R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-13: Definitions.

Where in this chapter the phrase “public colleges” or “public institutions of higher learning” or “public tax supported institutions of higher learning” or words of similar import are used they shall be taken to mean Rhode Island college, and the community college of Rhode Island, or any other of these public colleges, public institutions of higher learning, or public tax supported institutions of higher learning other than the university of Rhode Island, which may be created, individually or collectively, as appropriate.