Housing office blames high prices on Commons, slow economy
University housing prices have increased at an average rate of 4.6 percent over the past five years, according to a March 2008 online report by the Office of News and Information.
In the fall of 2006 the price of room and board rose by seven percent, nearly double the increase of previous years. "Our increases are generally between three to five percent," Carol Mohr, senior director of the Office of Housing and Dining, said.
She attributed the seven percent increase to the construction of Charles Commons, coupled with a significant rise in the price of utilities that year.
"When we build a whole new building it takes 20 to 30 years to pay off the debt. Increasing students' rates for one year won't pay for a facility," Mohr said.
Room and board prices have risen steadily over the past five years and are expected to continue to rise next year due to the continuing need for maintenance, renovation and the rising cost of fuel, according to Mohr.
She also explained that the cost of fuel has increased more than three to five percent each year.
Large projects that have affected costs include the building of Charles Commons and the accompanying Nolan's dining facility, Charles Street Market and the major renovation of the Fresh Food Café.
Mohr also attributes the continued increases to the ongoing and necessary renovations to University housing. "We are constantly looking at our facilities and doing renovations," she said.
Changes in the market also contribute to the escalating room and board cost. "One of our biggest expenses is energy: electricity, gas and water. We've made efforts toward conservation. We try to work as partners with students to raise consciousness to conserve energy," Mohr said. "Fuel is expensive, which is directly related to food prices."
"Given the current economy I expect there will be price increases next year. I hope eventually we can stabilize the price," Mohr said.
The trend of rising housing prices goes mostly unnoticed by students since the changes are small and incremental. The Office of Housing and Dining on the other hand, does see the trends and changes in student behavior.
In the fall of 2006 the price of room and board rose by seven percent, nearly double the increase of previous years. "Our increases are generally between three to five percent," Carol Mohr, senior director of the Office of Housing and Dining, said.
She attributed the seven percent increase to the construction of Charles Commons, coupled with a significant rise in the price of utilities that year.
"When we build a whole new building it takes 20 to 30 years to pay off the debt. Increasing students' rates for one year won't pay for a facility," Mohr said.
Room and board prices have risen steadily over the past five years and are expected to continue to rise next year due to the continuing need for maintenance, renovation and the rising cost of fuel, according to Mohr.
She also explained that the cost of fuel has increased more than three to five percent each year.
Large projects that have affected costs include the building of Charles Commons and the accompanying Nolan's dining facility, Charles Street Market and the major renovation of the Fresh Food Café.
Mohr also attributes the continued increases to the ongoing and necessary renovations to University housing. "We are constantly looking at our facilities and doing renovations," she said.
Changes in the market also contribute to the escalating room and board cost. "One of our biggest expenses is energy: electricity, gas and water. We've made efforts toward conservation. We try to work as partners with students to raise consciousness to conserve energy," Mohr said. "Fuel is expensive, which is directly related to food prices."
"Given the current economy I expect there will be price increases next year. I hope eventually we can stabilize the price," Mohr said.
The trend of rising housing prices goes mostly unnoticed by students since the changes are small and incremental. The Office of Housing and Dining on the other hand, does see the trends and changes in student behavior.
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