Textbook Affordability Committee
January 10, 2012
Minutes
Attendance: Korene Atkins, John Plesa, Mark Goldstein, Megan Deichler, Charles Rogerson, Janet Fike,
Larry Tackett, Rebecca Yesenczki, Vicki Riley-Chair (Lucy Kefauver)
State Report - Dr. Riley reviewed the compliance report that was submitted as part of Series 51
requirements in October 2011. No response has been received from the state regarding the report. The
College has complied appropriately with the following:
- Set deadlines for assignment of faculty to courses (2 weeks prior to start of term)
- Set deadlines for selection of texts (Fall – April 15, Spring/Summer – October 15)
- Provide link through bookstore website that contains all textbook information prior to
registration and information on purchase of used books, buy backs, etc.
Change of Textbook Request Form – The Academic Affairs Office has implemented a new form to be
used by faculty when changing a text (not for new edition of text). The form was drafted by John Plesa
and reviewed with the Division Chairs before implementation. This will help faculty to comply with the
requirement that publishers must supply specified information to be reviewed in the selection of a text.
This form will be posted to the Academic Affairs web page.
Other updates Dr. Riley gave examples where faculty have worked to reduce costs to students or increase options.
Examples include but are not limited to:
Reduction of textbook options in ENG 101, PSYC 105, SOC 125, HIST 110, SS 101
CRJ – one text will cover 2 courses
Moved to “essentials” versions, soft-bound copies
HIT no longer purchase coding manuals, now in Virtual Lab, savings approx. $150
Math proposal – Fall 2011, all use My Math Lab with option to not purchase text (e-text included
with lab code) - savings approx. $40
Dr. Riley reminded faculty that they cannot sell back books to publishers.
Dr. Riley indicated that she would be presenting a report to the Board of Governors on January 26, 2012
regarding the progress of the Textbook Affordability Committee.
It was reported that the College received approximately $163,000 from Bookstore revenue allocated to
scholarships.
Further recommendations – faculty requested that we check with the Bookstore to see if the previous
and new costs of a text could be added to the order form currently used.