Room and board rates for the 2005-06 academic year for Penn State students at both University Park and Commonwealth Campuses will be finalized at today's Penn State Board of Trustees meeting.

Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said room and board costs would most likely increase, but added that he could not comment on the proposed amount of the increase. "Traditionally, our room and board costs are among the lowest in the Big Ten," he said.

An increase in the cost of living and a new sprinkler system throughout the dorms as part of a 10-year project are partly responsible for the yearly room and board increases, Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said.

Average room and board rates for students are currently $6,230, an increase of 4.88 percent, or $290, after last year's 2003-04 board meeting. For the 2003-04 academic year, basic room and board rates increased by 4.95 percent, or $280.

Tuition for the 2005-06 academic year, however, was determined in July, and will not be discussed at today's meeting.

"[There is] no budget proposal put forth by the governor yet," Kendig said. "[There will be] nothing for the board to hear on state appropriations."

In addition to the new room and board rates, final plans for Rec Hall's renovation will also be discussed at the meeting. Mahon said he could not comment on details of construction projects, but an architect for new baseball, softball and soccer fields will be approved in the meeting. Kendig said the list of architects for the projects has been narrowed down to one or two who will be submitted for approval.

"The university will typically put out a request for proposals from architects," he said. "A subcommittee of Board of Trustees would forward the architect they believe would be the best fit."

The five-year capital construction plan, which outlines plans for construction projects and renovation, such as the new Chemistry and Life Science buildings, will not be discussed, Kendig said.

The board will also be presented with information on enrollment figures for 2004-05 academic year, Kendig said.

The report will detail the number of "grants, loans and scholarship dollars received" by students, he added.

"We're able to get a better snapshot ... by November," Kendig said.

The board will also be presented with changes in undergraduate and graduate programs. "Sometimes we remove a major or merge a major--they don't require board approval," Kendig said.

Collegian staff writer Kayur Patel contributed to this report.