New housing contracts not only mean more choices for students, but more money out of their pockets.

Residence hall contract renewal began this week with a few new twists, including different meal plan options and an average of $264 more out of on-campus students’ pockets each semester.

Differentiated rates for each residence hall, separate pricing for meal plans and room contracts and an overall 7.5 percent rate increase are slated to be presented to the Board of Trustees in February and decided on in April.

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The new tiered pricing proposal separates meal plans from residence hall rates so students may choose a residence hall and meal plan to suit their budget and needs. Julie Payne Kirchmeier, director of University Housing, said students have been asking for this type of option for a long time.

“We listened and have been through a long,arduous process and finally got it to the point where it was broken out,” she said.

Kirchmeier said the highest concentration of residents, who live in double-occupancy rooms in the Brush Towers and University Hall, will be able to stay in those residence halls and choose the 15-meal per week plan and pay a rate similar to their 2007 to 2008 rate. Students who choose that option will pay $3,582 per semester, a $264 increase from this year.

Tyler Kuemmerle, a senior from Danville studying recreation, said frequent rate, fee and tuition increases are hurting students.

“It’s hard enough for students to find jobs around here, but now they’ve got all these extra expenses to make it even more difficult,” he said.

Under the new contract system, which includes the 2008 to 2009 school-year rate increase, Allen, Boomer and Wright Halls are the least expensive at $1,902 per semester for a double-occupancy room. Brush Towers, Neely Hall and University Hall will be $2,062 per semester and Thompson point will be $2,182 per semester. Single-occupancy rooms are more expensive.

Meal plans under the new system may cost $1,400 per semester for a 12 meal per week plan, $1,520 for 15 meals per week or $1,902 for 19 meals per week. The purchase of a meal plan is required of all students living in residence halls.

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The cheapest double-occupancy option under the old contract was $3,058 per semester, but will increase $244 in the 2008 to 2009 contract. The most expensive double occupancy option, which cost $3,318 per semester with the 2007 to 2008 contract, will increase $766 per semester.

Liz Farmer, a freshman from Jacksonville studying fashion design, said housing administrators should provide more housing amenities if rates are going to increase.

“I live in Allen and there aren’t any paper towel dispensers in the bathroom and I think that’s ridiculous and a health hazard, especially during flu season,” she said.

Kirchmeier said housing administration listened to the students and is trying to give them the choices they want and need.

“I think when the administration gives you permission to advertise it, it means they think it’s a good idea, but it’s all still subject to board approval in April,” Kirchmeier said.

Brandy Oxford can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 255 or [email protected].