When Miami University students swipe their student I.D. card for food or laundry on campus, they may find their balances declining more quickly than expected.
Housing, dining, and guest services (HDGS) adjusted the prices of more than 300 foods available at campus dining halls and markets after evaluating the fluctuations in prices for chicken, dairy, beef and pork, according to Bill Moloney, senior director for dining and auxiliaries.
HDGS uses a projector for inflation to forecast food prices for the upcoming year, Moloney said.
As of the beginning of the semester, 300 of 700 foods that are available at markets have increased in price, while other foods have decreased in price, said Nancy Heidtman, director of dining and culinary support services.
For example, although the cost for a burrito bowl has increased from $3.79 to $4.55, Uncle Phil's salads have decreased in price from $3.29 to $2.99, according to Heidtman.
Moloney said food prices increase by approximately 8 percent each year.
"When meal plans are put together, they must cover all costs," Moloney said.
Heidtman said the university prices items to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
Prior to the beginning of the fall semester, HDGS also adjusted the cost of washing machines from $1.25 to $1.50 based on increased utility rates. However, the dryer price will remain at $0.75, said Larry Fink, assistant vice president of housing and auxiliaries.
Moloney said when energy prices increase, inflation and prices also increase.
While the utility cost to use a washer has increased slightly each year, washing machines only accept MUlaa and quarters as payment. Therefore, Fink said he believes Miami students have benefitted in the long run.
"Washing machine prices remained the same from 2003 to 2009," Fink said. "During that time, our utility rates have increased by 8.9 percent."
According to Fink, washing machines and dryers are provided by a third party and are not owned by the university. As a result, HDGS will only benefit slightly from the increased price, as the laundry companies will retain most of the profit.
Neither Fink nor Heidtman expect the increases in prices to affect the number of students who use Miami's washing machines or eat in the dining halls.
"In the past, when we've had modest increases, we haven't seen a decline (in the number of students eating at dining halls)," Moloney said.
"We budget for limited-time-only recipes to keep students (eating) on campus," Heidtman said.
Also, Heidtman said Miami "(compares itself) with other universities" with respect to costs. The prices for both washing machines and food are competitive with other Ohio colleges.
Ohio State University has also increased the cost for a washing machine from $1.25 to $1.50, Fink said.
Moloney and Heidtman said they do not expect any fluctuations in washing machine prices or food prices in the near future.
"We forecast diligently and establish our pricing, and we do not anticipate any increases throughout the academic year," Heidtman said.
