MUNCIE, Ind.-- The Board of Trustees Friday approved a 4.7 percent increase in campus room and board rates. Students will pay $22.67 more a month to live and eat in a Ball State University residence hall next school year.

Beginning next fall a conventional double occupancy room and board plan will cost $4,520 a year, up from $4,316 this year.

Officials said the increase is necessary to cover anticipated increases in salary and employee benefits, staffing levels, inflation for food and supplies, and repair and maintenance of facilities.

"Every year we take into account the prices charged by other universities with whom we compare," said Vice President for Student Affairs Douglas McConkey. "Last year, among 14 universities, only Northern Illinois offered lower room and board rates. Even with this increase we still expect to have one of the lowest rates in the MAC or the Big Ten."

McConkey pointed out the residence halls and dining services are self-supporting activities and rates must cover operating costs and renewal and replacement costs. In recent years the university has spent more than $20 million to modernize and upgrade residence halls and dining facilities throughout the campus.

"Thousands of students have been served in these facilities and the feedback from them has been very positive," said McConkey. "These are not your old school cafeteria operations anymore. They are as nice as any restaurant."

In other action the trustees extended an early retirement program in effect since 1982. The program consists of a severance pay plan and an option to receive a cash payment in lieu of life insurance coverage for faculty and professional personnel ages 60-65 with at least 10 years of service. The plan was later amended to include those 55-59 with at least 15 years of service.

The expiration date for the program was extended to June 30, 2003.