The Coastal Carolina University Board of Trustees approved a $49.62 million operational budget for the 2004-2005 academic year at its quarterly meeting today. As part of the budget plan, the board approved a tuition increase, effective for fall 2004. In-state tuition will increase $455 per semester, from $2,595 to $3,050 per semester, an increase of 17.53 percent. Out-of-state tuition will increase $665 per semester, from $6,435 to $7,100, an increase of 10.33 percent.

The board approved a 3.47 percent increase in room, board and health service fees, from $2,885 to $2,985 per semester.

The board gave the president authorization to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Coastal Carolina Arena, LLC, to proceed with the negotiations for a Use Agreement for the leasing of an arena for basketball games, two practice gyms and offices for athletic staff. Preliminary plans are for the university to also rent the facility from the developer for commencements and other events.

The board approved emeritus status for the following retiring faculty members:

• James E. Blackburn, associate professor of French, was named Emeritus Professor.

• Rebecca Snyder, associate professor of education, was named Emeritus Professor.

The board also approved recommendations by the administration for faculty promotions and tenure:

• Maura Kenny has been promoted to professor of art.

• Susan Webb has been promoted to professor of sociology.

• Michael Lackey has been promoted to librarian.

• Maria Bachman has been promoted to associate professor of English with tenure.

• Teresa Burns has been promoted to associate professor of physics with tenure.

• Daniel Ennis has been promoted to associate professor of English with tenure.

• Jane Guentzel has been promoted to associate professor of marine science with tenure.

• Scott Harris has been promoted to associate professor of marine science with tenure.

• Louis Keiner has been promoted to associate professor of physics with tenure.

• Nils Rauhut has been promoted to associate professor of philosophy with tenure.

• Michael Ruse, assistant professor of philosophy, has been awarded tenure.

• Susan Slavik, assistant professor of art, has been awarded tenure.

• Gary Stegall has been promoted to associate professor of music with tenure.