Last modified: Friday, February 3, 2006
IU Bloomington housing rates to increase by 3.22 percent
Rates are the fourth-lowest in the Big Ten
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 3, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University Trustees approved today (Feb. 3) a 3.22 percent increase to the room and board rate in IU Bloomington residence halls for 2006-07. Under the new plan, the Bloomington campus will have the fourth-lowest room-and-board rates among Big Ten universities.
Housing rate increases for individual students will vary from 2 percent to 4 percent, depending on location and type of housing. IU Bloomington offers traditional dormitory housing as well as theme-based housing and a variety of apartment and co-op arrangements.
For example, the cost of a double room in newly renovated Eigenmann Hall will increase next year by $162, or 4 percent, to $4,222. The monthly cost of an efficiency apartment at University Apartments will go up by just $11, or 2 percent, to $564.
Rates for the starting value of meal plans will not increase. Additionally, as requested by the residential student governance body, Residential Programs and Services will allow students to roll over 75 percent of ending point balances as long as they are enrolled at IU Bloomington for the following academic year. IU Bloomington has only had to increase the rate of starting meal plan levels once in the last five years.
Trustees also approved a proposal allowing RPS to convert a 1 percent annual surcharge for capital needs into a one-time, $100 fee that will be assessed to students at the time they apply for housing or submit a housing contract. The 1 percent surcharge was approved by the trustees in 2002-03 to fund major renovation projects. It was agreed that a flat flee paid by all new residents will be simpler and fairer than the current 1 percent capital charge that varies by type of room and residence hall.
Bruce Jacobs, IU vice chancellor for auxiliary services and programs, noted that over the past decade, IU Bloomington has successfully moved from charging the third-highest room-and-board rates in the Big Ten to the fourth-lowest. He said the IU Bloomington campus has managed to keep room and board costs competitive by reorganizing its housing program, improving operational efficiencies and emphasizing student-staff partnership.
"During this same time period, RPS has made significant reinvestments in existing residential facilities and invested in academic partnerships. The results of this strategy are extremely positive," Jacobs said, adding that IUB continues to attract the same number of returning students each year despite the continued growth and development of off-campus properties.
Jacobs said that student requests for learning communities have been strong, with a number of communities, including Hutton Honors Residential Community; Performing Arts, Fitness and Wellness Living-Learning Center; Global Village Living-Learning Center; and Foster International considering expansion to meet student demand. Additionally, over 400 sections of university courses are now offered annually in classrooms located in residence halls.
