The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees approved a three percent increase in room and board fees for the 2010-11 academic year during its meeting Feb. 5.
Diane Newton, vice president of finance and administration, said the three percent increase in room fees is due to the university‘s daunting maintenance list. Currently, repairs to the residence halls and university-owned apartments are estimated at more than $22 million.
“The needs of the housing facilities are great,” she said. “… Obviously, we can’t fix everything at one time.”
The revenue generated from the three-percent is estimated at $315,000. The funds will be used to address immediate maintenance improvements and repairs. Newton told the board that UCA’s rates are still very competitive compared with other universities in the state and remains one of the lowest.Also, the board approved a three percent board fee to cover an increase in food supplies and operation cost. Aramark Inc.’s food service contract with the university has increased by three percent.
Aramark has agreed to increase donations from $38,000 to $63,000; provide student dining options over Labor Day, fall break, and the Thanksgiving holiday; and dining options when faculty and staff are present Monday through Friday.
In other business, UCA President Allen Meadors informed the board the university will finish this fiscal year with approximately $5 million in fund balance, which includes about $4 million of restricted funds. Also, Meadors told the board that the university has the largest percentage of traditional students – students age 18 to 24 — of any other university in the state. UCA’s remediation rates are the second lowest of any public university, he added.
By the end of the fiscal year, more than $17 million worth of renovations and repairs would have been completed and new equipment purchased, Meadors said. The projects were paid for with bond money that had to be spent by the end of May and stimulus money that had to be committed or spent by June.
Also during the Feb. 5 meeting the board:
• Approved the academic calendar for the fall 2010 through the summer 2012.
• Approved an amendment to board policy regarding the naming of university facilities.
• Approved an increase in parking fee for employees. The annual parking fee will increase from $51 to $66; summer term parking fee will increase from $25 to $33; and fee for employees riding motorcycles will increase from $5 to $10. Revenue from the fees will be used to pay for security measures, providing parking structures, and the rising cost of shuttle service.
• Approved an academic integrity policy.
• Approved the purchase of two 55-seat motor coaches. The two used charter-type buses cost $465,000. The university spends $65,000 to $80,000 a year on charter bus services. The purchase of the buses could save the university $750,000 to $1 million over a 10-year period. Bond money will be used to pay for the buses.
