Students may pay more to live on-campus next year.
A 4 percent increase in room fees and a 3.6 percent increase in board fees have been proposed for the 2012-2013 school year, which will raise the cost of a renovated double room by $95.
Heather Phillips, director of housing and residential life, proposed the increase in order to account for anticipated increases in food costs, labor, employee insurance costs, utilities and materials.
“Housing and residential life does not receive state funding,” Phillips said. “We’re responsible for paying for our own employee salaries, utilities and facilities. Housing and residential life also pays fees to the university general fund as well as MnSCU fund assessment.”
After proposing the increased rates to the university planning and budget committee, Phillips talked to two student organizations, student senate and the Residence Hall Association, about the increased rates.
“Prior to the vote, the body discussed the rationale for the changes and the services provided by both residential life and dining services,” said Thom Beneke, student affairs oversight chair. “The discussion ultimately led us to supporting the increased rates as a reflection of rising costs.”
While student senate and the Residence Hall Association both voted in support of the proposed rates, some students feel they are already paying too much.
“I don’t mind the dorms,” said Tate Krumwiede, a physical education freshman, “but I don’t think it’s worth as much as we’re paying.”
Housing costs at MSUM are already higher than most other MnSCU colleges. With the proposed rates a renovated double room will cost $2,457 compared to the proposed rate of $2,180 at Minnesota State University Mankato, $2,274 at the University of Minnesota and $2,140 at St. Cloud State University.
“Good thing I’m not living on campus next year,” said Justin Seifert, a freshman physical education student.
Seifert and Krumwiede both said they plan to live off campus next year because it’s less expensive and more fun.
BY JASMINE MAKI
Email