The Board of Regents, at its April meeting, approved rate increases for the 2004-05 academic year for residence halls and Family Housing apartments.

Students who live in residence halls will pay an average of 4.9 percent more for room and board. The basic rate per student for a double room with a standard 13 meals per week board plan will be $7,030, an increase of $326 from 2003-04.

A portion of this increase will fund the ongoing system-wide upgrades of fire and life safety systems (enhanced alarms and sprinklers), previously approved by the Board of Regents. During summer 2004, new fire alarm systems will be installed in half of the Baits complex, and at Fletcher and Markley halls. Additionally, building-wide fire suppression will be installed at Fletcher.

Family Housing apartment rental rates will range from $705 a month for an efficiency to $1,037 a month for an air-conditioned, three-bedroom townhouse. Average rental rates will increase 4.7 percent. Capital renewal funds primarily will be directed toward flooring improvements in Northwood III units.

Most significantly, improved high-speed data connectivity, recently established by University Housing and ITCommunications, is included in apartment rates for the first time for new residents of Northwoods I-III. Vice President for Student Affairs E. Royster Harper said, “We are delighted to offer our Family Housing residents, primarily graduate students, the level of data connectivity that is expected by students at an institution the caliber of U-M.

“We have worked diligently to keep our rate increases as moderate as possible while meeting our expenses and contributing to the significant renovation and renewal needs of on-campus housing,” she said.

Harper noted that as a self-supporting unit of the Division of Student Affairs, University Housing relies on room and board and apartment rental fees for all renovation and construction in its facilities. Both residence hall and family housing rates include increases in operating expense categories of salaries and wages, insurance, and utilities. Student input to the rate increases was received from representatives of the Residence Halls Association and from Family Housing residents.