Columbus Dispatch: 'Enterprise' Universities, Construction Reform on Table in Ohio

A plan from the governing body for Ohio's public universities could see relaxed regulations and "enterprise," or charter-type, universities later this year.

The Columbus Dispatch reported this morning that Ohio Chancellor Jim Petro will roll out his "enterprise university" plan next month that would allow public universities some flexibility from state regulations if they relinquish some state funding.

Among those regulations could be Ohio universities' construction process, which by using a different construction process.

The Associated Press reported other Ohio university officials say Petro is on the right track. Ohio University President Roderick McDavis said in a statement that a steady decline in state support for public universities must be accompanied by increased flexibility.

The recently passed state budget slashed state support for higher education by more than 10 percent. lost about $16 million in state support over the next two years.

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