Dear CSU Students,
As you know, one of the many benefits of taking courses with CSU is that textbooks are provided at no cost to students. Studies have shown that at traditional universities, the average cost of textbooks and supplies can run upwards of $1,200 per year. By providing the textbooks at no cost, we feel that we provide the opportunity for our students to significantly reduce the overall cost of obtaining a college degree.
Of course, that being said, one of the largest expenses CSU incurs every year is the cost of textbooks. In an effort to keep tuition rates low and help mitigate this ever increasing cost, CSU will begin to phase in a couple of initiatives aimed at reducing textbook cost and, in many cases, improving the overall student experience. This will be done all while continuing to provide books at no cost.
Starting with enrollments received on or after October 1, 2014, several of our courses will utilize the Loan-a-Book program instead of the Book Grant program. You may have heard about the increasing popularity of book rental programs across the country used by students at traditional universities as a way to reduce book expenses. Our program is essentially the same except we will be “renting” the texts at no cost to the students. Students will still receive an actual hard-copy textbook for each course. The only difference is that students will be required to return the textbook once the course has been completed. After enrollment in one of these courses, students will be provided detailed textbook return instructions along with a return label via e-mail. Only those textbooks not returned will be charged to the students’ accounts. Students will be informed prior to finalizing their enrollment if they have selected a course that is in the Loan-a-Book program. Utilizing this program will allow CSU to control costs, continue to provide textbooks at no cost to students, and enable CSU to keep tuition rates low. The Loan-a-Book program will be implemented with a small group of courses at first and then phased in over time.
Also, in the fourth quarter of 2014, CSU will begin to offer electronic books or e-books in some of our courses. Again, these will be at no cost to the student. This initiative is another way CSU can control the increasing cost of textbooks. Just as importantly, we believe e-books offer a number of benefits to the students that will improve their educational experience. Here are just a few of the advantages that e-books offer:
1. Instant Delivery – E-books can be delivered immediately to the student. Students will no longer have to wait on books to be shipped, which may mean students can start their courses sooner.
2. Portability – E-books are stored digitally, which, of course, means there will no longer be a need to carry around large textbooks or book bags.
3. Media Friendly – E-books can be interactive and contain audio, video and animations, which can enhance the learning experience.
4. Searchable – E-books allow students to search for specific topics in a much quicker manner than with traditional text.
5. Printable – E-books are able to be printed in sections and students will have the option to order a “print-on-demand” paper copy of the text for a small fee if so desired.
E-books are very common in higher education today and we are actually somewhat behind in adopting them at CSU. Of course, we also understand these changes will take some getting used to. As such, we plan to implement these initiatives in a small number of courses to begin with and then carefully phase them in over time. As indicated above, you will be aware of courses using e-books or the Loan-A-Book program during the enrollment process and prior to finalizing your enrollment.
Thank you,
Thank you,
Robert Mayes
I have numerous textbooks from my enrollment at CSU that I would love to donate back to the school. Please let me know how can I do this.
That is so kind of you, Tiffany. If you would like to coordinate with our bookstore to send them back to us, you can email them at (bookstore@columbiasouthern.edu)
We really appreciate your generosity!
As I was reading this post, I thought the same exact thing as you. I have about right textbooks from my previous courses at CSU that I am more than willing to donate back. I have tried selling them and no one is willing to take them off my hands so it would be no lose to me. Plus, it would save the school money as there is no point in providing another student with an entirely new textbook when I have one that hasn’t even been marked in.
I think this is a great idea. One thing that might help keep the cost of books down for the school is giving the students option of E-books or Loaner Program. Students might prefer the e-book instead. I prefer the hard copy of a book, so would hate to be restricted to getting the E-Book.
I agreed, I do quite a bit of marking in my books, so I really need a hard copy
Depending on the e-book, you can mark in them. For example, on a Mac computer you can highlight, annotate, underline, and search in any pdf. Also, there are a number of newer applications that work with e-textbooks, allowing much greater use than a basic e-book reader.
I have been harping throughout my B.S. (that I finished last July), about the need for an e-book option. I hope they roll this out more universally, and quickly, as I just started my MBA!
I like this idea, especially with the e-books. But there are some of my textbooks from my classes that will make great reference tools. Are we able to keep those and just pay for them at a reduced cost out of pocket when the book is loaned?
Sharon, you will be able to keep the books through the semester, and if you would like to keep them, the price of the books will be charged to your student account at the end of the class.
I agree with you, Sharon. I like having an actual textbook in my hands to become a reference after class.
I agree with Sharon and Justice. While there are some books that are easily returnable after theccourse ends (history, etc.) The introduction to project management textbook contain lots of notes, highlights, and it used as a reference book. Iwould not want a textbook full of notes, highlights nor would I want yo return the ones I’d like to keep. I’m hoping since textbooks were provided by a book grant, the cost to purchase for the students aren’t expensive.
Mixed feelings.
I am very excited at the prospect of CSU using e-books. I travel for my work and most of the time I am limited to 50 lbs of luggage, which includes my 15 lb computer/file bag. If I am traveling for a week or more and I lose another 5 lbs to books then my toiletries and clothing options become even more limited. I would love to be able to carry a Kindle reader instead of a load of books. This is great news.
They are not available on Kindle according to the moderator.
I like contribute too, I have completed few courses and textbook is collecting dirt. I would like to donate, so it can help other student. But book stores is very busy and hard to get hold of somebody, I am tired of listening to automated machine? Do CSU have a drop box or any other means / ways to help us speed up this process of donating books please let me know, thank you.
Rinku, we are sorry you have had such difficulties. The department said if you emailed them (bookstore@columbiasouthern.edu) asking to donate your books back to CSU, they will send you a shipping label at no cost to you.
A minor point, indeed, and with no fiscal impact, but the preferred modern usage of loan/lend as a verb is “lend” and, therefore, the name of the program could be improved if it were “Lend-A-Book.”
•”Some people are bothered by the word loan as a verb, preferring to use lend in its place. There’s not much reason for the anxiety–loan has been a verb since around the year 1200, and I think an 800-year probation is long enough for anyone–but it’s now little used in America. My advice: don’t be bothered by loan as a verb but, if you want to avoid irritating those who have this hangup, it’s never wrong to use lend.”
(Jack Lynch, The English Language: A User’s Guide, Focus, 2008)
•”The verb loan is well established in American usage and cannot be considered incorrect. The frequent objections to the form by American grammarians may have originated from a provincial deference to British critics, who long ago labeled the usage a typical Americanism. Loan is, however, used to describe only physical transactions, as of money or goods; for figurative transactions, lend is correct: Distance lends enchantment. The allusions lend the work a classical tone.”
(The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th ed., 2000)
http://grammar.about.com/od/alightersideofwriting/a/lendloan.htm
Kevin.my point exactly We are talking about what we think about the new program…not whether loan or lend is a verb or not.
Unbelievable.
Now on with the post..this is a great idea. I
I will keep my business law book though.
It is a good idea for most but you can not please everyone with change . .someone is going to complain.
The idea of e-textbook is a welcome development. I am an international student based in Africa. Each time I filled the post-course survey, there was only one point I usually emphasised. E-textbooks should be made available for ALL courses. I made it known a couple of times in the post-course surveys that CSU free hardcopy textbook is actually not free to an international student who is expected to foot the shipping cost. Honestly, the cost of shipping I paid to receive CSU free hardcopy textbook in the African country where I am based can afford me like three textbooks of the same volume each locally produced in my country and I used to wonder what was free about the CSU hardcopy textbook that I had to pay so much to receive. Special thanks to CSU management for the e-textbook idea.
Maybe I’m old fashioned, any people may disagree with me. I like having an actual text book in my hands. E-books are fine, but I like books and prefer to have them.
I agree with you, Brad. I like having an actual textbook in my hands to become a reference after class.
I agree with having a book because I am so tired looking online due to the fact that the classes are online. So I do prefer to have my book
I have to agree with you on this one. I like having a hard copy to (a) refer back to after the class is completed; and (b) to highlight important parts of the book to reference back to at a later date. I know a lot of people who attend Phoenix University and the one thing they have said they did not like about attending was that all of their books were online and they wished they had a hard copy. Yes, books are heavy to carry but they are convenient when you are in spots where there is no internet available or when your internet service may be down due to weather, etc. However, since CSU is gracious enough to offer free textbooks, I will learn to adapt to whatever format they provide as long as it saves money!
I am least excited about the rent a book option, as I am completing my BA in Enviromental Management I like keeping the books as they are most helpful to fall back on in resolving issues. E-books on the other hand is an excellent approach and CSU should have switched to that a long time ago, just the reduced cost in shipping would be a cost savings.
Hi David, I agree! I am majoring in Environmental Management as well. You are right, the textbooks are a great reference! I do quite a bit of school work on the go, and I carry big bag around now because I want access to my books at all times. Even though I still use traditional textbooks, I do like the idea of being able to access with my iPad. I like the idea of media-friendly books that offer audio and video to help you understand material more in depth. The cost saving would be great. The school would not incur the cost of shipping textbooks, and in turn, increase the cost of tuition and other expenses. If I choose to have textbooks to keep on my desk for later reference, I will just buy them used online when they become available.
It is my understanding that none of the books which are offered through Loan-A-Book will be books in major concentration areas. Your books for your concentration courses will still be physical hand held books through book grant.
In addition to what I said previously, my concern about the ‘loan a book’ concept is how the to and fro shipping would be for an international student. If CSU gives me a hardcopy textbook on loan, will I be expected to pay for the shipping costs to and fro? That would even be more expensive than when the hardcopy book is completely free since I would have to pay for only one-way shipping. Kindly clarify.
Peter, at the end of the semester, if students were lent hard copy books, they will be sent a return label via e-mail. This will cover the costs of shipping the books between CSU and the student. This should cut down on the costs you previously incurred.
Thanks Claire, I am looking at this from ‘international student ‘ point of view. I mean a CSU student who is based outside US. I believe you are aware that by CSU’s policy, students outside US pay for the cost of shipping textbook to them. Assuming there is no e-textbook for a particular course and I am left with only the ‘ loan a book ‘ option, who pays for the shipping cost of the textbook to me in my country and back to US after the class? The summary of my point is that CSU should please make etextbooks available for ALL courses for the sake of international students living outside US as it would be very much expensive to pay for ‘to and fro’ shipping cost by the students according to CSU policy. Thank you.
Peter,
You could always ask that CSU not send you a textbook and acquire the book in the country where you reside at your own expense. You would probably save money by doing this.
peter, according to the information in the message, a shipping label (no cost to you except a piece of paper possibly) will be issued for you to send the book back. So if you keep the box the book came in, print out the label, tape and deliver to whom the carrier is, then you are only out a piece of paper, some ink, and time to drop off.
I am a fan of E books, i like the hard copy as noted in other responses, however if i want to save the file, i have it with me all the time. One clarification that should be made by CSU is that is an E book savable to my hard drive without copywriter issues? I will gladly do the Ebook.
Lessons learned while getting my degree, I was active duty had books chase me or had them mailed me at what port we pulled in. Some courses had a .pdf compansion that me get my work done. Many a time I would walk to the local library or coffee shop to study. Did alot of my work on my laptop, but now can carry all my material on a tablet. Understanding that not everyone is like me, any rather have hard copies to look at. But this is a long time coming in my opinion.
I am not very happy, as a student, about this change.
One of the main reasons I enrolled at CSU, is because of that PRINTED textbooks are provided at no cost to students, and that they get to KEEP the textbooks. I like having a hard copy of each textbook for each class so I can always look back at them in the future if needed. They become reference books for me. They are necessary for me to have for the main business classes that I take as part of my degree. In addition, I do not like eBooks. They are harder for me to read on the computer screen, and I cannot focus as much on them. I like PRINTED books.
I am really hoping that the only courses that will use the Loan-A-Book program and eBooks are general education classes, or that you will change your mind about this change. I am sure MANY students will feel the same way.
We are so sorry with your frustration, Justin. Before you enroll in a class, you will be able to see if it is part of the new Loan-A-Book program or not. Also, E-books will have the option to order a “print-on-demand” paper copy of the text for a small fee if so desired.
I still agree with Justin. If you see that your course is affiliated with the lian-a-book program, we’d have to pay in order to keep the book. My business course textbooks become reference material with a lot of notes, highlights, and even tabs. Not a good option for students like us because printing is quite expensive. I’ve never been able to receive grants or funding to pay for school. The book grant offered through CSU is one of the main reasons I chose CSU. Provide three options: rent a book, eBook, book grant. You’ll still save on costs as many books would be returned. Don’t punish those who want to keep their textbooks by requiring payment. Thank them for wanting to stay informed. I like textbooks in my hand.
Melissa, the e-books will just be another option to the loan-a-book program, and the book grant will still be in place for many courses. We hope every student will be able to find a textbook initiative that works for their needs.
I welcome the idea of EBooks with arms wide open. As many other professionals attending CSU via long distance learning, my work requires me to travel about 80% of the time. I take the books with me but having them in digits will enable me to find references quicker. Technology is changing the ways higher learning institutions delivery their books and I am glad CSU is stepping up to meet today’s technology.
The cost of tuition being low is important; however, one of the key factors that brought me to CSU is the free textbooks. The textbooks are an excellent resource for future papers, schooling, and during your professional career. The e-books are only good for so long correct? In addition, obtaining a book utilized by another student is great; however, you also have to see the highlighted areas and notes made by that previous student. I am going to school to learn something, not to be given answers, which are apparently noticeable in used books. Unlike the rest of the students here, I am slightly disappointed, although I will do what it takes to get my degree and follow the requirements CSU is suggesting. Again, e-books are great; however, students then may utilize a great deal of cutting and pasting subject matter into their papers. Don’t take that the wrong way; I just see it as easy opportunity. I’m also all about living in a greener world. I suppose this is old school mentality wanting a book with no highlight and notes added. I realize we can purchase the books, but we are already paying a great deal of money for an 8-week class. Furthermore, has the school taken into consideration those who have disabilities? It is easier for me to read a book rather than an e-book since I have a condition, which makes me see double vision. Again, I am only trying to get people at CSU to see things from a different perspective. We have to pay for our diplomas and any certificates we want, will the prices remain the same or eventually go up on those items as well?
Respectfully,
Mark Einsel
Mark, CSU is always taking into account the needs of those with disabilities and we will help each student that needs special assistance with their degree program. We hope that each student will be able to find what works for them when it comes to textbooks whether it be e-books, printed versions of the e-books, loaned books, purchased books, or books still covered under the CSU book grant.
We do not foresee any price increases in the mentioned items. Our ultimate goal is always to provide students with an exceptional, affordable education.
Claire,
Thank you for the response and clarification.
Respectfully,
Mark Einsel
With ebooks let’s not assume everyone has a tablet or portable device. Provide all options. I don’t want to see the previous students notes. More importantly, what about germs. Who’s to say the previous student washed their hands after every trip tothe restroom or better yet, took the book with them. Disgusting. I prefer a new textbook.
I understand that CSU is trying to cut costs, but this new program is not a positive for all students. First, we should always have the option to have a traditional textbook. E-books should never be the only choice. Second, if we have to send back the book at the end of the class, then our tuition technically doesn’t cover the book expense. Being able to keep my books has helped me tremendously. I just recently completed a research paper where I had to have at least 10 resources and 7 of which were my CSU textbooks from previous classes. Tuition increases are now in effect. If they weren’t raised correctly to cover books, further analysis should have been done. I’m glad I only have a handful of classes left to finish my degree, otherwise I’d be really unhappy to have to pay for the books that I want to keep.
Michelle, we are sorry you are unhappy with this decision. CSU attempted to keep many options available to students through our new textbook initiatives. E-books can be printed in sections and students will have the option to order a “print-on-demand” paper copy of the text for a small fee if so desired to keep for future reference.
My preference is still hard copy textbooks but would be willing to return book after class is done.
Would also donate books I have now if you want them.
Thank you for your generosity John! You can email the bookstore (bookstore@columbiasouthern.edu) and they will send you a shipping label.
I certainly understand the benefits of e-books…but I really prefer a real textbook! I just function better with a real book. Can the e-book be an option instead?
Jennifer, the E-books are only an option. We will be providing the Loan-A-Book program as well a printable option for the e-books.
Thinking within the margin of profit and loss, generally considering a new policy to cut cost is certainly reasonable. However, I’m in agreement with Michelle John. It does appear those students who treasure having a text book as a ready reference are being being economically disadvantaged by this policy since tuition continues to covers books and there is now a requirement to pay for a hard copy book in lieu of an e-book. This reeks double jeopardy and unjust enrichment, and a probable violation of the Truth in Lending Act as is it complicates clarity of the contractual agreement between the university and students.
Many of my texts serve as important refernce tools even after the course is completed. While I have been very unimpressed with the texts used for two of my recent courses, in general the course text is a durable resource that i will miss.
I am glad to see this new program. Yes, in many ways I prefer a hard copy book in my hand. However, since my accident holding a book has become difficult, if not down right impossible. Some of my old text books are quite large and heavy. It made classwork reading difficult. I have been asking for a digital type service for several years now. Thank you CSU for launching this program. One question though, will these textbooks be available on Kindle?
At this time, they are not available on Kindle, but we will inform students as soon as changes or updates are made to the program.
Like several other students here, I am not thrilled at the choices being made here. I also chose to transfer from the university I was attending because of the ability to have real textbooks that I could keep and refer to. I write in my books. I highlight in my books. I underline in my books. I tag sections of my books. I am not as fortunate as some others and do not own an iPad or a laptop. If I am going to have to use e-books, it would mean I am stuck in front of this computer for hours on end. I already stare at a computer screen for long enough with what I do already. You would not want my books when you get them back, I guarantee it. They are well-used during the class and after. The book grant program was a major deciding factor in my attending here. I am hoping that over my last 15 classes of my degree completion this does not affect me. If it does, I am definitely rethinking continued education with this institution. If I wanted to pay for my textbooks, I would’ve stayed at my previous university or gone to an in-state school with an online degree option (which would’ve been cheaper all the way around – even paying for textbooks). I agree that it will reduce costs for the school, but you have increased tuition, and are now taking away one of the major factors in my decision. If you gave the option for e-books (as many have been excited about) but still allowed those students who prefer to have (and keep) physical textbooks, you would still save money. If you completely phase in e-texts, you are going to have the same problem as another university I attended previous (and promptly left after one semester) whose attendance spiked, yet graduation rates plummeted. E-text is not for everyone, and I personally feel that those who can benefit from it should be afforded the opportunity to use them in lieu of the books. However, I do not feel that those of us who would not benefit should be punished
Jennifer, we are sorry for your frustration. We are not completely phasing out real books and some classes will still be covered under the book grant. We understand that e-books are not for everyone, and we hope that each and every student will be able to find a option they like through our new initiatives.
I am donating all my text books back to CSU. I believe this initiative is a good idea and I support it.
I also do not like this change. One of the many reasons I decided on CSU was the FREE books that you were allowed to keep once you were finished with the class. I use my old books constantly for reference with my job. This will be a huge change that I am not wanting to accept.
I do not like e-books, I cannot read from the computer screen for long periods without having massive headaches. So I will not be touching these type books or classes. If any of my required classes utilizes this type textbook, I will just have to take this class at another online program elsewhere. I would be more willing to pay a higher tuition than do without REAL PRINTED TEXTBOOKS.
I agree with you Jeany. I am 64 years old and I do not like ebooks. The print is small and hard to read for long periods of time. I do not like being in front of the computer reading a book. I would rather have a real text book. As much as my employer pays for these courses a real textbook should not be a problem. On-line schools have little instruction. The student teaches themselves. Since this is the case we should have a REAL TEXTBOOK to TEACH OURSELVES with.
So I think many are missing the whole point, as a student, just starting on my BS degree (I have my basic stuff done) if you have been in class like many have suggested, CSU is not asking you to send your books back from previous classes. Only courses after Oct 1 will have the option for E books. If you have never attended a traditional school where you have to buy books on top of tuition, no cost options are better than having to spend $$ on books that are now on a shelf and not used by a school any longer. I have a copy of a chemistry book that has been changed 3 times by my previous school. At 200.00 per book, i can print a ton of books for that and if need have it bonded at Fedex.
I do not have a problem with E books, just want to know that i can keep the document as a tool for after the course has ended.
As far as a copy and paste aspect that someone suggested, it is no different than taking the wording directly from a hard copy book. If it is not in your words, then it is not your work. I will gladly take the Ebook as noted previously.
I would like to know what courses the ebook will used in?
Ladett, before enrolling in a class, you will be able to see which type of textbook initiative the class will be offering.
Tuition just went up and now the books will not be included in tuition. I don’t understand.
And for some classes; I want to keep my books. The general ed courses; CSU is welcomed to have those returned. But the books from our majors…many of us will want to keep them as reference.
Again, your major concentration courses will not be on loan-a-book. It is understood that we all want to keep our major concentration books to build a reference library.
Something I did not consider before: will having e-books exclusively affect open book exams? I do read my text and study. But if you have only an e-book, would it still be allowed for exams? Since during the exam you are not allowed to access anything on the computer besides the exam itself, I was just wondering if this would change.
Rhonda, this is a question that will be identified at the beginning of a course and something you can discuss with your professor. The professors will be making changes to their courses due to the new textbook program as well.
If a course utilizes an E-book, has a final exam, and the student uses RP NOW how would that student navigate to the E-book without receiving an academic violation?
Steve, changes are going to be made to courses depending on the textbook initiative they are using. If books are still covered under the book grant or the loan-a-book program, the exam process should not be affected. Once classes start adopting e-books, the exam process will change with certain courses and you will be notified through the syllabus in the first week of class.
Because this new initiative is an inconvenience to a certain populous of students, it would be beneficial if CSU identified the textbook used in courses upon signing up. Students could purchase them on their own through Amazon or used textbook websites.
Michelle John was correct in her post that book costs should have been factored with the recent tuition increase. Unfortunately, CSU found it unnecessary to survey students as to their desires regarding whether or not to receive e-books, loaner books, or keep textbooks. Instead, we are asked to take course surveys at the end of semesters without knowing how this information creates a better learning environment.
When touting the benefits of attending CSU, I always plugged the textbook program. Instead of paying for frivolous programs such as alcohol e-checkup to go, or sending 25+ military reps each month to harness Post-9/11 GI Bill funds, maybe that money could be used in conducting appropriate research and offering choices for the existing students of CSU.
If we return the books that we have, do you receive a credit back to your account or is it just considered a donation? I was just wondering, either way, I can send mine back as they are only taking up space in my closet. Thanks.
Cassandra, returning your books from previous classes will just be considered a donation. Thank you!
Hi. I realize that some issues have been addressed but I have a few other concerns.
1) I am in agreement with others regarding using a “used” text that already has been highlighted & marked in. Also, I like to mark in my text for reference later but will feel like I can’t because someone else will be using the text.
2) I know it was said that we would know up front of which book program the class will be using. My question is, will we know what the college will charge us for a New text at the time of enrolling in the course?
3) If I choose to purchase a New text from other sources because I will be assured to get a new text & at a cheaper price, will this be ok? Will a text still be sent to me from the college or can I sign something stating that I am purchasing a book elsewhere & will not need a text for that specific course?
4) eBooks – I am ok with this concept however, I do have some questions.
1- I have downloaded other texts for study but have run into problems with the eBook not working properly….meaning, I couldn’t highlight or make notes within the text. Will there be a certain App or program to put on devices to help with this? I have a Samsung Note.
2- Is there something in place if something happens during the semester to a persons tablet where it crashes or has other technical issues? Or, if the device is stolen?
Thank you
Great questions, Carri!
-All of the textbook prices are online when you enroll in a class. If you do not want to participate in the loan-a-book program, you can buy your textbook elsewhere at anytime–just make sure to email the bookstore when you enroll so they will know not to send you a textbook for the class.
-At the moment we do not have an app in place to use for the ebooks, but CSU staff will be ready and waiting to answer any technical questions you have about the ebooks and installation.
-If something happens to your tablet during the semester, please call the bookstore and we will work with you to get a new version of the textbook sent to a working device.
Thanks, Claire for a quick response & for the information.
Carri, I have just learned that there will, in fact, be apps made available for the ebooks. The apps will be Apple and Android compatible and will allow the reader to add notes, highlight text, and enter bookmarks into the ebook.
I’m seeing some of the easy questions answered here; however, not all the tough questions are being answered. The bottom line is that we will be forced into this new program and have no choice, like or not I’m assuming. Second, I would hope that the President of CSU will see that there are students out there, who are displeased with the new Loan-A-Book program. As stated previously, we have just seen an increase in tuition, now this happens to keep tuition low. This is very disheartening to me and I hope the school will reconsider their options. Additionally, has any thought been given towards the negative impact it may have? Will the concerns of the students be discussed or overlooked?
Respectfully,
Mark Einsel
Mark, the tuition increases are due to a variety of factors and the cost of books are still considered part of the student tuition because the cost that CSU incurs due the loan-a-book program, purchasing e-books, and the courses still covered under the book grant. We believe that if we kept the book grant in place, the rise in tuition would have been even higher and students would be more taken aback by the charge. We truly thought this was the best decision to make for students and for CSU. Again, this will not be an overnight change. Each initiative will be put in place in phases and we will closely be monitoring how the changes are received.
It is apparent that CSU students will not have a choice in this matter. Therefore, we can make whatever complaints we what regarding the books and the recent tuition increase; however it will make no difference. It is very disheartening to see that the increase in tuition has not been factored into the book equation. There are some tough questions not answered in this blog. I would hope that the CSU President would review some of the frustration and dissatisfaction mentioned here. This appears to have had some negative impact with some students already. Again, there are some easy questions being answered and others not.
If I am reading some of these posts correctly, I am going to “lose” my paper “able to highlight and take notes in” textbooks…. AND the e-books are NOT AVAIlABLE ON KINDLE!!! Am I going to have to lay out the money to buy an IPad?
I am an older (52) first time college student, in my second year at CSU, and doing very well, thank you very much. I am computer literate, and I own a Kindle for my recreational reading. Even though this is my first time in college. this is not my first rodeo. I have a couple of Microsoft certs.. and I have used web based CE”S (continuing education) in my past employment.
I also know that I learn much better with a textbook… taking notes… highlighting…bookmarking. If I remember correctly, one of the tips tn Learning Strategies for Success is to make notes in the margins, and highlight important passages…
Also, as another student had posted,, some of us older students have problems staring at a computer screen for hours on end… had the university thought about its diverse student body when it developed this plan?
Thank you for letting me vent.
Sheryl, every class has hard copy books right now. The E-books are just going to be an option for student who would prefer them. And we do not expect anyone to buy a new device for their e-books. The e-books can be opened on computers and many other devices, but as of right now they will just not be available through the Kindle Store. You will always have the option to have a hard copy book.
Will students still have the option to purchase the book after every class? I like to keep my textbooks as a professional resource. Ever course will still have a hard copy text option in the future, correct?
Absolutely Andrew! At the end of the term, any books that have not been sent back to CSU, will be charged to your student account. And yes, every class will have the option of a hard copy book.
Two questions:
1.) When it comes to the courses that will have e-books, will they ALL have the Loan-A-Book option, or will some courses only provide an e-book?
2.) Will we be able to download the e-books to our computers to save, or will we only be able to access them online while we’re enrolled in that course? I know a lot of students, myself included, save their textbooks for future reference. I’m not going to be happy if we 1.) lose access to the textbook after the course is over unless we pay for a hard copy or 2.) can’t access the textbook unless I’m connected to the internet.
Kayla–
At this time, all classes that offer e-books will also have a hard copy book option.
The books can be downloaded onto your computer for access whenever necessary. Right now, the e-books will expire after the class is over but this is why we have the option to print e-books if desired.
How do we know if our class will have an e-book or a loan book? I just want to prepare for whatever the case may be. Will it begin with certain programs or general ed? Thank you!
When you are signing up for classes each term, each class listing will indicate which book they use, in what version they will be providing the book, as well as the price of the book. We do not know for sure the classes that will start to phase in each book initiative but we promise to let the students know before they enroll in a class.
I think that the loan-a-book and e-book alternatives are an excellent suggestion for cutting cost. My immediate thought was “I have nearly all of my old textbooks, now I can finally put them to use!” Then I realized that the loan-a-book program wasn’t for me to loan my books, but for another company to as such. CSU, don’t count your students, your #1 assets out of the equation! Now I know receiving books back by students may give rise to the need for further considerations in its complexity. So, as a loyal student I offer another suggestion. Send an inquery to your students and learn how many are willing to donate old books back ( we would want you to pay the shipping, of course). A small monetary incentive could be offered in the future if it produce the desired results. Currently, I would be willing to donate back to CSU any textbook that I didn’t need for my library. We are, after all, a team!
Dauan, we are currently accepting textbook donations from students at this time. If you would like to donate your books back to CSU, please call or email the bookstore (bookstore@columbiasouthern.edu) and they will send you a shipping label. Thank you for your generosity!
I strongly prefer new hard copy textbooks. First, I reference my textbooks frequently in my line of work (occupational safety). Second, I have attempted to use electronic textbooks in the past. I often will tag several pages and flip back and forth to compare information in different sections. It is not possible to do that with an electronic textbook. You can bookmark but it is difficult (if not impossible) to refer to both pages simultaneously. Third, I’ve just always liked new and clean textbooks. I like to make my own markings and highlighting. Also, I am a bit of a germaphob and used books just aren’t my preference.
I think the idea of eBooks is a good. However, I think if a student wants to print or all of it, there should be no fee. After all, the student does have the expense of ink and paper for printing.
This is not a bad idea.. For general studies I would not mind to send my book back at all. I just hope the professional classes we can keep them. And I would love to have an e-book for every class. I called in a while back asking if I could get an e-book for one of my courses and I was told no. So I am very excited about this. Just wish we could have them for every class.
I have several books from CSU that I am willing to give back since I am done with those classes. How do I go about that? I really appreciate CSU giving us books for free and it is only right to pay it forward.
Massa, we are currently accepting textbook donations from students at this time. If you would like to donate your books back to CSU, please call or email the bookstore (bookstore@columbiasouthern.edu) and they will send you a shipping label. Thank you for your generosity!
I’ve read many of the posts presented, and aside from Peter in Africa, as well as other international students there isn’t much cause for concern on the changes.
CSU offers some of the lowest tuition rates you’ll find, and provides a book to be returned upon completion or an eBook. The hardcopy book goes both ways at no expense to the student. For anyone that has ever gone to a school where the tuition far out-paced CSU, plus you had to pay well over $100 per book can appreciate any offer to save money…especially when you’re footing the bill yourself and don’t have GI Bill, VA Voc-Rehab, or lots of scholarships to pay for all or the majority of the education expenses.
I understand not everyone is or will be pleased by the change in program, but try to keep it in perspective.
And for those who think I work for CSU or something of the like, I don’t. I am only an MBA student.
I’d be happy to pay for my physical textbook. Having had surgery for a brain tumor, reading on a computer screen causes me to have excruciating headaches after a short time.
Hey Karen! If you are having trouble reading because of this surgery, make sure to reach out to the Office of Disability Services to find out if you could access additional resources. http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/consumer-information/office-of-disability