New students can expect to pay $194.40 per semester hour next fall.

The Board of Trustees is expected to approve the $20.85 increase in tuition from the 2006-07 rate of $173.55 at today’s meeting.

“April is usually the meeting where we set tuition and fees,” said Eastern President Lou Hencken. “We want to (set the rates) while students are here.”

The tuition rates for students who enrolled at Eastern by the fall 2004 semester are locked into their tuition under the Illinois Truth in Tuition Law.

Students not locked in under the law will pay $158.65 per semester hour. Hencken said fewer than 1,000 students are not locked in to their tuition rates.

The increase in tuition reflects the decrease in state funding Eastern has seen since 2002, Hencken said. “It’s a direct correlation.”

The board is also expected to approve increases in textbook rental service fees, health service and pharmacy fees, health and accidental insurance fees and athletic fees. Campus improvement fees will also be increased for incoming students.

“We have a physical plant here with buildings that get older everyday,” Hencken said. The cut in state funding has stalled some campus improvements that need some attention, he said.

Increases in medical care, health insurance and transportation costs are reasons for the health services and athletics fee increases, Hencken said.

The board will also approve tenure recommendations, elect officers and approve next year’s meeting schedule.

There will also be a presentation by University Police Chief Adam Due to report on the safety of campus following the Virginia Tech shooting on April 16.

“We’re going to do a report because of Virginia Tech,” Hencken said. “Probably one of the highest priorities at this university is the safety of our students, faculty and staff.”