It’s that time of year again, when the snow starts flying and nights at the library become more popular then Open mic nights at the Gorsebrook. You might be starting to feel a lot more stress and anxiety than usual. Don’t worry, there are lots of simple ways to keep your stress level in check and fly smoothly through exam season into the holiday season. It’s already the last week of classes, and final exam dates are fast approaching. Some people may even be doing big final presentations and Lab exams this week on top of preparing for final exams. The first official day for formal exams is December first and most exams are finally wrapped up by December 17th.
Make sure you manage your time well! If you have a bunch of exams in only a few days, start studying well in advance. This will keep you from cramming last minute or not doing as well as you’d like. Get lots of sleep over the next few weeks. Sleep is important for retaining information and not passing out on your favorite Calculus textbook by 8pm. Avoid putting off your studying and then putting in a couple all-nighters instead. While you are studying, eat well, lots of healthy fruits and vegetables, and drink lots (of non-alcoholic beverages). If you normally drink coffee or other caffeine, keep on doing it. If you rarely ever do, don’t start. It won’t help you to chug three energy drinks and power study. Plan out your study schedule in advance, stick to it, and don’t cram!
Make sure you stay on your study schedule. It’s also important to take breaks and find things you like doing to relax yourself. Take a break and get outside, go for a jog (watch the ice!), or get to the gym. If exercise isn’t your thing, try reading something else other than your psychology textbook, or bake your room mates cookies. If you have a routine, it’s probably a good idea to stick to it.
There are definitely some good things to do while you are studying. If it helps you, study in groups or with someone else in your class. If you’re better off studying alone, get to the library early and find a quiet place. Profs are usually available, between all the marking that they have to do, to go over class material or a previous midterm. There are also lots of resources on campus to help you deal with stress and anxiety. Check out Student Services and Counseling services on the fourth floor of the student centre. There is a Chaplaincy office on the first floor of Loyola and a meditation/prayer room on the second floor of Loyola.
Don’t worry, it will all be over soon!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
SMU press release on CRAM
For Immediate Release
October 10, 2008
Students, bookstores found national roundtable to fight costs
Students announced this week the formation of the Canadian Roundtable on Academic Materials (CRAM), a nation-wide initiative of campus bookstores and students’ associations from 21 schools across nine provinces. The organization will work to ensure Canadian students have access to affordable and relevant academic materials of the highest quality.
CRAM was formed in response to a growing crisis of rising costs and decreasing quality in Canadian educational materials. The Roundtable brings together, for the first time, campuses from across the country to address this issue. Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA) and the SMU Campus Bookstore are two of the founding members of CRAM.
“The costs of textbooks have been rising steadily over the past few years,” said Adam Harris, Vice President Academic Affair for SMUSA. “These costs, which have risen at a rate well above inflation during the last 10 years, are negatively affecting students. We have not seen an increase in quality or a significant change in the content to warrant such a price increase.”
The decision to form the Roundtable stemmed from discussions held in the winter of 2008 to develop a collective approach to the crisis in academic materials. This original discussion included post-secondary student groups and campus bookstores from across Canada. Momentum to address this issue continues to grow.
“Tuition costs are just one piece of financial burden students face,” said Alex Lougheed, University of British Columbia Alma Mater Society Vice-President Academic and co-spokesperson for CRAM. “Increased costs of academic materials are a major financial burden yet to be addressed.”
CRAM launched their national website Oct. 8, which includes their key principles. “This website will provide a forum for stakeholders to share experiences, solutions, and resources for campus-level efforts,” said Pamela Weatherbee, University of Calgary Vice-President Academic and co-spokesperson for CRAM.
In December 2008 CRAM will meet for a national conference in Toronto. At this conference, CRAM will continue building their organization and discuss critical areas such as faculty choice in textbook selection, alternative delivery methods, and strategies for controlling price inflation. Adam Harris will be representing Saint Mary’s students at this important meeting.
To learn more about CRAM, please visit http://www.theCRAM.ca, or contact Adam Harris directly by phone (902) 496-8710, cell (902) 880-0308 or e-mail vpacademic@smusa.ca
October 10, 2008
Students, bookstores found national roundtable to fight costs
Students announced this week the formation of the Canadian Roundtable on Academic Materials (CRAM), a nation-wide initiative of campus bookstores and students’ associations from 21 schools across nine provinces. The organization will work to ensure Canadian students have access to affordable and relevant academic materials of the highest quality.
CRAM was formed in response to a growing crisis of rising costs and decreasing quality in Canadian educational materials. The Roundtable brings together, for the first time, campuses from across the country to address this issue. Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA) and the SMU Campus Bookstore are two of the founding members of CRAM.
“The costs of textbooks have been rising steadily over the past few years,” said Adam Harris, Vice President Academic Affair for SMUSA. “These costs, which have risen at a rate well above inflation during the last 10 years, are negatively affecting students. We have not seen an increase in quality or a significant change in the content to warrant such a price increase.”
The decision to form the Roundtable stemmed from discussions held in the winter of 2008 to develop a collective approach to the crisis in academic materials. This original discussion included post-secondary student groups and campus bookstores from across Canada. Momentum to address this issue continues to grow.
“Tuition costs are just one piece of financial burden students face,” said Alex Lougheed, University of British Columbia Alma Mater Society Vice-President Academic and co-spokesperson for CRAM. “Increased costs of academic materials are a major financial burden yet to be addressed.”
CRAM launched their national website Oct. 8, which includes their key principles. “This website will provide a forum for stakeholders to share experiences, solutions, and resources for campus-level efforts,” said Pamela Weatherbee, University of Calgary Vice-President Academic and co-spokesperson for CRAM.
In December 2008 CRAM will meet for a national conference in Toronto. At this conference, CRAM will continue building their organization and discuss critical areas such as faculty choice in textbook selection, alternative delivery methods, and strategies for controlling price inflation. Adam Harris will be representing Saint Mary’s students at this important meeting.
To learn more about CRAM, please visit http://www.theCRAM.ca, or contact Adam Harris directly by phone (902) 496-8710, cell (902) 880-0308 or e-mail vpacademic@smusa.ca
Monday, November 17, 2008
What Is Academic Integrity Really?
Here is an article from Kim Dares, News Editor at the Journal. This article was originally published November 19th, 2008. Hopefully I cited this article about plagiarism correctly...haha
By Kimberley Dares
So chances are if you have picked up a recent issue of The Journal and bothered to even skim the perspectives page you would have seen something about academic honesty and integrity. Sure it seems like a fairly cut and dry subject, but is it really? Could it be more mysterious than you think? Probably not, but in case you were curious or need a little reminder, prepare to be educated in Academic Integrity 101.
First off, the big scary word: Plagiarism. Every semester Prof’s start class with a lecture on not to do it (at least in Arts classes), or at least point you to the page in the student handbook. Basically what it tells you is to cite everything, and trust your instincts. Don’t copy word for word, there is enough technology available that you will get caught, paraphrasing and/or summarizing is the same as copying if you don’t cite the original work. Other more obvious examples of plagiarism are, buying a term paper online, or from a classmate, or handing in the same assignment to all your Professors. If you are unsure how to properly write citations talk to your Prof, or head to the library or Writing Centre (Burke Building) where there will be lots of resources available to help you out.
Next on the docket: Cheating. Just don’t do it. If you are unsure what cheating is, maybe you should ask the person peering over your shoulder right now. Cheating is defined by the University as “attempting to secure a grade by unethical means”, also if you help your best friend cheat you could go down in flames right along with them. If you pretend to be someone else during an exam, or send someone else to write your exam, you are a cheater. If you slide your exam to the corner of your desk to let someone else get a peek you are a cheater, if you peek you are again, a cheater. Notice a pattern yet? One thing worth noting however, if you and your classmates do an individual assignment as a group (ie. Sharing answers to problems you were supposed to answer individually) the University could find grounds to call you a cheater. Sure group work is encouraged in many classes but if your Prof has specified that an assignment be done individually you should be wary of the consequences for sharing answers.
Another No-No: Falsification. If you lie about an illness, or make up sources for your research paper you could find yourself in hot water. Worse though is the falsification of personal information on admission forms or any other university documentation, including hiding the fact you attended another university before applying to SMU. The old adage “Fake it until you make it” is also a bad idea on your resume, pretending to know French will catch up with you.
The last major offense against Academic Integrity is tampering with university resources. These include library books, computers and programs as well as any official records.
What happens if you are found guilty of academic dishonesty? It depends, on the offense of course. If it is your first offense, if you can prove it was an accident or are genuinely apologetic the penalty will reflect that. The more serious the offense the more serious the penalty, ranging from repeating an assignment, a failing grade, expulsion, loss of scholarships or removal from the Dean’s list.
To ensure your academic integrity is upheld be honest. Don’t lie, don’t copy and don’t cheat. If you can follow these guidelines, the university will have no reason to question you.
For a more serious look at Academic Integrity, consult your handbook.
By Kimberley Dares
So chances are if you have picked up a recent issue of The Journal and bothered to even skim the perspectives page you would have seen something about academic honesty and integrity. Sure it seems like a fairly cut and dry subject, but is it really? Could it be more mysterious than you think? Probably not, but in case you were curious or need a little reminder, prepare to be educated in Academic Integrity 101.
First off, the big scary word: Plagiarism. Every semester Prof’s start class with a lecture on not to do it (at least in Arts classes), or at least point you to the page in the student handbook. Basically what it tells you is to cite everything, and trust your instincts. Don’t copy word for word, there is enough technology available that you will get caught, paraphrasing and/or summarizing is the same as copying if you don’t cite the original work. Other more obvious examples of plagiarism are, buying a term paper online, or from a classmate, or handing in the same assignment to all your Professors. If you are unsure how to properly write citations talk to your Prof, or head to the library or Writing Centre (Burke Building) where there will be lots of resources available to help you out.
Next on the docket: Cheating. Just don’t do it. If you are unsure what cheating is, maybe you should ask the person peering over your shoulder right now. Cheating is defined by the University as “attempting to secure a grade by unethical means”, also if you help your best friend cheat you could go down in flames right along with them. If you pretend to be someone else during an exam, or send someone else to write your exam, you are a cheater. If you slide your exam to the corner of your desk to let someone else get a peek you are a cheater, if you peek you are again, a cheater. Notice a pattern yet? One thing worth noting however, if you and your classmates do an individual assignment as a group (ie. Sharing answers to problems you were supposed to answer individually) the University could find grounds to call you a cheater. Sure group work is encouraged in many classes but if your Prof has specified that an assignment be done individually you should be wary of the consequences for sharing answers.
Another No-No: Falsification. If you lie about an illness, or make up sources for your research paper you could find yourself in hot water. Worse though is the falsification of personal information on admission forms or any other university documentation, including hiding the fact you attended another university before applying to SMU. The old adage “Fake it until you make it” is also a bad idea on your resume, pretending to know French will catch up with you.
The last major offense against Academic Integrity is tampering with university resources. These include library books, computers and programs as well as any official records.
What happens if you are found guilty of academic dishonesty? It depends, on the offense of course. If it is your first offense, if you can prove it was an accident or are genuinely apologetic the penalty will reflect that. The more serious the offense the more serious the penalty, ranging from repeating an assignment, a failing grade, expulsion, loss of scholarships or removal from the Dean’s list.
To ensure your academic integrity is upheld be honest. Don’t lie, don’t copy and don’t cheat. If you can follow these guidelines, the university will have no reason to question you.
For a more serious look at Academic Integrity, consult your handbook.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Don’t get caught with an “F”!
This Friday, November 7th is the last day for withdrawing, without academic penalty, from three (3) credit hour courses (i.e. designated .1), and from six (6) credit hour courses (i.e. designated .0) taught only in the first semester. While I can’t advise you on whether or not you should drop a class, it’s important that all students are aware of this academic regulation. If you feel like you are not doing well enough in the class to get the grade you are aiming for, it might be better for you to withdraw from the course than have a low mark or an “F” on your transcript. You could always make up the lost credit at another time, or retake the class again. A “W” will appear on your transcript instead, and won’t affect your GPA. If withdrawing from a class isn’t an option for you, but you still aren’t doing as well as you like, then check out the SMUSA Online Tutor Database at www.smusa.ca and find someone to give you a bit of extra help.
Also, there was a new academic regulation passed through Senate last May, but it didn’t make it in time to be included in the current edition of the Academic Calendar. It states that “instructors must provide feedback to students regarding their progress in the course prior to the final date by which a student may cancel the course without academic penalty (see regulation 16). Normally for undergraduate courses, this feedback must equal a minimum of 15% of the final grade (Regulation 4d)”. So, you should have 15% of your class mark back before this Friday! This ensures that you can make an educated decision about staying in the class or not, based on a big chunk your current performance in the class so far.
Also, there was a new academic regulation passed through Senate last May, but it didn’t make it in time to be included in the current edition of the Academic Calendar. It states that “instructors must provide feedback to students regarding their progress in the course prior to the final date by which a student may cancel the course without academic penalty (see regulation 16). Normally for undergraduate courses, this feedback must equal a minimum of 15% of the final grade (Regulation 4d)”. So, you should have 15% of your class mark back before this Friday! This ensures that you can make an educated decision about staying in the class or not, based on a big chunk your current performance in the class so far.
Monday, October 20, 2008
It’s not just Flu season, its Sick note season!
It’s that time of year again, when students start getting stressed about big midterms and big assignments being due. It’s also the time of year when many of us start getting sick. There is sometimes a little bit of confusion around what to do if you are too sick to go to class, and you have a big test that day, or even worse: if you get sick the day of a big final exam.
Students who require a sick note for their professor should contact Student Health at Saint Mary’s, or your family doctor. Student Health is located on the 4th floor of the Student Centre. The Nurse, Jane, can fill out a sick note for you. It’s best to phone the health centre the day you are sick and let them know. Their phone number is 420-5611 or 496-8778. They can make a note in your file, it saves you from coming to campus when you are sick, and you won’t be spreading whatever you have around to other people. Then, the next day, or when you are feeling better, you can come in and get your sick note filled out.
The nurse commonly fills out sick notes to keep the doctors from charging you and the health plan a lot of money. Costs can double or triple of you are an international student. If your professor requires the note be filled out by a doctor, it can be arranged too. Don’t bother going to the emergency room at the hospital for a sick note, spending tons of time waiting, and tons of money to see the doctor.
Don’t fail a class or do poorly on an exam just because you are sick and the professor didn’t accept your excuse. Make sure you know your rights as a student, and make sure you get your sick note if you need one! Some professors require it be filled out on the day you were sick by your doctor, while others just want something to file away. If your note isn’t accepted, take it back to the health centre and talk to the nurse, or talk to me, your VP Academic. Ask your professors before you get sick to find out what they require, just in case that flu bug strikes at a bad time.
Make sure you know what to do if you’re sick. Get well soon!
Graduating this fall??
This is a reminder to all students who will be attending convocation this Fall. Don’t forget to invite all your professors and other Faculty to Convocation. Convocation will take place this Sunday, October 26th. It is a very special day for many graduating students who are finishing up 4 or 5 long years of hard work. To many students, having faculty represented on stage is very important. Students get to see many of the mentors and inspiring people who have helped them along the way while at Saint Mary’s. Congrats to all the graduates!
Share your awesome cheap text book stories!
Do you know any faculty or staff on your campus who have made a commitment to keeping the price of academic materials low for students?
Do you have any stories about any creative initiatives taken by local groups or associations that are making a difference at your University in regards to textbook costs?
We want to hear your stories!! Log on to - www.theCRAM.ca - and connect to the FORUM (upper right hand corner), register for a portal name and document how local efforts are changing the way post-secondary institutions are taking on the academic materials issue. We need lots of Saint Mary’s students to log on and share! Here is an example from the University of Calgary:
"The U of C Students' Union Faculty of Science representative (Ms. Mohajer) asked me if I ever had a professor that helps students by cutting some of the course costs. I am currently enrolled in Psyc 369: Sensation and Perception, and the professor (His name is Charles Thomas Scialfa) provided us with an online textbook so we did not have to buy one. We had 24/7 access to the text, we could print out certain portions of it if we needed, saving me about $80. I was very appreciative of the fact that I did not have to spend another $100 for at least one of my 5 courses." - Malik El-Bekai
So, log onto the forum and share your stories! Or send them to vpacademic@smusa.ca
Do you have any stories about any creative initiatives taken by local groups or associations that are making a difference at your University in regards to textbook costs?
We want to hear your stories!! Log on to - www.theCRAM.ca - and connect to the FORUM (upper right hand corner), register for a portal name and document how local efforts are changing the way post-secondary institutions are taking on the academic materials issue. We need lots of Saint Mary’s students to log on and share! Here is an example from the University of Calgary:
"The U of C Students' Union Faculty of Science representative (Ms. Mohajer) asked me if I ever had a professor that helps students by cutting some of the course costs. I am currently enrolled in Psyc 369: Sensation and Perception, and the professor (His name is Charles Thomas Scialfa) provided us with an online textbook so we did not have to buy one. We had 24/7 access to the text, we could print out certain portions of it if we needed, saving me about $80. I was very appreciative of the fact that I did not have to spend another $100 for at least one of my 5 courses." - Malik El-Bekai
So, log onto the forum and share your stories! Or send them to vpacademic@smusa.ca
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Balancing school with paying for school
My friend was interviewed by Metro, one of the local daily newspapers. It shows a pretty accurate example of how students are struggling with attending school while paying for school at the same time. Don't forget about all the academic resources on campus to help keep your marks up, like the Library, Student services, and the SMUSA Tutor database!
Student life a juggling act - Skipping class to do course work or go to a job not an uncommon practice
JON TATTRIE
Originally published in 'Metro', October 14, 2008
It’s hard work putting yourself $40,000 in debt; ask Chelsea Adams. The 22-year-old Saint Mary’s University student is taking an honours in environmental studies and a major in biology.
In addition to her 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. role as a student, she’s working 20 hours a week at three jobs. Nova Scotia tuition is among the highest in Canada: Adams pays more than $6,000 a year. Living expenses put that at more than $12,000.
“It’s stressful,” she says, “but I know other people are in the same boat. It’s a rough time now, in the hope that in the end, I’ll get a better job.”
The first casualty of the super-busy student is studying. She sometimes has to skip class to do course work, and “during class, I’m not sitting there absorbing things. I’m doing my homework for my next class.
“You stay up late, get up early — whenever you can fit it in.”
Fuelled by power drinks, the P.E.I. native puts in four or five all-nighters each semester just to get the work done.
Adams also volunteers every week at the Teach English as a Second Language centre and at a cat-rescue clinic.
“You have to,” she says. “On your resumé, education is just part of it. Volunteer work is as important as your marks.”
Part of the problem is that bursaries and scholarships go to students pulling in high GPAs, Adams says. The money gives them time to maintain a 4.0 and volunteer, because they don’t have to work.
“The people who need the money don’t have time to volunteer and don’t have time to study 24/7,” she says.
Asked to imagine a life where she didn’t have to work 20 hours a week and volunteer on top of her studies, she laughs.
“Obviously, my grades would go up. There’s no doubt in my mind. It’s not so much the time, it’s the stress and pressure of it all.”
But she doesn’t regret coming to Nova Scotia. She wanted to study in a big city near home; Halifax, despite its punishing tuitions, was the best option.
And after all that work and money earn Adams her degree in January, she’s heading back to school.
“You can’t get anything with a degree these days,” she explains, so she’s pursuing a master’s.
For the original link the the story, click here: http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/learn/article/125383
Student life a juggling act - Skipping class to do course work or go to a job not an uncommon practice
JON TATTRIE
Originally published in 'Metro', October 14, 2008
It’s hard work putting yourself $40,000 in debt; ask Chelsea Adams. The 22-year-old Saint Mary’s University student is taking an honours in environmental studies and a major in biology.
In addition to her 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. role as a student, she’s working 20 hours a week at three jobs. Nova Scotia tuition is among the highest in Canada: Adams pays more than $6,000 a year. Living expenses put that at more than $12,000.
“It’s stressful,” she says, “but I know other people are in the same boat. It’s a rough time now, in the hope that in the end, I’ll get a better job.”
The first casualty of the super-busy student is studying. She sometimes has to skip class to do course work, and “during class, I’m not sitting there absorbing things. I’m doing my homework for my next class.
“You stay up late, get up early — whenever you can fit it in.”
Fuelled by power drinks, the P.E.I. native puts in four or five all-nighters each semester just to get the work done.
Adams also volunteers every week at the Teach English as a Second Language centre and at a cat-rescue clinic.
“You have to,” she says. “On your resumé, education is just part of it. Volunteer work is as important as your marks.”
Part of the problem is that bursaries and scholarships go to students pulling in high GPAs, Adams says. The money gives them time to maintain a 4.0 and volunteer, because they don’t have to work.
“The people who need the money don’t have time to volunteer and don’t have time to study 24/7,” she says.
Asked to imagine a life where she didn’t have to work 20 hours a week and volunteer on top of her studies, she laughs.
“Obviously, my grades would go up. There’s no doubt in my mind. It’s not so much the time, it’s the stress and pressure of it all.”
But she doesn’t regret coming to Nova Scotia. She wanted to study in a big city near home; Halifax, despite its punishing tuitions, was the best option.
And after all that work and money earn Adams her degree in January, she’s heading back to school.
“You can’t get anything with a degree these days,” she explains, so she’s pursuing a master’s.
For the original link the the story, click here: http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/learn/article/125383
Friday, October 10, 2008
Cheaper textbook campaign
Yesterday, we had SMUSA representatives in the lobby of the student centre take over the four computers. The homepages were set to www.cheapertextbooks.ca and students were encouraged to log on and send the federal candidates in their riding an email outlining how they can help with the issue of cheaper textbooks. About 70 students participated throughout the day. We also sent information to the RAs and Res students and had announcements and posters in all computer labs across campus.
Matt Anderson sits at a table in the Student Centre lobby encouraging students to log onto the website.
Students send their federal candidates an email explaining why textbooks are too expensive and how they can help if they get elected.
Matt Anderson sits at a table in the Student Centre lobby encouraging students to log onto the website.
Students send their federal candidates an email explaining why textbooks are too expensive and how they can help if they get elected.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Cheaper Textbooks!
A federal election means that politicians are listening. It is important to reach out to them and explain how a simple regulatory change will mean more money in your pocket, without them having to spend a single tax dollar. Click on the link below to find a web form that lets you send candidates in your riding a message asking them to support lower textbook prices. Please take a second to fill it out, and help make textbooks cheaper.
http://www.cheapertextbooks.ca/
Monday, October 6, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
All about the SMUSA Online Tutor Database
The SMUSA Online Tutor Database was designed for students looking for a tutor and for students looking to become a tutor. The database, which was set up online only a few years ago, is an important resource for students. Registering to be a tutor and looking for a tutor is free! SMUSA posts the information and sets the rules. It is up to the tutor and the student to arrange meetings, location, and any charges or transactions. There are categories and tutors listed for almost all majors, as well as a new category for student looking to receive help with proofreading and editing.
There are several terms for the database that helps the process to be more efficient and reliable. Tutors registered will provide a free 20 minute consultation with the student. The maximum amount a tutor can charge is $15 per hour. Tutors must have an A- average or above in the classes in which they wish to tutor.
Not doing as well as you would like in a class? Or just looking for some extra help? Go to www.smusa.ca and click on the Tutor Database tab on the left-hand site. Clock “Search”, and begin you search for a tutor. There are many benefits of searching for a tutor through the SMUSA database. You will be finding a tutor who is also a student and who has taken the class already and got a good mark. The service is also very affordable for students on a tight budget.
Looking to become a tutor? To apply to the tutor database, go to www.smusa.ca and click on the Tutor Database tab on the left-hand side. Click “Apply” and fill out your information. After you application is received, you will get an email asking for a letter of reference and your transcript. The letter can be from another student in one of your classes or a professor. You can copy and paste your transcript off of Banner into an email to make things easier. SMUSA will only be stamping posters for registered tutors, so if you want to post your information around campus, make sure you register with us. Students wishing to charge for tutoring must also register with SMUSA before they can book rooms on campus with Conference Services. This is a great way to help out your fellow students and make some extra cash.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Canadian Roundtable on Academic Materials and You
Last week I wrote about the high cost of academic materials including textbooks, and the different option you have as a student when selecting your academic materials. If you missed it, you can check the blog address above for the whole scoop. Academic materials, such as text books and course-packs, are very important to students as well as faculty. For students they can be a supplement to the ideas and information presented in class, and for professors they can be an additional tool to relay the information to students.
Due to the high importance and high cost of academic materials, 21 universities from across Canada, including Saint Mary’s, have joined to create CRAM, the Canadian Roundtable on Academic Materials. This new organization represents the student associations and bookstore from these campuses.
The first meeting took place in November of 2008 in Toronto. This was initially organized by the student’s association and bookstore from the University of Alberta. The members discussed the direction of the new organization, different ideas about what CRAM could accomplish, and shared information about the issues. They decided to create an ongoing medium for cooperation between Canadian bookstores and students. The group will also ideally include all stakeholders, including faculty representative, the publishers, and librarians.
This past June, I had the opportunity to attend the second major meeting of CRAM . The conference was very informative and productive. We had the chance to meet with key representatives from the publishers and express our concerns over the rising cost of textbooks. We also had information sessions on copyright issues, what other campuses are doing to make a difference, among others. There was lots of discussion between the student representatives about running book exchanges, working with the administration on our campuses, and organizing an awareness campaign, all of which SMUSA are currently focusing on. CRAM is also planning media releases to draw attention to this issue, as well as advocacy campaigns targeting various levels of government.
CRAM and SMUSA want to create awareness on the side of the students, the faculty and bookstores and ensure that we play a role in helping to bring down the cost of these materials to students. Overall, the primary goal is create an affordable option for academic materials for all students.
Due to the high importance and high cost of academic materials, 21 universities from across Canada, including Saint Mary’s, have joined to create CRAM, the Canadian Roundtable on Academic Materials. This new organization represents the student associations and bookstore from these campuses.
The first meeting took place in November of 2008 in Toronto. This was initially organized by the student’s association and bookstore from the University of Alberta. The members discussed the direction of the new organization, different ideas about what CRAM could accomplish, and shared information about the issues. They decided to create an ongoing medium for cooperation between Canadian bookstores and students. The group will also ideally include all stakeholders, including faculty representative, the publishers, and librarians.
This past June, I had the opportunity to attend the second major meeting of CRAM . The conference was very informative and productive. We had the chance to meet with key representatives from the publishers and express our concerns over the rising cost of textbooks. We also had information sessions on copyright issues, what other campuses are doing to make a difference, among others. There was lots of discussion between the student representatives about running book exchanges, working with the administration on our campuses, and organizing an awareness campaign, all of which SMUSA are currently focusing on. CRAM is also planning media releases to draw attention to this issue, as well as advocacy campaigns targeting various levels of government.
CRAM and SMUSA want to create awareness on the side of the students, the faculty and bookstores and ensure that we play a role in helping to bring down the cost of these materials to students. Overall, the primary goal is create an affordable option for academic materials for all students.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Why your textbook prices have skyrocketed
Everyone knows the cost of textbooks is high. The price for textbooks in Canada between 1998 and 2007 has increased at 2.8 times the CPI. The CPI is the consumer price index, the rate at which items should increase in price in the market over time.
Many publishing companies come out with frequent new editions of each textbook. In the past, there may have only been a new edition every seven or eight years. Now, we can expect a new edition every three years. If you are trying to buy a used edition for your class, make sure it is still okay to use with the professor first. There are also other components and features of the textbook which may make it obsolete to buy the used or previous edition. The phenomenon of bundling is becoming more common. This is when publishers pack CDs or other online access codes with the textbook. These CDs or access codes may expire after a year. Also check with your professors to see if they will be using the extra components for their class. If not, you may not need to buy these costly features.
Many students and instructors are asking why new editions and price increases happen for books with little changes in curriculum, especially for example calculus and physics. This is a common problem, which the publishing industry tries to explain through a need for new end-of-chapter questions for and adapting the curriculum examples to current events and pop culture.
Another issue is who the textbooks are marketed to. The market is the professors, but students are the ones who have to pay. Each publisher rigorously tries to sell their books to professors via local sales reps. Often the professors are not told of the cost of the book, or continue to use a book year after year, even though there are recent and expensive new editions. The publishers make it difficult for the professors and bookstores to continue to use the old editions because of supply issues.
All of these things are making used textbooks obsolete, driving up the costs for students, who are the end user of the book. The data showing the rising costs of textbooks is supported by many PIRGs (Public Interest Research Groups) in the US and a number of Canadian university bookstores. Get to know the issues and get involved. Write your local politicians and talk to your professors about the issues.
Many publishing companies come out with frequent new editions of each textbook. In the past, there may have only been a new edition every seven or eight years. Now, we can expect a new edition every three years. If you are trying to buy a used edition for your class, make sure it is still okay to use with the professor first. There are also other components and features of the textbook which may make it obsolete to buy the used or previous edition. The phenomenon of bundling is becoming more common. This is when publishers pack CDs or other online access codes with the textbook. These CDs or access codes may expire after a year. Also check with your professors to see if they will be using the extra components for their class. If not, you may not need to buy these costly features.
Many students and instructors are asking why new editions and price increases happen for books with little changes in curriculum, especially for example calculus and physics. This is a common problem, which the publishing industry tries to explain through a need for new end-of-chapter questions for and adapting the curriculum examples to current events and pop culture.
Another issue is who the textbooks are marketed to. The market is the professors, but students are the ones who have to pay. Each publisher rigorously tries to sell their books to professors via local sales reps. Often the professors are not told of the cost of the book, or continue to use a book year after year, even though there are recent and expensive new editions. The publishers make it difficult for the professors and bookstores to continue to use the old editions because of supply issues.
All of these things are making used textbooks obsolete, driving up the costs for students, who are the end user of the book. The data showing the rising costs of textbooks is supported by many PIRGs (Public Interest Research Groups) in the US and a number of Canadian university bookstores. Get to know the issues and get involved. Write your local politicians and talk to your professors about the issues.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Make sure you keep in mind the following important dates:
Friday, September 12th
-Last day for registering and changing courses
-Last day for filing applications for graduation for degrees, diplomas and certificates to be awarded in January 2009 or Spring Convocation 2009
-Last day for payment of first semester tuition fees
Friday, November 7th
-Last day for withdrawing without academic penalty from three credit hour courses
-Last day for registering and changing courses
-Last day for filing applications for graduation for degrees, diplomas and certificates to be awarded in January 2009 or Spring Convocation 2009
-Last day for payment of first semester tuition fees
Friday, November 7th
-Last day for withdrawing without academic penalty from three credit hour courses
ATTENTION POTENTIAL 2009 GRADUATES!
For all those potential spring 2009 graduates, this notice is for you! The application for graduation form is due this Friday September 12. If you intend to walk across that stage in May with your fellow classmates, make sure to pick up your form outside the registrar's office and return it by Friday. It only takes a minute to do, so don't miss out. If you still aren't sure if you are going to be graduating in May, fill it out just in case. Any questions, please contact the registrar's office before the due date!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Thrifty students on the search for cheaper textbooks
Text books and other academic material required for your classes can cost a lot of money, but they don't have to. For many students, the cost can be a significant portion of the total amount spent on post-secondary education. Textbooks can average $700-1000 per year, and the costs are continuing to rise. More and more students are finding ways to cut the costs of textbooks, but make sure you know all your options and all the facts first.
Many publishing companies offer digital textbooks, which is an online version of the hard copy book you would buy at the bookstore. These are available for most new editions. Digital textbooks are cheaper to buy, but there are some drawbacks. You can’t sell these books back for some money at the end of the semester. Most digital textbooks have limited access, or the access expires after a certain length of time. You can’t print the whole book, or there is a limited amount of printing. It also depends if you like reading a screen or highlighting the pages.
Thrifty shoppers who make it to the bookstore early can usually find a used version of the textbook they need for their class. The used versions are a lot cheaper than a new book. Frequent new editions of many textbooks means there won’t always be a used edition available. Check with your professor to see if an old edition would still be sufficient for class. You can check with your friends who have taken that class before, or buy and sell your used text books on the SMUSA Book Exchange (www.smusa.ca/books.asp).
There are lots of other options to keep the cost of academic materials low. Try sharing your books with friends or roommates in the same class. You could head to the library to see if the textbook is available there. A lot of students have started using the international editions of textbooks. These can be cheaper and come from another country. Be cautious though, international editions can have varying content, different page numbers, lower quality, and also copyright issues. One of the goals of the Canadian edition can be to provide the class content of the context of Canadian culture, which can be lost in international editions. If you are buying you textbooks online from other book store chains, make sure you check the ISBN number, and how long it will take to ship it to you.
Many professors don’t use a textbook, and instead rely on other, possibly cheaper, methods to teach their class. Some professors will only use PowerPoint presentations or handouts and post them online after class, or require you to look up selected readings at the library or in online journals. Instead of textbooks, course-packs are commonly used. This is a pre-bound collection of articles and chapters. The cost covers photocopying and any copyright fees.
Happy studying!
Many publishing companies offer digital textbooks, which is an online version of the hard copy book you would buy at the bookstore. These are available for most new editions. Digital textbooks are cheaper to buy, but there are some drawbacks. You can’t sell these books back for some money at the end of the semester. Most digital textbooks have limited access, or the access expires after a certain length of time. You can’t print the whole book, or there is a limited amount of printing. It also depends if you like reading a screen or highlighting the pages.
Thrifty shoppers who make it to the bookstore early can usually find a used version of the textbook they need for their class. The used versions are a lot cheaper than a new book. Frequent new editions of many textbooks means there won’t always be a used edition available. Check with your professor to see if an old edition would still be sufficient for class. You can check with your friends who have taken that class before, or buy and sell your used text books on the SMUSA Book Exchange (www.smusa.ca/books.asp).
There are lots of other options to keep the cost of academic materials low. Try sharing your books with friends or roommates in the same class. You could head to the library to see if the textbook is available there. A lot of students have started using the international editions of textbooks. These can be cheaper and come from another country. Be cautious though, international editions can have varying content, different page numbers, lower quality, and also copyright issues. One of the goals of the Canadian edition can be to provide the class content of the context of Canadian culture, which can be lost in international editions. If you are buying you textbooks online from other book store chains, make sure you check the ISBN number, and how long it will take to ship it to you.
Many professors don’t use a textbook, and instead rely on other, possibly cheaper, methods to teach their class. Some professors will only use PowerPoint presentations or handouts and post them online after class, or require you to look up selected readings at the library or in online journals. Instead of textbooks, course-packs are commonly used. This is a pre-bound collection of articles and chapters. The cost covers photocopying and any copyright fees.
Happy studying!
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