EMU continues to reinvest in student living and dining spaces with 2.5 percent increase in housing rates and 2.7 percent rise in meal plan rates

Housing increase is lowest since Fall 2011; University continues to enhance campus dining facilities

updated dining facilities
The Eastern Eateries have undergone significant, student-focused improvements this year.

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University maintained its commitment to keeping on-campus housing and dining affordable for students, as the Board of Regents today (Dec. 14, 2018) approved a 2.5 percent average increase for University housing rates and a 2.7 percent average increase in meal plan rates for the 2019-20 academic year.

The housing increase amounts to $160 per academic year or $20 per month for all residence hall double occupants, while apartment rates will also increase on average by those amounts.

The increases are all below the five-year and 10-year average increase for the University in the respective categories, with the residence hall increase being the lowest increase since Fall 2011.    

The housing rate increase will continue to support the University’s ongoing investment in improving the quality of residential facilities and also help address a portion of the deferred maintenance associated with the buildings.      

This meal plan increases range from 2 percent to 3 percent, depending on meal plan, and correspond to the expected inflation rate for food services while allowing for the maintenance of high quality food offerings within Eastern’s dining facilities.

A new, appealing option next year will be the E-Style Freestyle Meal Plan, which allows for one meal a day plus $850 flex dollars that can be used all year to purchase specific items around campus. The plan, priced at $4,800 a year, was designed based on feedback and input from students.  

This past fall semester offered further improvements in Eastern’s dining offerings, most notably distinct renovations and enhancements at The Eateries, located at the connection of Walton/Putnam/Phelps and Sellers residence halls.

The features include a variety of cashierless spots, where guests order on a kiosk, making it a more convenient and quick experience for guests; four gaming units, tables and booths wired for easy phone and computer charging, a fire pit, outdoor seating, booths with high definition connectivity and informal gathering areas.

The University also renovated the Student Center Food Court area, which also features a modern Starbucks location and a fire pit.

Eastern Michigan currently has 12 residence halls and three apartment complexes.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 19,000 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.

 

December 14, 2018

Written by:
Geoff Larcom

Media Contact:
Geoff Larcom
glarcom@emich.edu
734-487-4400