By Vanessa Blore
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The City College board of trustees passed a resolution March 26, establishing a College Textbook Affordability Task Force to help students deal with the rising cost of text books.

The purpose of this task force is to “develop textbook adoption guidelines and to evaluate and implement other strategies to improve textbook affordability,” Chancellor Dr. Don Q. Griffin said.

“[The task force] should include representatives of the local academic senate, student government, librarians, disabled student services, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services as well as the bookstore manager, chief instructional officer, chief student services officer and other important stakeholders,” Chancellor Griffin said.

This task force is the first step in a local solution to a statewide problem. The California State Auditors May 2008 report stated publishers employ various tactics to affect the costs of textbooks.The report also states several companies in the textbook industry believe the market for used textbooks drives up the cost of new textbooks and may play a role in how frequently publishers issue new editions.

“This resolution is good to bring some awareness to the subject. But the cost of books is far beyond City College. I really hope, that out of the resolution, a lobbying group gets created. Moreover, I really wish for this group to lobby in Sacramento in favor of policies and laws that prevent publishers from burdening students with the cost of books,” Student trustee Diana Muñoz -Villanueva said.

The 2008 California Auditors Report states textbook costs represent nearly 60 percent of the total cost of a students education in academic year 2007-2008. An average full-time City College student can expect to pay $692 on textbooks annually. The annual cost of fees for a full time student to enroll at City College costs around $480.

Community Colleges may attract low-income students because they are more affordable than UC or CSU campuses. Therefore, textbook costs represent a higher portion of the total cost of an education for a student enrolled at a community college than for a student at a UC or CSU campus.

There are a few alternatives to purchasing new or used text books. City College’s library has textbooks on reserve and although the number of reserved books is small, it is growing. Google has also began to take “orphan” books – out-of-print works which no author or publication has an active copyright to. Scanning these onto a database will make these books available free of charge to students.

City College chancellor Dr. Don Q. Griffin speaks at rally in protest of recent budget cuts to education in California at the Ocean campus on April 3, 2008. ADM GOLUB / SPECIAL TO THE GUARDSMAN

A Q&A with Dr. Don Q. Griffin

In light of a state budget crisis, Dr. Don Q. Griffin recently assumed the office of Chancellor at City College. Having some experience as interim chancellor after Dr. Philip R. Day Jr. resigned as chancellor. The Guardsman had a chance to sit down with Griffin  to get to know our new chancellor.

Could you tell me a little bit about your background, where did you grow up?

Well, I was in Texas, but spent my early childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. From the ages of 10 to 17, I lived in the San Joaquin Valley in a little town and agricultural community named Le Moore. I think I got the best of worlds, a fair sized city and a small town. I am one of 18 siblings.

Wow, that’s a big family! Do you have family of your own?

Yes, I have two children and seven grandchildren.

I see you have a Ph.D in Psychology from the University of California. What other experience do you bring to the chancellorship?

Prior to coming to City College I was acting Associate Director of the Educational Opportunity Program and Assistant Director for the Special Admissions Programs.  I have also been at City College for 38 years as a teacher and administrator. Only in the last year and a half I started to think about the path to the chancellors office.

What is your biggest challenge going into the chancellor position?

The most critical goal is to deal with the financial crisis. We need to maintain a stable financial condition. Everyone relies on community colleges during times of high unemployment. We can challenge the bad economy by training people for green jobs. We still need to serve the community  directly by keeping doors open and continuing to offer the necessary programs and classes.

That sounds like a great plan, how do you feel now that you are the new chancellor?

Well, I think that this is going to be more work, I have to work a lot harder. I feel that you have to keep struggling to get better. I have an administration that is very supportive.  I have a lot of experience too.  I worked at City College for 38 years  and I took classes here and learned many things over the years. We have great teachers and great programs.

Do you plan any changes to the college’s policy of keeping the campus’ police unarmed?

I support the board of trustees’ policy not to arm the campus police. I see no reason to change that policy at this time. The campus police have done an excellent job of managing the safety of the school and I would like to get them more resources  continue to do so.

Anything else you would like to say to the City College Community?

I am happy to assume the responsibilities of chancellor and I plan to work hard for City College. I look forward to working with the City College community.

Interim Chancellor Dr. Don Q. Griffin

By Natalie Coreas
Staff Writer

The City College board of trustees announced the appointment of the college’s newest chancellor during the Nov. 20 board meeting.

After weeks of meetings and interviews with the three finalist for the position, board of trustees president Lawrence Wong made a quick announcement at the beginning of the board meeting that Interim Chancellor Dr. Don Q. Griffin will become the college’s 25th chancellor.  The announcement was met with applause and loud cheering from the unusually large audience in attendance.

“I think that this is a very critical time, not a bad time, but challenging because of the economy,” Griffin said after the announcement was made.

Griffin has been at City College for 39 years, working first as a psychology professor and then as the chair of the psychology department, with Interim Chancellor being Griffin’s most recent post.

Griffin said he will officially begin serving as chancellor on Dec. 1.

As chancellor, Griffin hopes to serve the communities that attend City College more efficiently.

“Aside from the budget, one of the issues that I’m interested in is the transition of high school students to college,” Griffin said.