The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Branch campus.” A branch campus is a unit of an institution of higher education which is distinguished by all of the following characteristics:

“Community colleges.” Institutions now or hereafter created pursuant to Article XIX-A of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L. 30, No. 14),¹ known as the Public School Code of 1949, or the act of August 24, 1963 (P.L.1132, No.484),² known as the Community College Act of 1963.

“Dormitory or housing unit.” A building owned by an institution of higher education which is used as a residence by students of the institution.

“Independent institution of higher education.” An institution of higher education which is operated not for profit, located in and incorporated or chartered by the Commonwealth, entitled to confer degrees and apply to itself the designation “college” or “university” as provided for by standards and qualifications prescribed by the State Board of Education under 24 Pa.C.S. Ch. 65 (relating to private colleges, universities and seminaries).

“Institution of higher education.” An independent institution of higher education, a community college, a State-owned institution or a State-related institution, any of which is approved by the Department of Education.

“State-owned institutions.” Those institutions which are part of the State System of Higher Education pursuant to Article XX-A of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L. 30, No. 14),³ known as the Public School Code of 1949.

“State-related institutions.” The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln University and their branch campuses.