EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University plans to continue to support its ongoing investment in improving the quality of its residential facilities while limiting cost increases to students by increasing housing rates by an average of 2.95 percent in the coming academic year.

The increase is $160 per year, or $20 a month for all University housing, which amounts to increases ranging from 2 to 3.9 percent, depending on the housing facility.

The residence hall rate increase – the lowest at Eastern in the last five years – will also help address a portion of deferred maintenance within the University’s residence halls. The Regents approved the increase at their regular meeting Friday, Dec. 15.

Chartwells agreement helps in maintaining affordability

The Regents also approved an average increase of 2.75 percent on University meal plans. The increase, which ranges from 2 to 3 percent depending on the plan, corresponds to the expected inflation rate for food services.

The University contracted with Chartwells Higher Education for food service operations in June of 2016. The efficiencies of this agreement enable the University to maintain affordability. In addition, Chartwells has added a number of venues well received by students, part of Chartwells’ $15 million capital investment commitment to Eastern over the life of the agreement.

Residence hall and dining improvements are funded through EMU's auxiliary budget, which is paid for by housing and dining fees. The FY 2018-19 auxiliary budget will be presented to the Board of Regents at its regular June meeting, when the overall University budget is also presented and voted upon.

Major Wise Hall upgrades completed this year

This past year, the University completed the renovation of Wise Residence Hall, an $11.2 million, multi-year, multi-phased project. The renovation program has included major upgrades of all the Wise Hall interior finishes, windows and exterior renovations, adding air conditioning, upgrading electrical building service, bathroom renovations, furniture replacement, roofing replacement and elevator renovations.

The Wise upgrade continues Eastern’s focus on improving the quality of student housing, which remains a priority for the University.

Other recent, large-scale renovations of EMU residence halls include Best Residence Hall, located in the east end of campus, which was renovated at a cost of $2.2 million in summer 2013, and Hoyt Hall, located on the northwest end of campus, renovated in 2012 for about $1.8 million.

Enhanced safety and security in Eastern’s residence halls has been a continuing emphasis as well, including the installation of electronic card readers on all residence hall entrances and more than 800 cameras throughout campus.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.