A rise in room and board rates may be finalized during Thursday’s Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern Iowa.

“The main issue [of the meeting] will be the debate on the final reading of the room and board increases,” said Regent David Fisher, of West Des Moines.

During last month’s Board of Regents meeting a proposed increase for 2003-2004 school year by the ISU Department of Residence was accepted by the Board of Regents.

The residence department is proposing an increase of $720, according to the docket memo. The University of Iowa has a proposed increase of $446 and the University of Northern Iowa has a proposed increase of $278.

Iowa State’s much larger increase is attributed to a change in meal plan options, according to residence department officials.

“Students are demanding more and more amenities,” said Regent David Neil, of La Porte City. “[Students] are wanting more [amenities] than their parents did when they were in school.”

Although Neil does not anticipate a lot of debate over the proposed room and board increase, he is concerned about the issue.

“I am very concerned about the rate increase,” he said. “The board has to watch to make sure there are other low cost options.”

Fisher said he is also expecting the room and board rates to go over well with the board.

The regents will also be discussing future improvements and construction on the ISU campus.

According to a docket memo, an Environmental Health and Safety/Regulated Materials Facility is being proposed. The building will be located in the west Pammel Court area.

The project would construct a facility of 34,449 gross square feet to house all Environmental Health and Safety staff and facilities for processing and storing hazardous waste materials for all on-campus, extension and research farm activities of the university, according to a docket memo.

This month’s Board of Regents meeting will only last one day, instead of the normal two, in an effort to accommodate the schedules of those in attendance.

“We’re trying to condense the meetings and accommodate more of the members,” Fisher said.