Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Professors opposed to proposed changes in textbook policy By JONATHAN SULTAN Gamecock Staff Writer USC professors are in general disagreement with a resolution passed by the student senate Oct. 8 that requires them to change their textbook-ordering policy. The resolution states that faculty members would have to give at least a semester's notice before changing textbooks for 100- and 200 level courses. Professors would also be required to select books in accordance with the student's need to re-sell them and lists telling how long a particular book will be used would be posted at each bookstore. THE RESOLUTION is subject to faculty senate approval. Sen. Mike Griffin, the bill's originator, said "We want to give con sideration to the student with regard to expense, and how often the books are changed. Students are caught in the middle, holding the bag." Griffin said only 100 and 200 level courses will be involved in the policy, "Because upper-level courses are usually not taught every semester. Above this level (the 100 to 200) students tend to keep their textbooks since they are usually majors in the field. "If they (the faculty senate) don't go along with it we can try to meet with the members of the faculty senate, and see what changes could be worked out," Griffin said. He said he doubts the bill will pass the faculty senate, but at least it will bring the issue into the open. Griffin, a graduate assistant in the history department, said he sees many professors getting books free. THIS POINT was challenged by Morris J. Blachman, professor of government and international studies. "I get some free books but I also pay for many of my books too," he said. "I am very much opposed to it (the resolution)," Blachman said."It is a terrible idea that people in a university would consider an economic factor before an intellectual factor. It is an infringement on my rights as a teacher. I have no intention of adhering to it." Donald Abraham, a USC history professor, said "It is the restriction of the flexibility of a professor to select the finest textbooks. Academics can't be limited, professors shouldn't have their hands tied." English professor, Matthew J. Bruccoli said, "This policy will not affect my teaching policy. It will be extremely difficilt to prevent a professor from changing his mind." BLACHMAN ECHOED the views of many profetsors by saying he did not believe the faculty senate will pass the resolution. He also said that the cost of the textbook to the student has a great deal to do with its selection. Faculty Senate Secretary, Dr. David D. Husband, could not give any indication of how the senate would react to the bill. "There is no way to assess it. It is premature to make a judgement at this time." AMERICA'S FINEST m5JEANS SINCE 1850 FAST SLIDE SERVICE I OVERNIGHT SERVICEI ELLB0TTOM OR VAILABLE LOCALLY ON I S RAIGHT LEG KODAK EKTACHROMES ANDI -BLUE DENIM OR FUJICHROME SLIDES. I CORDUROY IStandard Push Processing isi Ifree. I 36 exp. U mount'em: $3.50 (andI MOE LEVY'S 'we give you the mounts) mm IWe mount 'em 5.00 9 I Tlepone799044M RICA'S FBNEST PrFim eric ICORNEROLAY 1106 Hagood Avenue | IColumbia, SC 29205 | A N D A SS EMBL Y S T. CAMPUS BOOKSTORE ANNOUNCES ING DAY WEDNESDAY - OCT. 22 COME BY TO ORDER YOUR CLASS RING For TOTAL SYSTEM EFFICIENCY buy MATCHED PIONEER COMPONENTS * Savings on Systems Cnrner Devne an-WoodrOw St argest DiSPay i, S C. PNEEn Dealer nf Year * We Listen - We Service " " 1973-1974 el ocated Near U S C 771-7340 PIONEER when you w w snmething better when you want something better SPECIAL OF THE ____ *SX 5200 PIONEERAMP T21 AA GLNNBURN TURNTABLE 08440 MAG SPEAKES '0 SHURE MAGNETIC CARTRIDGE SAVE $8 1! TX(600lPONE TNER $11 EXT77 P)E NEER)G T S.E $30' COMPATEElWJJE