Sanction is a synonym of Authorize. Authorize is a synonym of Commission. Mandate is a type of Commission. Mandate is a type of Order. 
Touch is a synonym of Refer. Apply is a type of Refer. Apply is related to College. 
Sanction <--Synonym--> Authorize <--Synonym--> Commission <--IsA-- Mandate --IsA--> Order 
Touch <--Synonym--> Refer <--IsA-- Apply <--RelatedTo--> College 