Dorm rates to rise 4%

New students living on campus will likely pay a 4 percent increase in room expenses next year, according to a preliminary rate plan presented to the board of trustees Friday. Meal plan prices would not increase under the plan, which will be voted on by the board next month.\nThe overall rate increase for new students will be 2.2 percent, which Associate Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs Bruce Jacobs said is the lowest in the Big Ten. \n"Returning students will have room and board rate frozen," Jacobs explained. "For anyone signing a new contract, the (room) rate will be 4 percent higher. If you take that 4 percent and divide it up by all students living on campus, that's how you get the number."\nIf the proposal is approved, meal plan prices will not increase.\nResidence Halls Association President Jason Dudich, a senior, said RHA worked extensively with Residential Programs and Services and he was pleased with the proposal.\n"We were happy to work with RPS to keep the rates where they are so there are no reductions in services. So (RPS) felt there would really be no reason to increase the meal plan," Dudich said, "which in turn looks very good as being the lowest increase in the Big Ten. \nThe 4 percent (increase) has always been done -- it's something we're always used to. RHA worked with RPS on this to make sure the meal plan has some stability." \nBoth Jacobs and senior Chris Boudi, National Residence Halls Honorary president and chairman of the meal plan committee, said options are being explored to ensure any increases in food prices will not result in decreased buying power for students.\n"The meal plan committee will be looking at the issue of whether or not to continue with the same vendors and the same types of contracts," Boudi said. "These contracts are coming up, and we will look to see if what they offer is the best deal for us and the students."\nBoudi said he was happy with continuing the same meal plan.\n"It's a good thing. Students every year seem to always have points left over," he said. "If there's no real reason to increase it, just leave it the same. If students run out they always have the option of buying more. It cuts down the costs to the students."\nThe board of trustees will vote on the proposal at its Feb. 23 meeting