The Associated Students of Madison University Affairs Committee met Monday to discuss a presentation on textbook affordability before faculty members are scheduled to hear it in May.
In the fall 2013 semester, ASM took more than 200 photos of students displaying how much they had spent on textbooks compared to how many classes they were taking at the time. ASM also pointed out that the cost of books and supplies add an average of $1,200 per year on top of tuition and other costs.
University of Wisconsin-Madison student Calla Born, who presented to the committee, stressed the importance of instructors making textbook information available earlier in advance of the semester to allow students to have more time to find the best prices on textbooks, as well as for booksellers to find the best prices from suppliers.
In addition to helping students and booksellers, Born explained that receiving textbook information earlier would also provide libraries with more time to find and prepare the necessary books each semester.
Born also emphasized the importance of making instructors aware of the exact expenses that required books and supplies would have for students.
“We really want faculty to know how much the textbooks and materials will cost students, know how much of a burden it is, and to see if there are alternative sources,” she said.
Born will make a final presentation on the textbook affordability plan to the Faculty Senate May 5.
