Miami University

2005/2006 room & board charges set

09/17/2004

Miami University's board of trustees today (Sept. 17) set room and board rates for 2005-06 and approved awarding contracts totaling almost $18 million for renovations at King Library and Yager Stadium and the construction of a new varsity softball field.

The annual cost of room and board for most first-year students, currently at $7,010, will be $7,610 next year, an 8.5 percent increase.

Individual costs will vary, depending upon which housing option and meal plan is chosen.

For example, the $7,610 total represents a student living in a double room and choosing the 21-meal plan. That total could drop to $5,340 for a student choosing a less comprehensive meal plan and taking advantage of a Miami policy that allows students to freeze room and board rates after four consecutive semesters in on-campus housing.

The rate increase reflects a need to fund future maintenance projects and safety enhancements, said university officials, who explained that the university’s housing and dining operation is self-funded through its own revenues. No state aid or tuition money is used.

More than $1.4 million was spent last year installing state-of-the-art fire detection and sprinkling systems in the residence halls. This year’s projects will include fire safety, disability access and building modernization such as utility improvements to handle increased electrical usage.

Miami’s 36 residence halls date from 1829 to 1980 with many built in the 1950s and 1960s. These aging buildings increasingly need upgrades, ranging from heating-ventilation-air conditioning systems to new data and technology services for students such as wireless connectivity.

Even with the increase, Miami’s room and board rates are competitive with other Ohio colleges and universities as well as national peer institutions, said Richard Norman, vice president for finance and business affairs.

The university traditionally sets room and board rates a year in advance so that current students can compare costs between on- and off-campus housing options.

In other action, trustees:

• Authorized proceeding with awarding contracts totaling up to $5 million for the third and final phase of the renovation of King Library.

One of the highlights of the latest phase will be a renovated special collections area that will double the current space allocation, says Judith Sessions, dean of libraries.

• Authorized proceeding with awarding contracts totaling up to $8.5 million for the second phase of improvements to Yager Stadium. The project, to be funded with a combination of bond and gift money, will involve replacing the north and east stands and removing the south stands.

The stands being replaced were moved from the old Miami Field to Yager when it opened. Athletic officials noted that legendary coach Bo Schembechler, a 1951 Miami grad, didn’t just coach in front of the old stands, he played in front of them.

• Authorized proceeding with awarding contracts totaling up to $4.4 million for a varsity softball field. The current field is plagued by flooding and needs to be upgraded to meet Title IX guidelines, said university officials. The new facility will be built immediately north of Millett Hall.