board is responsible for the selection of all community college instructors, part and full-time, for the academic degree programs and activities, and shall pay all instructional and administrative costs, including cost of special equipment and instructional materials, for academic degree programs and activities offered.
(b) Selected upper division and graduate level courses of instruction, offered by the university through its off-campus instructional program to meet local needs, may be coordinated through the office of the director of a community college.