The approved rate adjustments include a 3.4% average increase in room rates and a 3% average increase in board rates. These changes account for inflationary pressures on Residence Life operations, debt service obligations, facility maintenance projects, and increased food and labor costs.

"The University remains committed to providing students with safe, comfortable, and well-maintained living and dining options while also balancing the financial realities of rising costs," said Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Dr. Debbie Below. "Even with this adjustment, our room and board rates remain competitive, and we continue to prioritize affordability and value for our students."

Below says SEMO is focused on continuously improving its offerings to meet the expectations of today’s students, providing flexibility in pricing and living arrangements. One example is growing desire for single occupancy rooms. For the current academic year, a quarter of all students living on campus lived in single rooms.

"This is a growing request from students,” said Below. “We know students are looking for choices when it comes to their living spaces. Providing those choices requires effective planning, and we’ve designed our housing options to reflect those preferences with a variety of rates."
In addition to desirable room types and rates, the Office of Residence Life reminds students of all the perks that come from living on campus.

“Students often don’t realize the convenience of being steps away from their classes, the library, and multiple dining venues,” said Director of Residence Life Dr. Kendra Skinner. “Our residence halls have professional hall directors and resident advisors (RAs) who live in our residence halls providing additional guidance and support that students won’t find in an off-campus apartment.”

Skinner says in addition to the convenience and support, the biggest advantage of living on campus are the opportunities to connect with other students.

“These are where friendships that often last a lifetime are created,” Skinner said.

On the dining front, Below says student feedback constantly informs dining enhancements and updates. Recent improvements include the introduction of food delivery robots, expanded coffee selections through a partnership with Grace Cafe, and the introduction of 24/7 dining accessibility through convenient vending options.

“Students today prioritize convenience, and we’ve adapted our dining options to meet those expectations," said Below. “Overall, SEMO provides a modern living experience that students tell us they want with the care and convenience of on-campus living.”