The Board may examine the books, records and files of any public institution of higher education, and of any office of state government, as to matters germane to its responsibilities hereunder, subject only to laws or regulations pertaining to the confidential nature of information or data. The officers and employees of all public institutions of higher education, and of state agencies of government, shall afford the Board, its members, and authorized agents and representatives, access to all such books, records and files, and furnish to them such information as they have relating to the Board’s functions and responsibilities. The Board may hold hearings at such places as it deems desirable.