The Saeima has adopted and the President promulgated the following laws: The Latvian sports pedagogy Academy Constitution article 1. Latvian sports pedagogy Academy the constitutional meeting of 16 May 2006, adopted in Latvian sports pedagogy Academy Constitution with this law is approved. 2. article. With the law put the Latvian sports pedagogy Academy's Charter. The law adopted by the Parliament in the 2007 26 April. The President of the Parliament instead of the President i. Emsis in Riga in 2007 May 16 adopted in Latvian sports pedagogy Academy of constituent Assembly meeting may 16, 2006 in Latvian sports pedagogy Academy Constitution preamble Latvian sports pedagogy Academy opened in 1921 on September 6 as the Latvian Institute of physical education with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia and the order of the Minister of education. 14 august 1945 with the Latvian Communist (Bolshevik) party and the Central Committee of the Latvian people's Council of Commissioners decision No 166 Institute won the Latvian State physical culture Institute.
The first Statute approved on 6 September 1921 with Latvian Prime Minister and Minister of education. Constitution approved on 10 March 1992 the Republic of Latvia Supreme Council decision No. 352 on sports pedagogy Academy of constitutional approval ".
I. General provisions 1. Latvian sports pedagogy Academy (the Academy) is a Latvian National academic and professional education, science, culture and sports institutions, Alma Mater, located in Latvia and serve its people's interests. The Academy's short name is GCC.
Its name in other languages are: Latvian Academy of Sport Education (in English), the Akademi Sportpädagogik für Lettland (German), Латвийская академия спортивной педагогики (in Russian), the pedagogiqu of Academ Sportiva de Anglais (in French), the Latviens Academy of the exercitation corpor pedagogia (in Latin).
2. legal address: Academy freedoms gatve 333, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia.
3. The Academy is derived public person's legal status. The seal of the Republic of Latvia is the small national coat of arms and the words "Latvian sports pedagogy Academy". The Academy has its own flag and coat of arms. The Academy flag is two, one side is red with the Republic of Latvia the small coat-of-arms, Golden in color, the other half is white with the coat of arms of the Academy. Coat of arms of the Academy is the Academy's facade image with four columns, diskobol and the silhouette of the "LSP" Crescent below it.
The Academy's inaugural day, September 6 — is the Academy's holiday.
4. The Academy is academic freedom, it is an autonomous higher education and science institutions self-governing rights. Its authority is based on the permanent staff of the whole rights and opportunities to participate in academic, administrative and business affairs management and administration.
The Academy's competence of the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia confirmed the Constitution. The Academy operates in accordance with this Constitution, the laws of the Republic of Latvia and international agreements.
5. the Academy's academic and professional higher education and science institutions, which have the right to study at the General secondary education. In addition to studying the student is provided with the opportunity to engage in scientific research and the development of sportsmanship.
The Academy's academic and professional degree programs.
6. Graduates after learning of non-recognition of diplomas issued by the Republic of Latvia the small national coat-of-arms image. Diploma sample is determined by the Cabinet of Ministers.
II. Operational objective, tasks and principles of operation of the Academy 7 the main objective is to give students the highest academic and professional higher education and training, the development of sports science and forging a culture, to preserve the Republic of Latvia the necessary intellectual and physical potential, promote development, ensure people's harmonious development.
The Academy provides courses and research work of unity, the opportunity to acquire academic and scientific degrees, professional qualification, social, economic, cultural, educational, health maintenance and strengthening public administration and other areas of activity, as well as provide the opportunity for the student to engage in sport.
8. The Academy's mission is to prepare academically educated teacher. The Academy carries out research work in the field of sports science and pedagogy. Distributes sports staff and teachers ' further training and retraining. The Academy offers to the public for scientific knowledge and research results, prepare and issue textbooks and learning resources.
9. The Academy's academic studies provides Bachelor's and master's academic degree, as well as research work and scientific degrees. Professional higher education provides professional programmes and the appropriate qualifications and professional degrees. Academic degrees, professional qualifications and professional degrees as well as the degree of extraction is the Academy's study and research purpose.
10. The Academy is developing plans and programs of study, the student should have the opportunity to gain knowledge, academic education and professional skills, and skills appropriate to the level of scientific progress and to the assigned degrees and titles obtained diplomas and professional qualifications, as well as courses in separate parts of the mutually recognised Latvian and foreign universities.
11. promote the continuing education of the Academy and participate in continuing education activities. It cooperates with other universities, scientific research and other institutions. The Academy encourages cooperation with other universities, as well as the student and academic staff exchanges.
12. In implementing its business objectives and tasks, the Academy is based on the following principles: 12.1. cognition and study, academic and scientific freedom; study of the subject and the content of the scientific work and the free choice of methods; free scientific perspective and expression (publishing), if this freedom is not in conflict with ethical norms, the rights of others and the laws of the Republic of Latvia;
12.2. the studies and scientific work oneness;
12.3. studies and research related to the society's needs and requirements with the highest achievements of civilization and the world's humanitarian traditions.
13. the Academy gives you the opportunity to gain the academic and vocational education to any citizen of Latvia and other persons under the laws of the Republic of Latvia.
III. the competence and activities of Academy form according to their business objectives and tasks: 14.1. formulate and adopt the Constitution;
14.2. create personnel;
14.3. develops and enhances the study plans, schedules and programs, shall designate the academic staff, the equipment, gym, Stadium, laboratories, libraries and other bodies so as to enable the student to acquire the knowledge, skills and competences, academic education, professional skills, according to the level of development of science and the Latvian cultural traditions;
14.4. provides tests and Exo menu requirements and procedure for the quality assigned to degrees and titles obtained diplomas and professional qualifications, training courses in other universities recognized in Latvia and other countries;
14.5. independently determine the content and form of study, student admission additional rules of procedure imatrikulācij as well as the Academy of scientific research directions;
14.6. determine its organisational and administrative structure;
14.7. determine the wage rate that is not less than the Cabinet;
14.8. thesis, qualifications, shall be issued by the appropriate college diplomas recognised in the Republic of Latvia;
9.3. in further education;
14.10. elected by the Academy's honorary doctorate, Emeritus Professor, established and granted the honorary titles of the Academy, bonuses and personālstipendij.
15. In connection with the study, sports and scientific activity of the Academy shall have the right to: 15.1. organize public courses and lectures, congresses, conferences and other meetings, to establish associations and foundations, as well as be a member or founder;
15.2. to conclude agreements with the Republic of Latvia and the foreign teaching, scientific and other institutions;
15.3. to carry out economic activity and publishing.
16. The Academy founded in associations, departments, offices, institutions, commercial companies and other organizations working on the Senate approved rules (statutes). If they are not in accordance with the rules (statutes) or is contrary to the interests of the Academy, the Senate by its decision is entitled to disable them.
17. The Senate of the Academy determine the Academy's rules of operation, taking into account the traditional, internationally recognised universities space and territory integrity.
IV. authority of the Academy and the Department 18. representation of the Academy of management and the main decision-making bodies are: 18.1. Constituent Assembly;
18.2. The Senate;
18.3. the Rector;
18.4. The Audit Commission;
18.5. The academic Tribunal.

19. the constituent Assembly has authorized the higher Academy collegiate representation, management and decision-making bodies. Constituent Assembly: 19.1. adopt and amend the Constitution of the Academy;
19.2. elect and cancels the Rector;
19.3. listen to the Rector's report;
19.4. elected by the Senate of the Academy and its members approve reference Senate rules;
19.5. The Audit Commission is elected by its members, and approved by the Audit Commission's rules;
12.2. elected by the academic Tribunal and repealing its members approve the academic regulations of the arbitration.
Constituent Assembly is empowered to accept for consideration and decision by the Academy to other conceptual and development issues.
Constituent Assembly members elected for a term of three years, by secret ballot, from professors and other academic staff, student and other groups of employees. Academic staff representatives share the constitutional meeting must not be less than 60 percent, and the student share of not less than 20 percent. Constituent Assembly Member may withdraw its staff group general meeting of representatives, which elected him constitutional meeting. Constituent Assembly shall elect its Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary. The constitutional meeting convened by the Rector or the Senate not less frequently than every three years. The constitutional meeting governed by regulations approved by the constituent Assembly.
20. The Senate is the Academy staff collegiate authority of management and approve the procedures and rules governing all activities of the Academy. The Senate's mission and activities are governed by regulations approved by the constituent Assembly. Senator shall be elected for three years by the constituent Assembly. The Senate is composed of 75 percent must be academic staff representatives, student proportion must be not less than 20 percent. At least 50 percent of the composition of the Senate must be professors and associate professors. Academic and general staff representatives in the Senate want only the category of staff representatives. Student representatives in the Senate elected by student self-government. Senate meeting chaired by Senate joy šsēdētāj. The Rector and Vice Rector for participating in the meetings of the Senate as Senate members with voting rights. Senate: 20.1. elected by the academic staff, with the exception of Professor and associate professor;
20.2. Decides on the course of study, scientific, sporting, economic and financial transaction issues;
20.3. determines the studies and tests of sliding;
20.4. the independent nature of the Commission and the Council to develop proposals and give opinions on the draft of the Senate;
20.5. create Advisor Convention, governed by the Senate approved Charter;
20.6. establish, reorganise and eliminates the Academy departments, offices, institutions and commercial companies;
20.7. listen to the Audit Commission and the academic Tribunal reports.
21. The Rector is the highest officer of the Academy, the Academy's General Administration and without special authorisation shall represent the Academy. The Rector knows and manages the activities of the Academy are responsible for implementing these constitutional requirements, constituent Assembly and Senate and pursuant regulations. Rector elected by the constituent Assembly for a period not exceeding five years, no more than two times in a row. The Rector set up a Consultative Council (rektorāt). Vice Rector of the order position is determined by the rules of the Senate. Rector Vice Rector is determined.
22. the Commission elected by the constituent Assembly for a three-year period not less than three persons. Its composition must be representative of administrative staff of the Academy.
The Audit Commission is entitled to check the Academy financial and operational compliance with existing laws, other laws and the Constitution of the Academy.
The Audit Commission at least once a year a written report on the results of their proceedings in the Senate.
23. The academic Tribunal elected by the constituent Assembly by secret ballot for a period of three years. The academic composition of the arbitral tribunal consists of three to five academic staff representatives. Its composition must be representative of administrative staff of the Academy. Student share academic arbitration should not be less than 20 percent of the composition of the arbitral tribunal, it shall elect student self-government. The academic decisions of arbitration, subject to the approval of the Senate, the Executive authority. The academic members of the Tribunal for their actions from constitutional meeting and responsible position in the initiative of the employer may release them only with its consent. The academic Tribunal appearance: 23.1. student and academic staff submissions for the Academy's Constitution certain academic freedom and rights restrictions or infringements;
23.2. disputes between officials of the Academy, as well as the governing bodies of the Department located in the connecting relations.
14.5. notifications for the constituent Assembly, Senate and Rector's decision to appeal.
24. The Academy issued administrative acts or actual action University staff can challenge the universities academic arbitration. Academic arbitration decisions may be appealed to the Court of Justice of the administrative procedure law. Persons who are not staff of the Academy, the Academy issued administrative acts or actual action may be challenged, by the Rector of the Academy of the application. The Rector's decision may be appealed to the Court of Justice of the administrative procedure law. If the disputed administrative act or actual action has been issued by the Rector of the Academy, the persons who are not staff of the Academy, the appropriate administrative acts or actual action may be challenged in the Ministry of education and science. The Ministry's decision may be appealed to the Court of Justice of the administrative procedure law.
25. the structure of the Academy shall be determined by the Department, authorities and commercial companies established, reorganized and abolished the Senate. The Academy's departments, functions and tasks right down the departments regulations, approved by the Senate. Education, science, sports and business Academy in the job has the following departments: 25.1. Student Council;
25.2. The Sports Dome;
25.3. the deanery;
25.4. the Institute;
25.5. the Chair/Professor group;
15.9. the laboratory;
25.7. Academic staff by the Commission;
25.8. the study programme of the Commission;
16.1. The admission Commission;
25.10. the Commission of experts;
25.11. Dissertation Council;
25.12. Sports Science Professor.
26. the Department coordinates the study Dome, Professor of Institute of mutual activity Studio, Studio and student decide upon scientific work organisational issues, propose the issues that must be considered in the Senate. The idea is all the Department heads of the group, Professor, Institute of Directors, deans, prodekān, and Studio Executive. Studio thoughts run Vice Rector of studies. Study of by-laws approved by the Senate.
27. Sports Council coordinates the work of the Sports Academy and suggest issues that must be considered in the Senate. Hall is the Deputy Heads of the Department of sports, Sports Club Manager. Sports think run sports Vice Rector. Sports Council by-laws approved by the Senate.
28. the deanery is a Department of the Academy, which determines and coordinates the day section, masters, doctoral, distance training, post-graduate study programmes according to the realization of the academic training, academic, degree and professional training, ensures the necessary conditions for this action. The activities of the deanery headed by the Dean and the Secretariat. Following the recommendation of the Dean of studies idea shall be elected by the Senate for five years, but not more than two times in a row. Dean's student, major and official representative of the PhD study in all cases. The Secretariat manages the deanery of management. Operation determined deanery Charter, approved by the Senate.
29. the Institute has one or more of the scientific departments of subsectors, which are within their competence are taken with sports the education and training of professionals of study, related to the methodological, scientific and economic activity. The Institute established by the Senate decision. The Institute's Charter, approved by the Senate.
30. the Chair/Professor group is the Academy's study and research unit that produces, organizes and offers study programmes and carry out scientific research. Chair and Professor of the groups established by the Senate decision. Chair and Professor of the group is entitled independently to decide all issues of its activity with the Constitution is not passed to the Council or the Senate Study. Chair/Professor leader elected by the Senate. Chair and Professor of the group leader is the official Chair and Professor of the representative of the group in all its affairs. Within the jurisdiction of the Department and Professor groups you can create your own departments. Department/Professor group governed by regulations approved by the Senate.
31. The laboratory is the Academy's research unit, which creates and distributes research programmes and studies in any of the sports or other branches of science or take part in other programmes. The establishment and functioning of the laboratory shall be in accordance with the principles expressed in relation to a Department, and Professor. Laboratory regulations approved by the Senate.

32. Academic staff the Commission shall examine the conformity of the academic staff capacity (elected) positions in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Latvia. It shall consist of at least five people, subject to the approval of the Senate. Academic staff in the Commission's Statute approved by the Senate.
33. Study Programme the Commission organises and directs the course of programme design and development, as well as to coordinate their mutual integration. It contains up to seven people, subject to the approval of the Senate.
34. The Committee organizes and directs the new student enrollment and imatrikulācij. Its structure, number and composition of the word shall be fixed each year by the Rector's order.
35. the Expert Commission shall take Bachelor's and master's work inspection. Its numerical and verbal composition is determined by the Senate.
36. the dissertation Board shall organise and carry out the scientific degrees of doctor and nostrifikācij. Its members elected by the Senate. The award of the degree of the rights delegated to the Cabinet in accordance with the law of scientific activities. Dissertation Council determines the Senate approved regulations.
37. A sports science professor Council created to ensure professors and associate professor of sports science, election of the industry. Its composition according to the University Act and the requirements set out in the by-laws approved by the Senate.
38. the tasks of the Academy are created in other departments, which governed the Academy's legal documents (Bylaws, orders URu.tml.).
V. staff 39. Academy staff consists of: 39.1. academic staff — the Academy elected positions in academic staff;
24.4. the General staff;
39.3. full time undergraduate majors and doctoral candidate, also.
The rights and obligations of the staff is to promote study and research freedom, promote transparency in the management of the Academy. Staff on duty must be completed so that the Academy would be able to carry out its tasks and to avoid infringement of any rights of another person and not be disturbed or job responsibilities. Personnel have the right to constitutional Academy to participate in the management and governance decisions and internal rules of the Academy, to participate in making decisions that affect the interests of the staff to participate in collegiate management organ of the Academy meetings, as well as the right to be heard. Personnel shall have the right to participate in the self-governing bodies of the Academy in elections and to be elected to them. Management's responsibility to take care of the working conditions of staff, provide an opportunity to build skills and to retrain.
40. The academic staff consists of: 24.9. Professor, associated Professor;
40.2. Assistant Professor, leading researchers;
40.3. lecturers, researchers;
25.1. the Assistant.
A person can elect only one — professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, lecturer or Assistant — academic posts and only one University.
Academic staff to carry out scientific research and participate in undergraduate education. The scope of the mission operating in each of the two ways down the Senate.
41. The Academy Professor's post may elect a person who has a doctoral degree and a minimum of three years work experience or an Associate Professor Professor's post. Professor for six years, is elected by the Academy of sports science professor of the Council and, on the basis of the Council decision, the Rector concluded with their contract of all time — election six years ago.
42. The Academy's Associate Professor appointment may elect a person who has a doctoral degree. Associate Professor shall be elected for a term of six years the Academy's sports science professor of the Council on the basis of its decision, the Rector concluded with their contract of all time — election six years ago.
43. The Academy's Assistant (principal investigator) post may elect a person who has a doctoral degree. Assistant Professor for six years, is elected by the Senate of the Academy and on the basis of the decision of the Senate, the Rector concluded with their contract of all time — election six years ago.
Elected professors, associate professors and Assistant Professor shall be granted according to academic title.
44. The Academy's lecturers and Assistant post can elect a person with at least a master's degree. Lecturers, researchers and assistants shall be elected for a term of six years, the Senate of the Academy. Lecturer and Assistant main tasks is the work study and management, as well as the research work being carried out.
45. Academic staff shall carry out pedagogical work and scientific research, develop curriculum content, form, and organizes their execution, according to course programs prepared textbooks and resources.
46. A special contribution to the higher education professors and associate professors, reaching retirement age, you can assign a name of honour — Emeritus Professor and other honorary titles of the Academy.
47. in the light of the need to acquire practical skills and knowledge, professional study programme profile subjects, lecturer and Assistant Professor Assistant post can take a person with higher education without degree, if it is appropriate for the subject of study in practical work experience. Elected to the post of Assistant Professor at the person who has no degree, that person would need at least seven years of practical work experience. Teachers and assistants who do not have the scientific and academic degrees, have the required object according to five years of practical work experience. Associate Professor elected to the post in a person who has no degree, this person needs at least ten years practical work experience in the sector concerned and the relevant higher education.
48. Professors and associate professors of the Academy shall lay down the procedure for the election of the Professor of Sports Science Council Charter. The rest of the academic staff of the tender shall be elected according to the rules of the Senate, academic staff elections. Academic staff competence and activities determined in the Senate approved the "Latvian sports pedagogy Academy academic staff Office Charter".
If the Academy is free or free trade, the Senate may decide not to announce a contest, but to hire a visiting guest lecturer, or viesdocent.
49. academic staff every year due to the eight weeks of paid leave, but every six years paid six calendar month sabbaticals for scientific research or scientific work outside their place of work. Academic staff members have the right to get paid one time of study leave (three months) for the preparation of the thesis. The leave is to be used in accordance with the approved programme of the Department. Professors, associate professors and Assistant Professor in the same election is entitled to request unpaid leave for a period of up to 24 months, to work as a visiting guest lecturer or academic positions in other universities.
50. The Academy staff is entitled to participate in the management and the Board's decision, as well as the use of all the Academy's organizational structure for internal operations set in order.
51. The Academy staff is responsible for the performance of his duties. The order in which qualify infringements and imposed penalties for non-compliance with the obligation, laid down in the Senate on the basis of existing laws.
52. The Academy's learners: 52.1. Bachelor's and all levels of vocational courses for students;
52.2. the major;
52.3. doctoral candidates.
53. the right to study in the Academy is every citizen of Latvia and persons who have been issued by the Republic of Latvia, non-citizens and persons who have been issued permanent residence permits and the secondary education certificate. Foreigners and stateless persons the right to study the regulation of the University Academy of law. The Academy may be persons who study: 53.1. got Academy requirements of appropriate secondary education, to qualify for a Bachelor's degree, professional higher education or professional degree;
53.2. acquired a Bachelor's degree or equivalent to qualify for professional qualifications or masters degree;
53.3. acquired a master's degree or its equivalent, in order to qualify for a doctoral degree.
54. Admission to the Academy regulates intake. Admissions determined by invitation to tender, on the basis of the centralized exam results and the Academy's Senate approved additional requirements.
The study started in later stages of study are possible, if settled in the course of the preliminary examination of study required in another college or did the addition to the Academy. The student from the student list in the regulation of the Academy in the Senate-approved provisions.
55. Student rights: 55.1. to get higher academic or higher vocational education;
55.2. in use, the Academy library, equipment, hardware, cultural, sports and medical objects;
55.3. the suspend and resume studies;
55.4. to receive information on all matters directly related to their studies and career potential;
55.5. to express freely and to defend their thoughts and beliefs;
57.5. in accordance with the tasks of the Academy realize the rights relating to freedom of study;
to vote and to be 55.7. elected self-government, students participate in academies at all levels of self-government institutions.
55.8. in as listeners to attend another University study measures and organize the necessary tests;

34.7. setting up associations, hordes, clubs.
Vi. Studies Academy 56. Programme development and approval procedure is determined by the Senate of the Academy. Studies in the Academy with the Senate approved study programs. Programs of study are: 56.1. Bachelor and higher professional education programs that include all bachelor degrees and professional qualifications requirements;
56.2. master's programs, which include master's degree requirements;
56.3. doctoral programs, which include a doctoral degree requirements;
56.4. other programs include qualification, training or retraining necessary requirements.
57. Study the content and scope, as well as the requirements of the tests on full time and distance chapter students are the same.
Bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies conclude with a final examination and a Bachelor, master or dissertation defended the Senate approved.
Higher professional education study closes with a complex national challenges of each qualification.
58. The Academy academic education and obtained the following degrees: 58.1. Bachelors (academic degree);
58.2. master (academic degree);
58.3. doctor (degree).
The Academy can also get vocational higher education and appropriate professional qualifications, as well as professional degrees under study programmes.
59. the Academy realizes the training, retraining, courses and seminars for other courses, including continuing education programs.
VII. Scientific Research 60. Academy of scientific research is an integral part of the work, and it's all academic staff of the Academy, including in it students. The Academy shall determine independently research directions, topics and coordinate research plans. Scientific Supervisor independently sets its research themes. Scientific research work of the Academy shall take place in accordance with the law of scientific activity and higher education law.
VIII. Property, finance and economic activities 61. The Academy may be movable, immovable property, intellectual property, as well as money in Latvia and abroad, in accordance with the existing legislation.
The Academy's possession or use of the released State property management order is determined and this property is controlled by the authorities of the country concerned in accordance with legislative requirements.
62. The Academy's budget income: 62.1. State budget grant from the general revenue;
62.2. own income (income from paid services and economic activities);
38.7. legal and physical person donations and donations (also with the conditions of use);
38.8. other income sources in accordance with the legislation.
The Academy can receive and use the banks and credit institutions, under the law of the credits on the budgetary and financial management.
63. the establishment of the budget of the Academy structure and usage is determined by the Senate, but its execution is controlled by the Audit Commission. On the implementation of the budget, the Rector shall provide an annual report to the Senate and to the Minister of education and science.
The budget of the Republic of Latvia, the Government granted a separate programme and activities, transfer it directly to the Department, the legal or natural person that distributes the program or measure.
64. the State shall determine the number of studies in the Academy, which are financed from the State budget. Admission to the State funded study places is tender.
Tuition study locations that are not financed from State budget funds, shall be borne by the student, legal or natural persons concluding the relevant agreements with the Academy.
65. The Academy is right in the name of the Republic of Latvia and abroad: 65.1. to open departments, subsidiaries, representative offices and the College;
65.2. conclude agreements with legal and natural persons, as well as perform other actions, invitation to tender, to acquire and dispose of movable and immovable property, possessions and the various securities legislation in the order and according to the purpose of the activities of the Academy;
65.3. the Academy according to the profile of economic activity, which is included in income in the budget of the Academy the Academy's development as well as to invest their funds in other businesses, to participate in economic activities according to the operational objective of the Academy.
IX. adoption and amendment of the Constitution Order 66. Academy of Constitution and amendments only accepts the highest collegiate Academy, representation, management and decision-making bodies-the constituent Assembly of the Academy.
67. the constituent Assembly election of the Academy and its rules of procedure shall determine the limits of the Academy the Academy recognized the referendum the Constitutional Charter meeting.
68. the Constitution of the Academy and the amendments enter into force after them by the Minister of education and Science approved the recommendation by the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia.
X. reorganisation or liquidation of the Academy 69. Decision on reorganization or liquidation of the Academy shall be adopted by the Cabinet Minister of education and science. The order of the Cabinet of Ministers to be added to the project in the opinion of the Council of higher education.