Old Dominion University

The goal of this study was to gain insight into the student experience at our institution, Old Dominion University, a mid-sized research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. The researchers used the Florida Virtual Campus Survey 2016 survey as a model for development of their local survey and modified it to meet local needs. The survey was distributed to a random sample of undergraduate students via link provided in a direct email.

Research Questions

How do students at Old Dominion University perceive the cost of course materials?
How does the cost of course materials influence student success at Old Dominion University?
How do Old Dominion University students engage with course materials?

The results reveal that students feel that the cost of required textbooks is unreasonable and that students are more likely to purchase required textbooks for in-major classes than for elective or general education courses. The most common means of reducing costs are purchasing from a vendor other than the campus bookstore, renting, or sharing books with classmates. Implications for academic success included not purchasing required textbooks or withdrawing from a course due to not having the materials. Students whose majors are housed in the College of Business have the highest textbook costs.

Publications

Report: Old Dominion University
Undergraduate Student Perspectives on Textbook Costs and Implications for Academic Success
Author: Lucinda Rush Wittkower, Old Dominion University and Leo S Lo, Pennsylvania State University
Year: 2020 - Format: PDF

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