Thanks to the two members of the Kansas Board of Regents who voted against increases in university student housing and dining rates, including a 5.1 percent increase at Kansas University.

In justifying his vote against the increase, Regent Gary Sherrer said, “This is a proposal that’s sort of business as usual. I just don’t think it makes any acknowledgment whatsoever that these are unusual times.”

His statement pretty much hits the nail on the head.

As they usually do when considering increases in tuition or other costs for the state’s university students, regents cited the fact that students had input on the increase and that housing rates at Kansas universities generally were below those in many comparable states. It would be interesting to know how many of those states are approving similar increases in housing rates for next year.

The fact remains that the approved increase at KU is far above the current rate of inflation. While the most recent figures from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics set the nation’s inflation rate at 1.1 percent and many forecasters say that inflation will fall below zero by early next year, KU officials and the Board of Regents are doing “business as usual” by raising housing fees by 5.1 percent.

It’s good to know that, according to a report also presented at this week’s Regents meeting, KU officials were able to save $9 million through various efficiency measures in 2007. Perhaps they should redouble those efforts rather than continuing their “business as usual” approach to increasing student tuition and fees.

When submitting the increase request, KU’s director of student housing said the money would go toward general upkeep and new facilities. “The key,” she said, “is to anticipate these needs and to make sure we can fully fund our operations in the year ahead.”

Many families who are paying those increased costs would like the same guarantee. Unfortunately, many of them will have to tighten their belts and perhaps forgo spending on other items to meet increased fees imposed by the university. It’s not unreasonable for them to expect university officials to do the same.