The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved a 4 percent increase in room and board rates at its regular meeting June 15.
The average cost increase for the academic year will amount to $232 and is effective fall 2004.
The standard 20-meal, double occupancy room will increase from $5,850 to $6,082. Single-occupancy room and board rates will be $7,772.
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.
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HOME, SWEET HOME: Room and board
rates for Eastern Michigan University
students will rise 4 percent in 2004-2005. |
The average room and board rate increase among state institutions is 4.16 percent, with increases ranging from 0 to 6.80 percent. Grand Valley State has the highest approved increase at 6.8 percent, while Western Michigan University's rate was unchanged from $6,255. Only Ferris State and Saginaw Valley had increases lower than EMU, at 3.10 and 3.63, respectively.
"None of the students like the increases, but they're inevitable," said Jim Vick, vice president for student affairs.
Of the 11 state colleges and universities reporting, EMU's rate for 2004-05 ranked sixth behind the University of Michigan, Ferris State, Western Michigan, Central Michigan and Grand Valley State.
EMU currently has 14 residence halls and 530 apartments. More than 3,700 students will live in university residence halls and apartments for the 2004-05 academic year, including an estimated 1,800 first-time students.
Vick announced Jones Hall will be taken off-line for the fall and will no longer be used as a campus housing option.
"I'd like to donate the first dollar to the demolition of Jones Hall," said Regent Jan Brandon, who placed a dollar bill in front of her on the podium.
