The TSTC Regents Circle, the only institution related foundation, is not controlled by the institution and has a Memorandum of Understanding [Ref 1] between Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and The TSTC Regents Circle (Regents Circle). The Regents Circle is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit educational corporation [Ref 2]chartered by the State of Texas in 2000 for the purposes of supporting the educational undertaking of TSTC by furthering education, research, financial assistance to deserving students, and of soliciting donations for particular objectives to accomplish such purpose and cooperating with the advancement of the general welfare of TSTC as a whole. There is no liability [Ref 3] associated with this relationship since TSTC Harlingen and The Regents Circle are two separate legal entities. TSTC is a state agency, legislatively created and deriving statutory authority from Chapter 135 of Vernon's Texas Education Code. [Ref 4] As a state agency, TSTC is imbued with sovereign immunity. Nothing in the college's relationship with the Regents Circle acts as a waiver of such immunity. The United States Internal Revenue Code mandates that a 501 (c)(3) corporation be truly independent. The Mission Statement of the Board of Trustees of the Regents Circle [Ref 5] includes the activities of securing, holding in trust, and administering funds for the benefit of TSTC.

The activities of the foundation are consistent with the mission of TSTC Harlingen. "The Texas State Technical College System shall contribute to the educational and economic development of the State of Texas by offering occupationally - oriented programs with supporting academic coursework, emphasizing highly specialized advanced and emerging technical and vocational areas for certificates and associate degrees." The Regents Circle supports this mission by providing scholarships for deserving students to complete their education and become productive citizens [Ref 6].

The TSTC Regents Circle Annual Operating Plan provides guidelines of operation for TSTC and The TSTC Regents Circle [Ref 7]. "TSTC and The TSTC Regents Circle will have a mutually beneficial relationship for the sole purpose of securing financial, in-kind, and other support for TSTC," as stated in the annual operating plan. The TSTC Regents Circle Bylaws will further describe the foundations purpose [Ref 8].