Room and board, rental rate changes approved
July 6, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Increases in operating costs will prompt a corresponding rise in room and board and apartment rental rates for 2001-02 at Western Michigan University.
The increase, approved by the WMU Board of Trustees at its July 6 meeting, averages 8.8 percent for room and board and 6 percent for apartment rental rates.
"The new rates will allow us to absorb expected increases in our operating costs, including compensation, facilities insurance, steeply rising utility costs, food and extensive maintenance," said Dr. Theresa A. Powell, vice president for student affairs. The increases also reflect the cost of renovating and updating the dining facility that services Bigelow, Henry and Hoekje residence halls.
The cost to live and eat in a residence hall for the 2001-02 academic year will be $5,025 for 10 meals per week, a difference of $468 from the current rates. Increases for students with 15- and 20-meal plans will be $373 and $444 per academic year, respectively. Officials also said room and board rates will rise by $105 for spring semester and $93 for the summer semester for those using the 15-meal plan, and by $56 for the spring semester and $44 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 $467 per month for a one-bedroom, unfurnished apartment in Goldsworth Valley to $717 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 2001-02 academic year with full occupancy. In 2000-01, the University housed a record number of first-year students--approximately 200 more than in previous years. 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, 616 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu