The Penn State Board of Trustees will meet today to approve the proposed room and board charges for fall 2008.
Though the rates are not yet available, Geoff Rushton, university spokesman, said the fees are likely to rise -- a trend that has become apparent in recent years.
"They do take every step possible to keep that raise to a minimum if there is a raise," he said. "The cost of food is rising significantly and several other things that would come into factor. Prices don't really go down."
Last year, the cost to live in a standard double room increased $100, to $1,910 per semester. The average meal plan, plan 3, rose from $1,615 to $1,680.
Lynn DuBois, associate director of housing, said the process to determine these charges is tedious, and that it takes into account the rising cost of utilities, food and services.
"It's quite an expensive process," she said. "Housing and Food Services don't reserve any appropriation money or tuition, so everything in the residence halls from cleaning to taking out the trash to repairing a roof -- all of those things are covered under the money we receive under the students' room and board rates."
Students can log on to eLiving and request contracts from Nov. 29 until noon on Jan. 17. The first wave of contracts will be awarded at 5 p.m. Jan. 17, Kathy Krinks, assistant director of housing, said, adding that she expects the demand for dorms to be just as high as last year.
The board will also discuss the status of major construction projects like the Biological Research Laboratory and the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle.
"They will get into the details of some final plans for things," Rushton said. "Nothing should be coming out of the blue."
Several informational reports will also be released, including an in-depth analysis of enrollment data, financial aid and a master plan to collaborate with Mount Nittany Medical Center.
"I believe the university and the medical center have been working together for the possible future expansion opportunities for the medical center," Rushton said.
A screening committee will be appointed to evaluate nominations for this year's Distinguished Alumni awards, the highest honor bestowed upon those whose "personal lives, professional achievements and community service exemplify the objectives of their alma mater."
The Board of Trustees meeting is in the boardroom of the Nittany Lion Inn, 200 W. Park Ave., and is open to the general public.
The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a report from Penn State President Graham Spanier.
