With the budget process under way, Saint Louis University is seeking student input for determining possible housing rate increases.

Vice President for Student Development Kathy Humphrey has met with several groups over the past few weeks to discuss the housing rate structure, as well as other concerns.

“I’m asking the groups what they think is more valuable and what is fair,” Humphrey said. “Students have to understand that there is going to be an increase because of renovations.”

Lauren Gretz, Student Government Association executive vice president, explained that the meeting of the SGA House of Governors helped Humphrey see student views, especially concerning Marguerite Hall and Griesedieck Complex.

Humphrey thought Marguerite Hall might need a higher increase as a result of its renovations and private baths while Griesedieck has community bath. Gretz said that HOG emphasized that other factors balanced the two out, particularly the location of Griesedieck Hall.

“Since many of us were students who had lived in Griesedieck, she was happy to know our views,” Gretz said.

Humphrey said that she learned from students that there are trade-offs she had not considered.

Options being considered are: either all rates will increase equally or that a two-tier system will be implemented for increases, depending on the amount of renovations. The rate increase will not be known until the budget is finalized.

The expected increase is necessary to pay for the completed SLU2000 renovations and those soon to be completed.