Room and board, rental rate changes approved
May 17, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Increases in operating costs will prompt a corresponding rise in room and board and apartment rental rates for 2002-03 at Western Michigan University.
The increase, approved by the WMU Board of Trustees at its May 17 meeting, averages 11.4 percent for room and board and 7 percent for apartment rental rates.
"The new rates will allow us to absorb expected increases in our operating costs, including rising health care and insurance costs, as well as $2.3 million in refurbishing and deferred maintenance," said Dr. Diane K. Swartz, interim vice president for student affairs. The increases also reflect the cost of a new late-night carryout service for residence hall students.
The cost to live and eat in a residence hall for the 2002-03 academic year will be $6,128 for 20 meals per week, a difference of $611 from the current rates. Increases for students with 15- and 10-meal plans will be $608 and $601 per academic year, respectively. Room and board rates also will rise by $148 for spring semester and $147 for the summer semester for those using the 15-meal plan, and by $142 for the spring semester and $141 for the summer semester for those on the 10-meal plan. The 20-meal plan is offered only during the academic year.
Apartment rental rates range from $502 per month for a one-bedroom, unfurnished apartment in Goldsworth Valley to $740 per month for a two-bedroom, furnished unit in the Elmwood Apartments.
WMU operates 22 residence halls, six full-service dining facilities, five cash dining facilities and three apartment complexes. The University has a residence hall capacity of 6,180 students, and officials expect to begin the 2002-03 academic year with full occupancy. The 585 on-campus student apartments for student families, graduate students and non-traditional students operate throughout the year at 95 to 99 percent capacity.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu