The Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act aims to re-establish Haskell Indian Nations University as a federally chartered educational institution , separating it from the direct management of the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). This legislative action is intended to improve the quality of education offered to Indian students and uphold the federal government's treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian nations. Congress acknowledges the university's historical significance and its vital role in providing tuition-free higher education to over 900 Indian students from approximately 140 tribes, while also recognizing past struggles under BIE administration regarding funding, facilities, and a safe learning environment. The bill creates an independent Board of Trustees to govern the University, comprising 15 voting members who are primarily enrolled members of Indian Tribes with diverse expertise, appointed by the President with Senate consent, and one nonvoting student member. This Board will be responsible for formulating university policy, directing its management, and appointing the University President, who will serve as the chief executive officer. The University will maintain its headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas, and the Secretary of the Interior will continue to provide grants and related assistance. University staff will largely be exempt from federal civil service regulations , allowing the President, with Board approval, to establish compensation, duties, and employment policies. However, existing civil service positions at the legacy institution will terminate upon the bill's enactment. Employees will receive health and retirement benefits comparable to those of federal agencies, or alternative benefits as determined by the Board, with annual audits conducted by the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to ensure compliance. A crucial aspect of the bill is the authorization for the University to develop policies granting admission preference to members or descendants of Indian Tribes, or individuals with a 1/4 blood quantum, and to extend preference in employment, contracts, fellowships, and grants. The University will operate as a nonprofit and nonpolitical entity , enjoying exemption from most federal, tribal, state, and local taxation, and will be subject to tort liability similar to a federal agency under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Financially, the Act authorizes substantial federal appropriations, including not less than $27 million annually for the University's operations. It also establishes an endowment program , with an initial authorized federal appropriation of $5 million and subsequent matching contributions for private fundraising, to be overseen by an independent Endowment Board. The bill mandates the development of a master plan for facilities and requires annual reports and budget proposals to Congress, explicitly stating that private fundraising should not diminish federal support.