OUR VIEW: Course material should be available in class

Syllabi: they finalize the overwhelming number of books required for the class and indicate how poor most of us are. They also outline what is expected from us for each class. Admittedly, most of us use a class syllabus to gauge how many classes we definitely have to attend. Yet, what happens when class participation isn’t enough, but a club membership – with a fee – is required as well?

Some capstone courses recommend, or require, students to obtain a club or organization membership that relates to their particular field of study. Instructors do this as an attempt to enhance students’ knowledge about their field and have access to outside resources. However, how can a course require a membership to an organization that is completely separate from the class?

We can’t speak for all students, but many of us do not want to attend more things than necessary for a particular class, just as many of us do not read every chapter in a required text. The justification for a required membership is that it takes the place of a textbook. Granted, this may save $20 or $30. However, the instruction that is in the organization or club should be taught in class as well.

If there are resources that are only obtained through the memberships, for the sake of saving confusion for other trivial things, instructor’s should find comparable resources that do not require a fee to obtain.

Most college students want life as simple as possible, and yes, as inexpensive as they can get it.