The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents on Friday approved increases in designated tuition and room-and-board rates for the 2010-2011 academic year.

The $8.85 increase in designated tuition will raise the rate from $111 to $119.85 per semester credit hour. A new schedule of course and lab fees also was approved for the upcoming academic year. Course and lab fees provide instructional departments with funds to support the actual cost of consumable supplies, service and travel related to specific courses.

Regents approved an average increase in room rates of 5 percent, along with a 3.35 percent increase in the cost of student meal plans.

Regents approved newly negotiated fees in the university's contract for food service provided by Aramark. A 2.8 percent rate increase was approved for the 2011 fiscal year. Additionally, SFA President Baker Pattillo was authorized to sign contracts regarding licensing agreements for intellectual property. Regents also approved refunding outstanding 1998 tuition revenue bonds.