(a) The power of the Board of any State University to enter into contracts includes the power to enter into financing agreements in connection with the financing of capital improvements (including technology or other related improvements) by selling certificates of participation in the installment payments made under such financing agreements. Such financing agreements may be entered into for any period of time less than or equal to 30 years, but not to exceed the useful life of the capital improvement. Nothing in this Act authorizes the Board of any State University to incur “State debt” as that term is defined in subsection (a) of Section 9 of Article IX of the Illinois Constitution of 1970. This subsection (a) is declaratory of existing law.
     (b) Upon determination by the Board of a State University to undertake a transaction for the sale of certificates of participation and enter into related financing agreements in connection with the financing of capital improvements, the Board shall adopt a resolution or resolutions describing in a general way the contemplated facilities or a combination thereof designated as the project, the estimated cost thereof, and any additional relevant information.