Regents approve room and board increase, REACH expansion

AMES – Students at Iowa's regent universities will pay 3 percent to 5 percent more next year for double-occupancy dorm rooms with full board.

The regents on Wednesday at a meeting in Ames approved the 2011-12 room and board rates for the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa.

The UI Department of Residence plans a 5 percent increase, or $380, for $8,042 in all. ISU sought a 3 percent increase of $224 to $7,621. At UNI, a 4.3 percent increase of $306 will make the total $7,426. The residence systems are self-supporting operations and do not receive state funds.

Also at Wednesday's meeting, the board approved a UI plan to expand a certificate program for students with intellectual, learning and cognitive disabilities.

The College of Education's Realizing Education and Career Hopes program (REACH) will add a third year option. REACH, launched in 2008, is two-year, campus-based certificate program for young adults ages 18 to 26. Students in the program study and live on campus. They work on interpersonal, work and independent living skills through the program.

Students will still complete the certificate program in two years. The third year option will offer extended career development, workplace experience and life skills, UI officials said. Many families in the program have urged officials to extend it for more education and training, officials said.

REACH enrolls a maximum of 50 students in a given year. Projected enrollment in the third year option in 2011-12 is two to six students, with an increase to a maximum of 10 in any given year. No new facilities, faculty or equipment are needed to add the third year, officials said.