The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved
a 4 percent increase in room and board rates for its residence
halls at its regular meeting June 20.
The average cost increase for the academic year to live
in the residence halls will amount to $254 and is effective
fall 2006.
The standard 20-meal, double occupancy room will increase
from $6,356 to $6,612. Single occupancy room and
board rates will be $8,446.
 |
A BUMP FOR BUELL: Eastern Michigan
University
students returning to campus
this fall will pay
4 percent more in room
and board rates to live
in the campus
residence halls, including Buell
Hall.
|
The increase in the rate will help housing and dining
services meet its budgeted occupancy goals, meet debt payment
obligations, fund basic facilities needs, maintain current
levels of service and maintain a reserve fund balance of
at least $1 million, said Jim Vick, vice president for
student affairs.
The average room and board rate increase among state institutions
that have already set their numbers is 4.11 percent, with
increases ranging from 3.4 percent to 7 percent. Central
Michigan University has the highest approved increase at
7 percent, while Western Michigan University raised its
rate by 3.4 percent.
Of the 10 state universities and colleges reporting, EMU's
annual total cost for housing and dining ($6,612) for 2006-07
ranks seventh and is below the state average of $6,712.
"We've moved from the third-highest room and board rate
to the seventh highest, which is right about where we want
to be," Vick said, noting costs in southeastern Michigan
are higher than in other areas of the state.
In an effort to be more competitive with apartment complexes
in the area, Vick also said rates for EMU's apartments
would decrease an average of 2 percent. Individually, he
said Cornell Apartments would increase 4 percent due to
the high demand, but that Westview Apartments would decrease
8 percent in an effort to boost occupancy. Rates at Brown-Munson
Apartments would remain unchanged.
"The competition is tough," Vick said. "On Normal, Cross
and Summit streets, you can see a lot of 'for rent' signs."
EMU currently has 14 residence halls and 530 apartments.
More than 3,700 students will live in University residence
halls and apartments for the 2006-07 academic year, including
an estimated 1,800 first-time students. — Ron
Podell contributed to this report.
