A Michigan State University Board of Trustees meeting took place in the Hannah Administration Building on April 22, 2022.
—The MSU Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the semester April 22. The meeting agenda contained various updates on campus life and academics.
Due to increased inflation rates for housing and food service facilities on campus, the housing and dining rates for the 2022-2023 academic year will be increased. The basic residence hall double room and board rate with a silver unlimited meal plan will be $10,990 for first-year students and $10,676 for second-year students.
For first-year students, this is a $130 increase in the residence hall rate and a $184 increase in the silver unlimited meal plan. This increase was approved in a 7-1 vote by the board with Trustee Melanie Foster voting against the approval.
“We’re asking for a 2.94 rate increase,” Vice President for Student Life and Engagement Vennie Gore said. “We’ve seen unprecedented inflation. Most of us who go to grocery stores see it. We’ve had some of our costs go up as much as 35% in the last year.”
Another item approved by the board was an authorization to plan Farm Lane bridge replacement and infrastructure improvements.
Trustee Brianna Scott gave her student life report, saying the board received updates on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts and the initiative of the new multicultural center. At 1 p.m. Friday, there will be a groundbreaking event for the Service Road turf fields.
Foster announced an award MSU won during her comment period from the Associated General Contractors of America. AGC awarded MSU due to its “innovation and exceptionalism” with the new STEM Teaching and Learning Facility.
Amendments to the bylaws on academic governance were also approved. These amendments revise attendance requirements and removal procedures.
President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. mentioned in his report that the Alumni Memorial Chapel now has a working, custom-built pipe organ.
“I’m happy to report music is back on the banks of the Red Cedar thanks to the generosity of Spartans and music lovers,” Stanley said.
Stanley also noted the achievements of the 175 Board of Trustees scholarship award recipients for the spring.
“It’s so impressive to see so many students concluding their undergraduate experience with 4.0 grades, especially given the challenges posed by the pandemic,” Stanley said.
Faculty were also recognized, including College of Human Medicine Interim Dean Aron Sousa’s official appointment as dean and Associate Dean Pero G. Dagbovie’s position as associate provost for graduate and postdoctoral studies and Graduate School dean.
Stanley acknowledged the pending retirement of Vice President for University Advancement Marti Heil. She will be replaced by Kim Tobin.
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