6 - The Michigan Daily - Orientation Edition 2005 4 'U' housing rates will rise by 5 percent in fall May 23, 2005 By Amber Colvin and Jeremy Davidson Daily Staff Reporters Living in University housing will cost more next year because of an increase in the room and board fee approved by the University Board of Regents last week. Though the actual increase var- ies depending on the type of room, the average for those in residence halls is 4.9 percent, while those living on North Campus in Northwood Apartments will see an average increase of 5 percent. For students living in a double room at a tra- ditional hall with the standard meal plan of 13 meals a week, the basic housing rate will be $7,374 for the year, an increase of $334 from last year's rate. The new rate has risen in accordance with infla- tion projections for the cost of operation next year, though funding will also go to enhancing fire pro- tection systems in West Quadrangle and Couzens and upgrading the information technology system in West Quad. Alan Levy, director of Housing Public Affairs, said that improvements in the fire system will include upgrading the fire alarm systems in West Quad and Couzens and adding sprinklers in every room in West Quad. When finished, the improvements to West Quad - which represent a $12 million investment - will exceed current state safety requirements. "Safety is our paramount concern for our resi- dents," Levy said. In addition to renovating to the fire system, Levy said West Quad will receive a signifi- cant Internet Protocol network upgrade, and wireless Internet access will be added to most common areas. Families, graduate students and several under- graduates in Northwood Apartments will also have varied increases depending the model they live in, with units ranging from standard efficiency apart- ments to three-bedroom apartments. The 5 percent cost increase is an-effort to make rent payments for the apartments on par with similar units on the market and also to keep up with the rising cost of utilities, which are included in the rent. Despite objections, MSA approves executive officers April 06, 2005 and Hardikar had the right to criticize Presi- By Jeremy Davidson dent Bush in a resolution last semester. Daily Staff Reporter Royal also expressed dissatisfaction with Garber's knowledge of the MSA Code of Con- 4 The Michigan Student Assembly approved the duct when Garber was unable to produce the nominations made by MSA President Jesse Levine section of the code he had cited to support last night for the positions of treasurer, student his objection to a proposed redefinition of the general counsel and chief of staff. Business junior Peace and Justice Commission. Devesh Senepati was approved as treasurer, LSA At last week's MSA meeting, Garber claimed sophomore Russ Garber was approved as student that all changes to the code must be approved general counsel and LSA sophomore Justin Paul by the Rules and Elections Chair - the position was approved as chief of staff. which he held. Representative Mat Brener dis- 4 A number of concerns were raised by mem- covered that Garber's claim was unfounded after bers of the assembly about each of the nomi- what Brener said was a brief review of the code. nees - particularly Garber. Royal said this action demonstrated that Representative Ben Royal voiced strong Garber did not have a good understanding of concern over Garber's conduct within MSA. the code and was therefore not suitable to be Royal said he was dissatisfied with actions student general counsel. Garber had taken against the chairs of the Brener said that because the student general Peace and Justice Commission - RC juniors counsel is responsible for knowing and uphold- Ryan Bates and Ashwini Hardikar. ing the code and understanding parliamentary According to Royal, Garber attempted to procedure, there was "legitimate concern" for form a committee to look into whether Bates questioning Garber's appointment. hair. skin. nails. body. spa packages. gift cards 0I AVEDA INSTITUTE Voted Best Place to Pamper Yourself by the readers of the Michigan Daily! reservations 734.929.0453 www.douglasj.com 333 Maynard St. in Ann Arbor 331 E Grand River in East Lansing 4