The University of Connecticut shall remain an institution for the education of youths whose parents are citizens of this state. The leading object of said university shall be, without excluding scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in such manner as the General Assembly prescribes, in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in accordance with the provisions of an Act of Congress, approved July 2, 1862, entitled “An Act donating public lands to the several states and territories which may provide colleges for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts”, and also in accordance with an Act of Congress, approved August 30, 1890, entitled “An Act to apply a portion of the proceeds of the public lands to the more complete endowment and support of the colleges for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts established under the provisions of an Act of Congress, approved July 2, 1862”. The number of students who are to reside in university dormitories shall be determined by the board of trustees, preference in enrollment in the university being given to qualified students taking the full agricultural course. Said university is authorized to confer the academic and professional degrees appropriate to the courses prescribed by its board of trustees. The board shall establish policies which protect academic freedom and the content of course and degree programs.