SIU Trustees reluctantly raise housing rates

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees last week reluctantly approved a new room and board rate for students attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale this fall, and approved increases in fees that support the SIUC Student Center, campus recreation facilities and student activities.

Tuition rates set last May for this fall are not affected.

Single students living with a roommate who choose a full meal plan will pay $5,560 for room and board for the academic year beginning in August, an increase of 7.3 percent ($382.)

Funds generated from the increase will help cover costs the University will incur installing sprinkler systems in the residence halls before 2013 as mandated by state laws that went into effect this year. It will also help the University address deferred maintenance and costs of inflation and will allow housing to cover peripheral costs as required by state accounting practices. Until now, they have been absorbed by other units on campus.

SIUC's room and board rate remains one of the lowest in the state with the increase.

Trustees also approved:

• increasing the Student Recreation Fee $6 per semester over the previously approved rate to $95 per semester.
• increasing the Student Activity Fee $1 per semester over the previously approved rate to $32.90 per semester.
• increasing the Student Center Fee $10 per semester over the previously approved rate to $85 per semester.