Ohio government officials hope to prove that public universities free to make their own decisions will make more money and need fewer tax dollars.
“Ohio’s universities are a driver of economic development in the state. By allowing our universities to be free from mandates and operate as an enterprise of the state, Ohioans gain increased efficiency, effectiveness, and competitiveness that will help drive our 21st Century economy,” Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Jim Petro said in a press release.
Petro’s developing of The Enterprise University Plan was a requirement of Gov. John Kasich’s two-year budget plan, which Kasich signed into law June 30.
By Aug. 15, Petro’s plan must be submitted to the state Legislature and the governor for review. The plan needs approval to take effect.
Among other possible in-house capabilities, all 14 public universities would be able to lower tuition during “non-peak” hours, including Fridays, Saturdays and any time after 4 p.m..
The 3.5 percent tuition cap outlined in the state budget would remain.
According to the plan, the state would also lift enrollment caps on the Four Corner universities and The Ohio State University. Miami University and Bowling Green State University have an enrollment cap of 16,000 students. Kent State University and Ohio University are capped at 21,000. And Ohio State has a 41,000-student cap.
In phase one, universities would also have to submit three reports to help the Board of Regents and the state determine each school’s use of its campus, use of technology and its impact on Ohio through job placement.
In phase two, universities could enter into an agreement with the Board of Regents to become an Enterprise University by agreeing to push to meet academic and financial benchmarks. Benchmarks include a five-year graduation rate of 75 percent and a first-to-second-year retention rate of 85 percent.
Entering into an agreement means more state restrictions lifted.
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