Posted: 3/14/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Dan Hollander Students concerned about the future of Chief Illiniwek listen to the comments made during the Board of Trustees meeting at the Pine Lounge in the Illini Union Tuesday morning.

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees met Tuesday to discuss an increase in student, health insurance and housing fees on campus. Also on the agenda was the appointment of a new dean in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the founding of a new school within LAS and a proposed library technology fee.

Fee increases included an 8.5 percent student fee increase at the University, which amounts to an additional $58 per semester. Health insurance fees through UIUC will not be increased; however, Chicago campus will undergo a 6 percent increase.

Undergraduate housing fees will undergo a 6.2 percent increase. With a classic 14 meal per week plan, the proposed room and board for a double in 2007-08 will increase $450 to $7,666. Rooms with air conditioning will be an additional $200. University graduate housing rates will also be increased.

Another proposal was a library-related information technology fee for University students.

Full-time students would be assessed $200 and law students would be given a $250 fee per semester.

The fee would aid digitization, increase hours and improve information technology within the library system. The fee will be phased in, meaning that incoming freshmen will be the first to be charged.

Student Trustee Chris Kantas said having direct student input concerning the distribution of accrued funds is essential. He said students also want to see visible improvements, citing the upcoming renovations to Foellinger Auditorium and Gregory Hall of which he has been directly involved.

Kantas said that it is difficult for students to pay these fees every year. However, he added, after this round of increases, the trend should taper.

In regard to the fee increases, Herman noted that the University has been able to attract the same demographics even while doubling tuition over the past five years.

He added that the socioeconomic status has largely remained the same over the time period due to what the University has been able to do with scholarships.

Continued...

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