CLARION, PA., March 4 – Clarion University continues to rank as on of the least expensive universities for room and board in Pennsylvania.
On Thursday, Feb. 25 Clarion trustees met for a meeting and reached a decision that may affect the student body as a whole.
The trustees decided to increase room and board by approximately 4 percent more than the previous year. This increase will take effect next semester and continue within the upcoming year.
Harry Tripp, vice president for student and university affairs, requested approval for the new rates.
Tripp said,“We are required to operate these auxiliary services like the residence halls and dining halls on a self-sufficient basis.”
Clarion receives no state funding to supplement these costs.
“The residence hall room rates reflect projected increases of personnel, 6.35 percent; and utilities increases of 20 percent for electric, 25 percent for gas, and 10 percent for water, sewage and steam. The meal plan costs were due to an increase in the CPIU-U, Food Away from Home, U.S. index and increases in utilities and operating costs,” said Tripp.
Some students question this increase in room and board.
“I really do not understand why the cost has to go up for room and board. The suites are supposed to be energy-efficient, so the cost of utilities should not be a problem,” said Clarion student Jeff Turek.
The room and board fees are currently set at $6,390 and will increase to an estimated $6,666 for a double room with 19 meals next fall.
This isn’t including the suites or the newly renovated Reinhard Villages. Jessica Smith, a student at Clarion University, was also asked about the increase.
“I have a single, and they charge you an extra $612 for that. I could see if the rooms were bigger or better, but I think we pay too much right now,”said Smith.
Complaints were made about the dining halls and the hours of operation and even the foods that are being served.
Tripp said that Chartwell’s, which provides food service to the university, is currently surveying students to get an idea of student desires related to food.
Student Affairs is also aware of interest in longer hours and may consider a temporary period for dining or programming that will last.
In comparing the rates with other institutions of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Tripp said that Clarion will be 10th in the combined room and board rate using the standard of a double room with a 19 meal food plan including flex dollars.
Without it, Clarion would rank 12th. Slippery Rock ranks first in Pennsylvania offering suites at $3,249 per semester and an additional $1,354 with flex dollars per semester adding up to approximately $4,603 a semester and $9,206 a year for room and board.
Edinboro students currently pay $3,715 per semester for room and board and $7,430 per year ranking it eighth in Pennsylvania.
In closing, Tripp said that this increase is beneficial for all students although it may not be seen that way. He said the increase was necessary to continue serving students.
New rates at Clarion, starting with the 2010-11 academic year, set the double room per semester fee at $2,261 as well as the meal plan at $1,072 for the 19-meal standard plan per semester.
