The cost of education

At the beginning of each semester, students leave the bookstore with textbooks in their hands and grimaces on their faces. They mumble to themselves about the numerous other ways we could have spent $200 to $500. But where does that money actually go? Is there any way to save students money?

When we took a closer look, we discovered there are ways to save on textbooks. Though the publishers are always scheming to boost sales, professors at Willamette do ultimately decide what their students read.

If professors at Willamette are willing to take on the task of exploring the various ways of providing material to their students, as some already have, they could spare their students unnecessary financial hardship. 

Used books are an easy solution for students trying to cut costs, but there are only so many available from the textbook distributors. When professors are late in submitting their book orders, the Willamette Store has no choice but to order new books because the used copies have already been sold to other universities.

The price of a textbook, whether new or used, could perhaps be justified if a professor required his or her students to read the entire volume, or reference it throughout the semester.

However, audacious professors too often ask students to buy expensive textbooks and then only assign or discuss a minimal segment of their contents. It would be more economical and environmentally resourceful for students to buy photocopied packets of the selected readings, or for professors to put the excerpts on blackboard or e-reserve.

Granted, many professors do utilize these online resources, but they are certainly not being utilized to their full capacity.

Contrary to rumor and common belief, the Willamette Store is not at fault for the exorbitant price of textbooks. In fact, the store loses money with nearly every textbook it sells. For your edification, please refer to the accompanying circle graph to find out exactly where your textbook dollars go.

Professors: Please turn in your textbook orders on time, and think carefully about the books you assign. The Collegian Editorial Board applauds the large contingent of professors who thoughtfully consider their orders, and we look forward to hearing about more and more professors who can join that group.

Students: Make sure your professors realize the implications of their choices. The next time you discard a book after reading three or four chapters, ask the professor about alternatives. The next time a late order leaves only new editions, ask the professor why the order was not submitted on time. With enough diligence by both faculty and students, costs can be reduced for every textbook user at Willamette.

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