The proposed room-rate increase will be voted on at tonight’s Inter-Residence Hall Association meeting, said Dave Boike, IRHA vice president.

If approved, it will go to the Board of Regents in March for final approval.

“The final determination will be made in April,” said Kate Bruns, communication specialist for the Department of Residence. “Upon approval, the rates will be in effect for the next year.”

Keith Twombley, TRA president, said he spoke to his constituents about the increase, which averages 7.6 percent.

“Students see it as a necessary evil,” he said. “It’s clear that with economic conditions being what they are, it’s necessary.”

Twombley said he is still disturbed by Hawthorn Court apartment costs being lower than single rooms in some buildings.

“Personally my concern is that Hawthorn is cheaper, yet has a higher level of service,” he said.

“The Department of Residence feels the same way too, and hopefully there will be a transition to a more logical price scheme.”

Overall, Twombley said he thinks the room-rate increase will pass.

“I think that the IRHA understands the situation we’re in and why the increase has to be bigger than in the past,” said Johnathan Shertzer, IRHA adviser. “Some things we have no control over and have to do it to keep services going.”

Director of the Department of Residence Randy Alexander will take into consideration IRHA’s vote when he sends suggestions to the Board of Regents.

Sometimes, Shertzer said, the Department of Residence has to make decisions based on financial situations, despite an IRHA vote against it. Alexander will be present at the meeting to hear the IRHA vote.

Last week Twombley told IRHA members about the loss of student jobs occurring within the Department of Residence. He said he is still trying to find a way to help these students.

“We haven’t really come up with anything solid for a plan, so I am just going to ask people to work with me on it,” he said.

Steve Medanic and Andrew Kothenbeutel will also speak at the meeting and collect signatures for petitions to place them on the ballot for GSB president and vice president.

Amber Borcherding, Homecoming co-chair, will also ask for help from IRHA in planning a can drive to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.