The Indiana State University board of trustees Friday approved housing and dining rates for next year, several academic programs and a new strategic plan. It also passed a resolution declaring the University Apartments complex on South Third Street as surplus or no longer needed property, which paves the way for sale or transfer. The university will now seek two independent appraisals.

Housing and dining rates

Housing and dining will increase just over 1% for the 2026-27 academic next year, according to Seth Hinshaw, VP for finance.

Housing rates for existing rooms will not change, but the university will offer some new, premium single options at Hines and Jones Halls and to some extent at Burford Hall.

“Think of them as single suites in larger rooms to better accommodate student demand” for apartment style units currently available at University Apartments, Hinshaw said. University Apartments will no longer be used for housing effective in 2026-27.

Dining rates are increasing just over 3% based on a contract with Sodexo and reflect higher food prices, he said. The combined housing and dining rate is up just over 1%.

“We are coming in well below the average increases that a lot of the universities are looking at right now” among Indiana’s public institutions, Hinshaw said.

University Apartments

Trustees also approved a resolution stating that it no longer needs University Apartments and that disposing of the property — through sale or transfer — would be of benefit to the university.

The next step is to seek two independent appraisals.

Earlier this year, ISU decided to close University Apartments as student housing effective the 2026-27 academic year. As far as prospective buyers, “There are no conversations going on right now with regard to anything beyond getting those appraisals,” Hinshaw said.

Two units will remain open through the end of the summer term; the other two will close in May.

When the time comes for the university to negotiate with those interested in the property, “We would like for whatever happens in the future to that property to be able to be an economic driver and benefit our community,” said Mike Godard, university president. Trustees also approved the sale of property at 1000 N. Seventh St.

A four-bedroom home is located on the property, which was appraised at $250,000 and $274,000. The university listed the house and received an offer of $260,000.

In December 2024, trustees approved the disposal of many parcels of property no longer needed by the university, including the property on North Seventh Street.

New strategic plan

Trustees approved a new strategic plan, called “Take Root and Rise,” which it describes as a roadmap focused on student success, career-connected learning and a campus-wide culture of care.

The plan positions ISU to meet the evolving needs of students and the workforce, the university states.

During the meeting, Godard said the plan “reflects both the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing higher education landscape.

A major component is a “Culture of Care,” a commitment to supporting students academically, emotionally, and personally. The plan strengthens advising, wellness, and financial support systems.

Another emphasis is Career-Connectedness, ensuring that every program integrates real-world experience through internships, research, service-learning, and industry partnerships.

The university will enhance its curriculum by embedding workplace competencies, expanding stackable credentials, and increasing flexible learning options for traditional and adult learners.

The plan will drive ISU priorities and how funding is allocated, Godard said.

Key initiatives include:

• Program innovation and review to keep academic offerings aligned with workforce needs.

• The Sycamore One Stop, a centralized hub for advising, financial aid, and student support services.

• An integrated digital platform that unifies advising, career services and student success data.

• The TREE (Talent Retention, Engagement, and Empowerment) Program, focused on professional development, wellness, and retention for Indiana State employees.
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