Money is very hard to come by with today's economy in a recession. Even with the help of financial aid students are still having trouble meeting all their financial needs. The cost of tuition and textbooks are very high these days.
In most cases students ease the high prices of books by buying online or at buying used books. The problem is not all books are available that way. In some instances students are forced to buy books new because a used oneis not available or a new edition has been issued.
In the March 4 issue of the Et Cetera a letter was published from Ryan Palmer regarding Dr. Stacy Jurhree, professor of Political Science and History who teaches GOVT 2301, 2302. Palmer, suggested that there was a conflict of interest with Jurhree because he writes his own textbook and instructs his students to tear pages out of the textbook for work assignments, therefore making students unable to resell their books. Palmer also suggested that Jurhree was getting kickbacks. Jurhree, who is very popular on campus, responded and confirmed that students do tear out pages of his book Revelations of American Government and Texas Politics: System Theory. But, the book can be used for two of Jurhrees' courses,GOVT 2301 and GOVT 2302. Also the fact that pages are torn out does not matter because the book can't be reused. "The book can't be sold back because of the way the publisher, Kendall Hunt, has the book set up."
Many professors write their own books; that's nothing new. Jurhree said he writes his own book because it will help get his point across to students. According to Jurhree traditional books only focus on government institutions such as Congress,the President and other bodies of government.
"My book is geared more toward students," Jurhree said. "So they can understand government and politics and the impact that it has on their everyday lives. This book is strictly for students so they can understand the basic operation of American government and Texas politics." he said.
Jurhree also said that in this business you sometimes have one PH.D trying to impress another PH.D when writing books and sometimes students get lost in the shuffle. As for as kickbacks or conflicts of interest, Jurhree disputes this accusation
"Every textbook that a student buys some professor is not getting kickbacks, but may get royalties," Jurhree said.
Royalties are paid to textbook authors just like they are paid to novelists, biographers or any other author.
Jurhree wants students to understand that when professors write these books, whether it's at a big university or a small community college, they're not thinking whether or not a student is going to be able to sell this book back.
Jurhree also said that it would be inresponsblie for him to use another textbook rather than his own because the material in some of the books is irrelevant compared to what he is trying to get relate to students.
Glynn Newman a political science professor at Eastfield also writes his own book. Newman's book The Transformation of American Politics can be used for two semesters. The book combines a textbook, workbook, reference guide, and other materials. Separately these items get expensive.
"This actually helps students save money," Newman said. "I write everything in the book, all the notes, so it comes directly from me. We write these books trying to help students not to rip them off."
Newman said combining everything into one book really saves a lot of money.
Often multiple items are found in bundles. They are bundled together and sold as a complete set. However sometimes the entire bundle is not needed so students end up purchasing items they don't need.
"Bundles can range from a few bucks up to the hundreds," said John Parker, a manager at the Eastfield bookstore.
Michael Gutierrez Vice President of Learning said many professors always write their own books, but it's seen more at big universities than small community colleges.
Contact Clarence Connally
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