Trustees raise RPS rates, approve projects at meeting

In their first 2010 IU board of trustees meeting Thursday and Friday at IU-Kokomo, members approved construction plans and a new housing rate.

The board approved the design of a new studio building for the Jacobs School of Music as well as gave permission to replace the Assembly Hall roof. The trustees also set new residence hall rates for all IU campuses.

The 85,000 square foot Jacobs studio building will be constructed on the northeast corner of Third Street and Jordan Avenue and will cost $44 million, according to a press release.

The new studio will provide cutting-edge technology to allow the school to compete with other music schools and conservatories, as well as mark the entrance to the University’s music and performing arts district.

An addition to the west side of the Musical Arts Center will also be built and consist of three large rehearsal rooms, a storage area, an audio control room, music technical shops and common spaces.

The replacement of the Assembly Hall roof is estimated at $2 million.

“The Assembly Hall roof project is necessary because the roof leaks even after several years of patching and temporary repairs,” William Cast, president of the board of trustees, said. “It is an older roof, built before new membrane technology was available. The newer membranes are bonded much more securely so that the entire membrane acts as a single barrier as if there were no seams.”

University spokesman Larry MacIntyre said the funding for construction projects comes from sources that are not impacted by the budget cuts. The funding for the new studio building will come from the Lilly Endowment while the cost to replace the Assembly Hall roof will be funded through the IU Athletic Department.

Given the budget cuts, Cast said the board members made these decisions by considering efficiency.

“The key for us today will be to build when building costs and interest rates are lowest and to build and hire wisely,” he said.

The new residence hall rates will be a 4.9 percent increase for 2010-11.

According to a press release, the cost of the most commonly requested room and board package will increase from $7,546 to $7,918. This package includes an air-conditioned, two-bed room with Meal Plan C.

Patrick Connor, executive director of Residential Programs and Services, said the increase in rates is due to an increase in the cost of utilities, food and facility enhancements.

He said the commitment of RPS to enhance housing facilities is another reason for rate increase, and in fall 2010, another phase of bathroom projects in Teter and McNutt Quads will be completed and RPS will open the new housing between Ashton Center and Eigenmann Hall.

Connor said that RPS is committed to keeping the Bloomington housing rates affordable.

“I think that our rate increase is reasonable in the current economic situation, and we will still maintain our affordability when comparing to our competitors,” he said.

Connor said that RPS will update the rate information on its Web site within the next 10 days.

He mentioned that RPS will provide this new rate to the Office of Student Financial Assistance so that it is considered as it makes student financial aid award packages for the 2010-2011 year.