Central Michigan University’s Board of Trustees will discuss a proposed 6 percent increase for the 2008-09 annual board and room rates at its meeting Thursday.

If approved, the full, unlimited meals, room and board would increase from $7,236 to $7,668 per year – a $432 increase.

“The proposal going to the Board is reflective of inflation costs,” said David Burdette, vice president of Financial and Administrative Services, who proposed the room and board and apartment rates. “It’s basically an inflation-suggested increase.”

The Board of Trustees will meet for its formal meeting session at 12:30 p.m. Thursday in the Bovee University Center Press Conference Room.

According to the proposal, the increase amount “would meet anticipated operational costs and allow for continuation of contributions to the university for general fund subsides, overhead, capital budget, deferred maintenance and debt services.”

CMU ranked fourth this year in room and board rates for new students among Michigan colleges. If the board approved the increase, the university is estimated to stay in that position.

Over the past three academic years, CMU has gone from being just under the state’s average to well above it for incoming students.

Rates for new students during the 2005-06 school year were $24 less than the state’s average of $6,440 average for all students, compared to the recommended rates for next year, which are $236 more than the $7,432 state average.

The average weighted increase for room and board is recommended at 3.6 percent for the 2008-09 school year.

Officials also are recommending apartment rates be increased by 3 percent.

“We’re proposing an increase – it’ll be the board that decides,” Burdette said.

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