Chelsea Bossert/Daily Mining Gazette Michigan Tech President Richard Koubek delivers his president's report at Friday's Board of Trustees Meeing.

HOUGHTON — At its regular meeting Friday, the Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees set room and board rates for the 2026-27 academic year.

The motion to increase rates was made by Board Treasurer Carlos Rodriquez. “These rates have been carefully curated and reviewed by multiple stakeholders,” Rodriguez said during the meeting.

The combined Standard Room and Premium Meal Plan Rate increased by 5.01 percent, from $13,609 to $14,291. The Premium Gold Unlimited dining plan without a residential rate, will increase from $6,014 to $6,293, or 4.64%. Wadsworth, McNair and Douglas Houghton Halls will see increases by more than 5 percent in standard, single, and deluxe double occupancy. Standard occupancy residence will cost $7,998, single occupancy will cost $10,106 and a deluxe double will rise to $9,083.

Other notable increases included the temporary housing rate for the main residential on-campus dorms, which saw a 6 percent increase from $6,200 to $6,572, as well as one and two bedroom independent living residences in Daniell Heights, which rose 3.19 and 3.20 percent respectively. The rate increases were unanimously approved.

The Trustees also approved several key items for the upcoming school year. including the approval of hree new professor emeritus ranks, establishing the new Department of Data Science within the College of Computing, the elimination of shelved PhD programs and approving the Undergraduate Student Government’s new constitution.

After opening remarks from the Board Chair, Jon Jipping, and MTU President, Richard Koubek, the session was opened for public comment. During the public comment period, Professor Emerita Sarah Green, highlighted some components of the federal government that she claimed were akin to fascist tactics and frameworks. “I am here again to warn you the dangers of a lawless federal government,” Green said. “Aggressive, unprovoked international military actions abroad and bellicose, nationalistic rhetoric are characteristic of fascist regimes.”

The consent agenda was approved which included approval of degrees to be presented at Spring Commencement.

Andrew Storer, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs presented the first four items for approval within the action and discussion items portion.

The approval of the Department of Data Science within the College of Computing (CC) was an achievement, not only for MTU at-large, but also for Dave House Dean of the College of Computing, Dennis Livesay. He spoke to The Gazette after the meeting about the department. “it’s about establishing efficiencies we have now and it’s about setting ourselves up for where we want to go next,” Livesay said.

There were four reports presented in the BOT session Friday.

Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Smitha Rao, presented cutting-edge research and outreach programs which included cancer and arsenic exposure research. These programs involved several undergraduate, graduate and PhD students at MTU and were all recognized by Rao for their efforts.

Ford Schoonover, President of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), went over the organizations February report. This included a finance report, the MTU Winter Carnival recap and its upcoming elections.

Graduate Student Government (GSG) President, Lauren Sprague, as well as University Senate President, Robert Hutchinson, gave brief presentations informing the Trustees about recent items approved and discussed within their respective organizations.

The informational items section of the meeting were all approved and the next BOT date was voted upon which will take place on April 24.