BGSU sets room, board rates for fall

BOWLING GREEN, O.—The Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees set new room and board rates for fall 2011 at its March 18 meeting.

Residence hall rates will see an overall decrease of a quarter percent, but the cost of the standard double room, the most commonly used in comparison to other institutions, will see a modest increase of 2.4 percent.

Residence hall rooms are categorized into four tiers and priced accordingly, from basic to premium, based on room type and amenities. The Centennial Hall and Falcon Heights residence halls, slated to open for fall semester, fall into the latter category.

In addition, the average meal plan cost will increase by 2.5 percent this fall. The most commonly used plan will cost $1,512 per semester, up from $1,475 this fiscal year.

The increase reflects the climb in food commodity and energy prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is predicting a retail food cost inflation rate of 2 to 3 percent this year, according to Sherideen Stoll, chief financial officer.

In other action, the board approved the naming of two new campus dining facilities on track to open this fall. The replacement dining center for McDonald residence hall will be called The Oaks, in reference to the campus’s historic trees, and the facility replacing the former Commons will be known as Carillon Place for its proximity to the bell tower near East Hall.

In keeping with the University’s plan to acquire properties in proximity to campus, the trustees approved the purchase of Haven House Manor and the Haven House Apartments, at 1509 and 1515 E. Wooster St., respectively, for a combined price of $1.9 million, which is under the appraised value. Funding will come from the general University reserves with a six-nine year payback of the investment from rental income generated.

The properties have in the past been used primarily by BGSU upper class and graduate students. Their strategic location just east of the intersection of Wooster Street and Mercer Road, immediately west of the Stroh Center, make them an attractive location. Following some renovation, BGSU will offer them at a competitive rate to other rentals in the Bowling Green market.

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(Posted March 18, 2011 )