At its May 6 meeting, the board of trustees of Coastal Carolina University considered costs for various student services. Housing fees will not increase, while meal fees will be adjusted to cover additional food services.

The three existing meal plan packages offered to residential students will increase by $100; however, several new features will be added to the plans that will significantly increase their value, including expanded hours of service and five free guest meals for each student. Furthermore, a new meal package option has been added at last year's price.

The increase in meal prices covers the additional costs in food and labor incurred by the expanded services. The adjusted fee change, taking into account the new services and amenities, amounts to a range of between zero and 3.3 percent depending on the plan the student chooses.

Housing fees will not increase for the next fiscal year as a result of the property refinance plan initiated by the board two years ago that is expected to save the University $25 million over the next 26 years. Housing fees at CCU have remained steady since 2014.

The board deferred discussing tuition fees until the S.C. legislature makes a decision on raises for state employees.

The board requested that retired CCU administrator Edgar L. Dyer, former executive vice president and chief operating officer, explore how the University can assist with increasing the security at apartment complexes located near the campus.

The board approved a $270,000 discretionary fund for CCU President David DeCenzo for fiscal year 2016-2017. The fund allows the president to pursue opportunities to promote the University and to raise funds for the institution.

Lease renewals were approved for classroom space at Litchfield Landing and at Horry Georgetown Technical College's Grand Strand campus, as well as to Winthrop University for the Small Business Development Center.

The board approved distinguished professor status for faculty members Paul Olsen and Kenneth Townsend, both of whom will retire June 30, 2017. The distinguished professor distinction is awarded only in the final year of a professor's service. The board also approved a new faculty hire, with tenure, in the Spadoni College of Education. Kathleen Lynch-Davis, professor of education, will serve as associate dean of the college.