“I Can’t Afford Your Class”

I can't afford your class.

Two Sessions:
Friday, May 5, 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Monday, May 8, 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Academic Innovation Studio
117 Dwinelle Hall

The high and ever-increasing costs of textbooks and other assigned course readings are a major concern for UC Berkeley students. College textbook prices have risen 88% in the past decade, with individual textbooks often costing at least $200 each. Print course pack costs further compound students’ financial burdens. These rising expenses come at a time when 42% of the UC student body systemwide experiences food insecurity due to inadequate living funds.

The UC Berkeley campus has begun to tackle these issues, and there are nuanced questions to address with numerous stakeholders. The Center for Teaching & Learning, University Library, and Academic Innovation Studio are excited to invite you to join this conversation and learn about:

  • The landscape for course content affordability issues, and the situation at UC Berkeley;
  • What campus-wide and Library-led efforts are being undertaken; and
  • The tools, resources, and services instructors and students can rely on to help limit costs.

We hope you’ll join us as we launch a broad discussion about this important topic! There will be plenty of time reserved for questions and debate. We are hosting the same event on two dates to try to accommodate as many attendees’ schedules as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact Rachael Samberg, Scholarly Communication Officer at the Library, at rsamberg@berkeley.edu.