Trustees set housing rates

MSU's housing rates will remain among the most competitive in the nation under budget guidelines approved April 20 by the MSU Board of Trustees.

The budget calls for a 4.6 percent ($206) increase in room and board rates for the 2001-02 year. Effective fall semester, it will cost $4,678 annually for a student to live in an on-campus residence hall (double room, basic meal plan).

The new MSU rates are lower than all but one Big Ten university and the lowest among Michigan universities. One percent of the revenue generated by the new rates will be used for major maintenance and facilities renewal, including extensive renovations to Shaw Hall.

"The room and board rates recommended for next year emphasize our continued commitment to containing costs and will help us retain our position as one of the most affordable university housing systems in the nation," said Charles Gagliano, assistant vice president for housing and food services. "We are continuing to provide a customer-responsive system that supports students' academic goals while providing quality and value for dollar paid."

Gagliano expects about 14,500 students to live in University residence halls next year. About 2,300 students are expected to live in University apartments, where monthly rents will be $477 or $528, depending on apartment type.

In an effort "to better position not only the department, but the overall plant science program for the 21st century," the board reorganized the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology into two departments, both jointly administered by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Natural Science.

The reorganization will not have a curricular impact on students, Provost Lou Anna K. Simon told the board.

A Department of Plant Pathology was created with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources as the lead college. The residual unit will be renamed the Department of Plant Biology with the College of Natural Science as the lead college.

The Executive Committee of Academic Council reviewed the proposed reorganization on March 13 and advised Simon that no further consultation was required within the academic governance system.

In other business, the board amended University Ordinance 31 regarding parking fines on campus. Effective July 1, the fine for parking in a space designated for persons with disabilities will double from $50 to $100.

Parking fines will increase from $20 to $25. If not paid within seven days, a late fee of $10 will be charged, which is an increase of $5. Also, parking meter fines will increase from $10 to $15 if the fine is not paid within 24 hours of the time the ticket was written.

During the public participation session, speakers urged the trustees to restore men's gymnastics to varsity sport status and to join the Worker Rights Consortium.