Rep. Dave Lust clarifies School of Mines charter benefits

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"Privatization" is probably too strong of a word for my conception. A charter university would be more accurate.

At any rate, the benefits that would accrue to an institution (not just SDSM&T) pursuing this path would be greater autonomy and flexibility. Freedom from state and board of regents oversight would allow a charter university to set its own course. Specifically, it would have more freedom in the area of admissions, tuition, salary policy, and procurement to name a few.

I believe more autonomy and independence would create a tremendous opportunity for any state higher education institution to prosper.