The Rice Thresher

Chuck Newell and Michelle Heard For the third time in three years, Rice students will face an increase in food and housing costs. Strapped by the rising cost of food, utilities and labor, the Residential College Management Advisory Committee recommended a $200 increase in room and board to Dr. Hackerman last January 22. Room and board cost $1940 in 1977 and $1990 in 1978. Next year, student will pay $2190. Like all increases in student expenses, whether they be from the book store or Campanile price hikes, the food and housing cost rise will be met with student criticism. There are very good reasons for the increase. "The Food and Housing department is working on the tightest possible budget," said Marion Hicks, Director of Food and Housing. "There's a 13% increase from last year in the cost of distributive charges alone, which accounts for a quarter of the total budget" said Chuck Newell, student representative on the RCMAC and president of Wiess College. This distributive charge includes money paid by each on-campus student for the services of the accounting office, power plant, police, grounds, and tunnels. Food and housing pays for about