RIT Quarterly Book Checks

From what is said, starting winter quarter (20082), the Higher Education Opportunity Program students here at the Rochester Institute of Technology will no longer receive book checks but, rather, will obtain Tiger Bucks to be spent at the local Barnes & Noble. The choice to make such a drastic change, in my opinion, was not a fair. For a student, such as me, at the College of Applied Science and Technology studying in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology, this will have many setbacks. It can easily be agreed that engineering is a rigorous field that requires up-to-date textbooks for all courses. Each required text book generally has a price tag around one-hundred and fifty dollars. On average, an engineering student takes about four engineering classes a quarter. Considering a textbook is needed for each class, each student needs to spend about six hundred dollars to have a “good” education here at RIT. However, to help improve the situation, there are many companies out there who sell books that are half the cost of the local book store. Take the following chart as an example of the price difference between Barnes & Noble and online sources:

If you sum up all the cost of the books above, the total cost for the quarter is $365 as compared to when purchased from online resource: $115. That is a difference of $250 not including the side costs for notebooks, iClicker and other necessary materials for which many students find part time jobs to finance.

I understand that the benefit from this recent change is that it is easier to keep track of spending for the institute; however, it is harder for students from low income families or even those who are self dependent to survive at this posh institute. If this change is allowed to persist, it will cause an uproar within the HEOP student body. If proper action is taken, it will cause a much more serene presence. In addition, it may also be possible that students receive higher grades because they are able to afford to actually buy all the books and academic related tools they need.

I would like to request for a meeting where proper discussion and decision is made between not only the Higher Education Opportunity Program staffs but also the students. I believe that this will help clarify much misunderstanding and help shape the future of book checks/funding methods.

I do somewhat understand as to why the institute has taken such an action. There were a few students in the past who misused their book checks; however, it can heavily be argued that we are not all to blame. All students should not suffer for the mistakes of others. There are students who heavily depend on such grants to understand course concepts and pass. To be honest, although I am a HEOP student, I do not know all the students in the program (because of entrance year difference). Many would say it is up to the students to talk to those who are making the mistake to stop. Conversely, if we do not know them, nor have we ever befriended them, then how can we persuade a “stranger?” This reaction to the action of a few is not valid.

If you are able to gather the Higher Education Opportunity Program in a community meeting, it can be certain that the uproar will come to an ease. Furthermore, from this action it is lucid that a solution supported by the students, the staff and the institute will become present.

If you need any support, do not hesitate to call me at the number I left with your assistant.

Thank you.