The Coastal Carolina University board of trustees has approved a $92.8 million operational budget for the 2008-2009 academic year. As part of the budget, the board approved a tuition increase of $525 for in-state students, from $3,800 to $4,325 per semester. Out-of-state tuition will increase by $750 per semester, from $8,295 to $9,045.

Nearly two thirds of the tuition increase will pay for bond debt approved by the board in February for campus construction and maintenance. About one third will go toward operations.

Room and board fees will increase $200 for 2008-2009, from $3,340 to $3,540 per semester.

Other features of the budget include funds to add new faculty positions that will reduce the need for part-time adjunct faculty.

The board also voted to create an ad-hoc committee to guide President David A. DeCenzo in implementing recommendations outlined in the recent Fisher Report, a comprehensive assessment of the administrative function of the University.

The board also approved a discretionary spending plan for the president for 2008-2009.