Recent News

Search this section • RSS Feed

Over 1000 Professors Join Effort to Make Textbooks Affordable

One thousand professors from over 300 colleges in all 50 states released a statement declaring their preference for high-quality, affordable textbooks, including open textbooks, over expensive commercial textbooks. Open textbooks are high quality open-access textbooks reviewed and written by academics that can be used online at no cost and printed for a small cost.  Open textbooks are already used at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, like Harvard, Caltech and Yale. Textbooks cost students an average of $900 per year, which is a quarter of tuition at an average four-year public university and nearly three-quarters of tuition at a community college, according to the GAO. Research conducted by The Student PIRGs identifies publisher tactics as the primary cause of escalating prices.  Bundling textbooks with unnecessary supplements forces students to purchase items they do not need; unnecessary new editions undermine the used book market; and withholding critical price information keeps faculty in the dark. “As faculty members, our top priority is to choose the textbook that is best for our students.  We share concerns about affordability, and face similar frustrations with publisher practices,” said Sandra Schroeder, Chair of the American Federation of Teachers Higher Education Program and Policy Council.  “Open textbooks and other affordable options, when appropriate for a course, are a win-win for everyone.” Here are some examples of open textbooks: Introduction to Economic Analysis A First Course in Linear Algebra Introduction to Physical Oceanography Check out a great front-page article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

New Report Exposes Deceptive Credit Card Practices on Campus

WISPIRG chapters released the "Campus Credit Card Trap" report, which outlined the unfair marketing practices of the credit industry. Students overwhelmingly support limits on campus credit card marketing, according to the results of the nationwide USPIRG survey of more than 1500 students at 40 colleges in 14 states. The average student receives nearly 5 credit card offers a month and nearly two in three students reported that they had at least one credit card. Fifty-five percent of cardholding students said they used their card for day-to-day expenses. Reflecting escalating college costs, 55 percent said they charge their books and nearly one-quarter said they pay their tuition with a card. On average, freshmen had a balance of $1,301 and seniors had more than twice that, $2,623. Credit cards are marketed to students using free gifts and introductory teaser rates. The use of aggressive marketing techniques obscures students' ability to be scrutinizing consumers when considering a credit card contract.  Seventy six percent of students reported stopping at tables on campus to apply for credit cards, and nearly one-third were offered a free gift to sign up. Check out the Washington Post article printed April 13th 2008 Learn more at: truthaboutcredit.org

WISPIRG Hosts National Student Conference on Hunger and Homelessness

Several hundred students from over 100 schools attended the 20th annual National Student Conference Against Hunger and Homelessness at UW-Madison on November 2-4, 2007. The conference features speakers, panels, workshops, and other events to train students how to go back to their campuses and organize to end poverty in their communities. You can view photos, video, and reports from the conference online.

WISPIRG adds new semester initiatives

WISPIRG adds new semester initiatives by Allie Tempus Wednesday, September 26, 2007 The Wisconsin Student Public Interest Research Group is expanding beyond its Big Red, Go Green campaign this semester to fighting homelessness, expensive textbooks and dirty politicians. WISPIRG held its kickoff meeting in Birge Hall Tuesday, recruiting new members and spreading the word about the organization’s new campaigns for the fall semester. “The issues are huge and important to us,” WISPIRG State and UW Chapter chair Jeff Rolling said. “We see these problems every day when we walk past the homeless on State Street or when we hear reports of global warming on the news.” Rolling said students also face similar problems when “reading our overpriced text books” and attending football games at a stadium that lacks recycling bins. To address these issues, WISPIRG has outlined five campaigns including BRGG, Conservation and Recycling Efforts, Hunger and Homelessness, Affordable Textbooks and Clean Elections. New Associate Dean of Students Argyle Wade and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz both spoke at the event. Both Wade and Cieslewicz said the University of Wisconsin is known for its activism, as it historically produces a high number of peace corps volunteers. Additionally, Wade said WISPIRG is an organization that is built on the “Wisconsin Idea,” which encourages a commitment to making positive changes in the world. “Activism is one of the reasons I took this job,” Wade said. “This is exactly what we’d hoped. That you will come together to do meaningful things that will change society.” Cieslewicz discussed each of the group’s five campaigns and explained how the city of Madison is working toward many of the same goals. Regarding the campaigns, Cieslewicz voiced concern for the alarmingly high rate of homeless men in the city, which is up 30 percent since last year. “What we have to do is put the Wisconsin Idea on steroids,” Cieslewicz said. “We have to make sure that the benefits of the university really do get to the entire state.” This spring BRGG will be hosting an event funded by MTV, which awarded the group $5,000 to throw an “eco-party,” BRGG coordinator Tony Uhl said. Other major events on the WISPIRG slate include a nationwide energy conference during Earth Week this spring, which will feature expert guest speakers and weeklong events. In addition, WISPIRG’s Homelessness and Hunger campaign is hosting a national conference on Nov. 2 through Nov. 4. “We are really, really excited to be hosting the 20th annual national student conference against hunger and homelessness,” Homeless and Hunger conference coordinator Cathy Collentine said. “We’re hoping to get 400 students from across the nation here in Madison talking about the issues that have to do with poverty.” Rolling, who oversees all WISPIRG campaigns, said the group’s goals are relevant to all UW students. “You go on campus, you go to class, you learn about global warming, you learn about recycling issues, and you come to our group and we say, ‘Let’s do a project, let’s put what you know into motion,’” Rolling said.

Legislators discuss Safe Climate Act

Legislators discuss Safe Climate Act by Peter Kourkouvis Wednesday, September 26, 2007 The State Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard testimony regarding the Wisconsin Safe Climate Act Tuesday. The bill proposes that statewide levels of carbon dioxide be reduced to match 1990 levels of emissions by 2020. Methods for reaching the 1990 level will be established by 2013. Leading the discussion was Sen. Mark Miller, D-Monona, who coauthored the bill with state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison. Miller said shaping Wisconsin into a more environmentally sound state is “a challenge of unprecedented proportions” that must be met responsibly. Testifying before the committee in favor of the bill, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton recognized global warming as an international problem and stressed the inadequacy of the federal government in responding to the issue. Compared to measures European Union countries, Canada, Istanbul and various Chinese cities are taking to reduce gas emissions, Lawton said the United States’ response to the issue is anemic at best. “In terms of developed countries,” Lawton said, “we’re way behind the curve.” Lawton said the state government must respond proactively to global warming despite the action — or inaction — of the federal government. The private sector is willing to cooperate with emissions regulations, explained Lawton, but they need more clarity from politicians. The bill, Lawton added, is necessary to minimize the harm done to the environment, yet warned that much more still needs to be accomplished before any positive effect will be seen. “I am concerned with its modest ambitions,” Lawton said. “It can’t be an endgame.” But Rep. James Ott, R-Mequon, disagreed with Lawton and said implementing the bill would be a step in the wrong direction. “[It] will have no impact on the issue of global warming,” Ott said. “We don’t have the technology available.” Ott said a massive bureaucracy would be needed to successfully run the programs delineated in the bill. Ott went on to say that if passed, the bill would stifle the economy and lower the average wage anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. Ott also discussed placing a larger emphasis on educating citizens to consume less energy, saying sensible, educated citizens are the greatest force in the battle against global warming. “Conservation is something anyone can practice,” Ott said. Edward Wilusz, representative for the Wisconsin Paper Council, said the bill is unsuitable for Wisconsin’s economy and would unfairly and severely harm Wisconsin’s utilities sector. “Our primary concern is cost,” said Wilusz. “This is a prescription for failure.” Todd Stuart, representative for the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group, a nonprofit organization, also said the bill is unsuitable for the state’s economy. Stuart added this bill — modeled after environmental legislation in California — does not cater to the coal-centered energy usage on which Wisconsin heavily relies. Representing the Wisconsin Public Research Interest Group, University of Wisconsin junior Tony Uhl said climate change is the “number one issue for my generation.” The future implications of global climate change were also voiced by the United Steel Workers Union representative Douglas Drake. “We have an obligation to our members and communities and future generations,” Drake said.

What's Your Plan? Campaign Talks to Edwards

WISPIRG students from UW-Milwaukee went to a John Edwards campaign event to ask the candidate: "What's your plan on global warming?" We had a chance to ask Edwards the question face-to-face and hear him discuss  his plan for global warming. We also took this quick photo with him.

Campus pledges to environment

Campus pledges to environment by Jenny Kalaidis Thursday, September 20, 2007 The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is joining hundreds of other campuses across the country by committing to make its campus more environmentally friendly. UW-Eau Claire, along with nearly 350 other colleges in the United States, recently signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. University presidents from across the nation sign the ACUPCC as a vow to make changes on their campuses to help curb global warming and environmental issues by creating and enforcing greenhouse gas emissions policies. “We further recognize the need to reduce the global emission of greenhouse gases by 80 percent by mid-century at the latest, in order to avert the worst impacts of global warming and to re-establish the more stable climatic conditions that have made human progress over the last 10,000 years possible,” the ACUPCC website said. By signing the ACUPCC, university presidents agree to implement these new policies within a two month period. Michael Rindo, executive director of communications at UW-Eau Claire, said the ways in which they plan to meet the ACUPCC’s requirements are still being determined. The school is in the process of developing strategic planning groups to make decisions regarding energy, transportation and environmentally friendly buildings, Rindo added. “It’s more than just simply cutting emissions — it’s about being stewards of place,” Rindo said. “Namely, we have a wonderful river that flows through our campus, and we are responsible for preserving it.” Rindo said these decisions will reflect a deep sense of respect for the environment. The majority of UW-Eau Claire students were in favor of the commitment, Rindo said, with 70 percent of students approving an additional $10 tuition fee increase to help fund the redevelopment of a student union that would make it more eco-friendly. Other UW campuses have signed the ACUPCC, including River Falls, Stevens Point, Superior, Whitewater, Green Bay and Oshkosh. UW-Madison has yet to sign. “I think it would be terrific if the university signed on with the Presidents Climate Commitment,” said Rachel Butler, member of Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group. “UW is doing work with [the environment], but there is still a long way to go.” Despite not being part of the ACUPCC, there are organizations on the UW campus devoted to promoting a more environmentally friendly university. WISPIRG is one such organization and is dedicated to implementing plans and promoting activism to guarantee a sustainable environment, Butler said. The group is participating in a campaign called Big Red Go Green, which aims to create awareness about energy consumption and implementing changes to curb consumption habits. UW is also participating in a campuswide program called We Conserve. According to a letter from Chancellor John Wiley discussing the We Conserve program, UW has begun “implementing a plan to trim campus energy consumption per square foot by 20 percent by 2010.” Butler said the best way students can make a change is to get involved in environmental issues on campus. “The most important thing students can do right now is to take ownership for the way they use energy in both a university and a personal setting,” Butler said. “If students really are concerned with having a green university and having UW-Madison be at the forefront of energy and climate consciousness, then students are going to have to step up and demand that we are a climate-conscious university.”

Congress Passes Milestone Student Aid Bill

On September 7th, 2007, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act by broad bipartisan votes of 79 to 12 and 292 to 97 respectively. The bill now goes to the President who has said he will sign the legislation into law. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act is the most meaningful higher education reform in more than 15 years. The bill addresses the financial challenges of access and affordability that face American college students. It provides billions of dollars a year in additional grant aid to low-income students through the Pell Grant program. It will also help students address the burden of rising student debt through lower interest rates and a new repayment system. The bill also trims excessive subsidies that benefit a handful of banks and directs them to millions of students and families who are working to pay for college. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act will: Increase the maximum Pell Grant award by $490 for each of the next two school years, by $690 for the following two school years and by $1,090 for each following year. The Pell Grant is the nation’s premier college access program, providing grants to 5 million low-income students each year. The maximum Pell Grant is currently $4,310. Create an income-based repayment program that allows borrowers to repay their loans as a percentage of their income. This new program will protect borrowers with low salaries from having to make unmanageable payments. As a result students will be able to make employment and life decisions based on their values rather than the volume of their debt. Reduce interest rates on student loans for more than 5 million low and middle-income student borrowers receiving subsidized Stafford loans. Finance increased education spending by reducing subsidies to student lenders. Lenders will receive a reduced rate of return for offering federal student loans and a slightly reduced reinsurance rate from the federal government. As a result, the increased grant aid and loan benefits will have no additional cost to taxpayers.

House Passes Student Aid Bill

On July 11th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "College Cost Reduction Act of 2007" (HR 2669) by a vote of 273-149. The bill will substantially increase the purchasing power of the Pell Grant, the nation's premiere need-based grant program which benefits millions of low income students, increasing the maximum grant amount by $100 for five years beginning in 2008-9. It will make student loan debt more affordable by cutting the interest rate on student loans in half, to 3.4%, by 2012, and by capping loan repayment amounts to a reasonable percentage of a graduate's income. HR 2669 goes a long way toward solving the college affordability and access crisis in the country.

Climate activists demand action on global warming

A group of 300 UW-Madison students and local community members marched down State Street Saturday to the steps of the Capitol, demanding Congress “Step It Up” in the name of global warming. Madison’s march was just one of many protests nationwide pushing for the “Step It Up” movement and is the biggest grassroots environmental protest since Earth Day 1970. The project, which is calling for Congress to cut carbon emissions in the United States by 80 percent by 2050, is the largest national movement in fighting global warming. The group hosting Madison’s Step It Up was The Hot Party, in conjunction with Wisconsin Student Public Interest Group, the Sierra Club and GW: FACT. The 300 participants gathered with signs, bicycles and dogs at Library Mall at noon, making their way down State Street and ending with a rally at the Capitol. Ald. Austin King, District 8, Dr. David Houghton, UW-Madison professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, and state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, and a local sixth grader made speeches to the crowd. George Martin, a member of the Wisconsin Green Party and co-chair of United for Peace and Justice, the largest peace coalition in the United States, also spoke. He said climate change is directly affecting political issues around the globe, citing the conflict in Darfur as an example. “We are dealing with an administration that has not complied with the rest of the world,” he said in regards to the Kyoto accords and U.S. multinational corporations. “We cannot talk about the war in Iraq and look aside from the issue of global warming. It’s so affected.” Ian Erbe, 11, a sixth grader at a local middle school, learned about the issues of climate change this year from his teacher. He spoke to the crowd about the importance of parents teaching their children about the issue and implementing eco-friendly behavior. Erbe suggested bike riding instead of driving, or eating an apple for an after school snack instead of microwavable popcorn. “It’s hurting our world and affecting future generations to come,” he said. “It’s happening.” One crowd member, Ravelle Rosenberg, came from Janesville wearing a penguin suit for the march. In regards to the event she said, “It did meet my expectations. I was really impressed by the outcome.” Each group that came together throughout the United States took a group photograph.The photos will be sent to the Step It Up headquarters and compiled for Congress as a type of visual petition. At the rally, patrons were encouraged to write postcards to U.S. Senators Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl, personally requesting the 80 percent reduction in emissions. Roughly 200 postcards were written. Madison was one of over 1400 other cities throughout the 50 states to organize community rallies and events. Bill McKibben, a 46-year-old scholar in residence at Middlebury College, conceived “Step It Up.” He wanted a protest that expanded the country, with each protest being specific to the city, having scuba divers in Key West, Fla., and aerial art in Park City, Utah.

Baldwin visits UW, talks about energy

Updating students, faculty and community members on congressional progress on global warming, Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., paid a visit to the University of Wisconsin campus Thursday night and heard concerns from UW experts and concerned citizens. Baldwin, who serves on the Congressional Committee on Energy and Commerce and its subcommittees on health, energy and air quality, as well as the Environment and Hazardous Materials, spoke on the challenges in Washington and was optimistic for the future with a progressive Democratic Legislature. With Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., at the helm calling for aggressive introduction of legislation by July 4, Baldwin said Congress will move forward with several measures after their spring recess. “When we return, the House will start with an efficiency package. … We’ll likely move on from there for carbon cap and trade measures,” Baldwin said. “Many pieces of legislation have already been introduced and have guided our efforts — this Congress, I hope, has the leadership and commitment to address the problem head-on.” Baldwin called Thursday’s panel — sponsored by Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies — an opportunity to shed light on real solutions, both short- and long-term. Paul Meier, UW Energy Institute director, said the solution lies in energy reduction, alternate fuels, and carbon capture and storage, with 40 million tons of carbon dioxide emitted in Wisconsin coal plants alone. “These changes aren’t going to happen overnight — it’s going to take time,” Meier said. “We need to reduce energy use. … We have a lot of potential in Wisconsin.” UW zoology professor emeritus John Magnuson expressed concern regarding the timeframe of global warming efforts, but pointed to studies revealing a “significant impact” that will occur within the current generation, where “we’ll be living in a world much different than today.” Magnuson also addressed the slow progression of climate issues as a concern, in contrast to sudden weather, such as a severe storm where an alarm would be sounded. “We do not have an alarm signal for a slow ramp,” Magnusson said. “There’s no place that sounds an alarm when we’re getting into trouble.” Tracy Holloway, researcher and assistant professor with the Nelson Institute, shared her expertise on air pollutants and said Dane County is hovering alarmingly close to dangerous air levels. “Nearly every county adjacent to Lake Michigan is out of attainment with [state standards],” Holloway said. “It will have adverse health effects and extra costs to businesses — like in Milwaukee you need to get your car smog tested.” When asked about “big money corruption” by an audience member, Baldwin said Congress should approach the fight against global warming like the national space exploration of the 1960s. “We ought to, in part … look at it like the Apollo project and say what Kennedy did and challenge the country to do something we haven’t done before, and marshal the financial resources it will take to undertake that process,” Baldwin said. Rich Bradt, electrical engineer who teaches UW students about wind farms, said he enjoyed the panel and the various opinions. “I think Rep. Baldwin showed us what she was thinking and took notes to take back to Washington,” Bradt said.

House Votes to Increase Pell Grant

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to increase the size of the maximum Pell Grant by $260, to $4,310.  This is the first time the size of the Pell Grant has been increased since 2002.  The Pell Grant is the federal government’s premier need-based grant aid program, providing aid to more than five million low-income students. Over the last five years, while students have paid more for college, the maximum Pell Grant has remained frozen.  As a result students have had to make up the gap between tuition and aid with more work and larger loans.  This increase will start to provide students with the aid they need to access an affordable college education.  To fully restore the Pell Grant to its historic value, we’re continuing to call for the maximum to be increased to $5,100 in the coming budget cycle.

House Tops Off First 100 Hours by Passing Clean Energy Act

On January 18th, by a vote of 264 to 163, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Clean Energy Act. The U.S. PIRG-backed measure closes some tax loopholes for big oil companies, recovers billions in lost royalties for drilling in public waters, and shifts more than $14 billion to investments in clean energy.   By harnessing renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and clean biofuels, we can secure our economy and create jobs. By promoting technologies to save energy, we can dramatically reduce our dependence on oil and save consumers money. More than ever, America needs a new direction on energy policy. With the passage of the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007, Congress would send a clear message that they are ready to start solving our energy problems. For more information, read http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006189616.

House Votes to Lower Interest Rates for Student Loans and Cut Excessive Subsidies to Private Lenders

On January 17th, by a vote of 356 to 71, the U.S. House passed, by an overwhelming bipartisan majority, legislation to lower the interest rates on student loans over the next five years.  According to an analysis by the Student PIRGs, the move would save the average low or middle-income borrower starting school in 2007 $2,300 in debt.   “H.R. 5 pays for better benefits for students by cutting excessive federal subsidies to private lenders,” explained U.S. PIRG Higher Education Advocate Luke Swarthout.  “The bill saves millions of students thousands of dollars over the life of their loans by eliminating wasteful subsidies.   The bill, H.R. 5, will lower interest rates on subsidized Stafford student loans, which are used overwhelmingly by students from low- and middle-income families. The Senate will likely take up the issue of lower interest rates as a part of a larger package of higher education policies in the next several months. For more information, read http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/18/us/18loans.html

Governor Doyle Announces Massive Five-Year Energy Plan

Citing the efforts of students to promote clean energy and efficiency as influential in his decision, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced on Wednesday, September 27th, a massive five-year program to make four University of Wisconsin campuses energy independent.  The program – backed by the Wisconsin Student Public Interest Research Group (WISPIRG) - comes on the heels of significant action at the campus and state level, and is part of the Governor's state-wide energy independence plan.  Read the press release.

UW Oshkosh Registers 1275 Students to Vote

WISPIRG ended a successful voter registration drive on Friday. Working with the Students Vote 2006 Coalition, Oshkosh volunteers registered a grand total of 1275 students. “Students are underrepresented in the polls,” said Molly Smith, a coalition intern. “We need to make sure that UW Oshkosh students are having their voices heard.” Smith said that forming the coalition has made the registration drive a success. “Overall there has been a lot of enthusiasm from the student body. We’re engaged in what is going on, and I think turnout in November will reflect that,” said Smith. Registering to vote is the first step to making sure that students are able to vote. But the Students Vote Coalition won’t stop there. “We’re planning to see our efforts through to Election Day by getting students to make the pledge to vote, and holding events to educate young voters,” said Maggie Attoe, co-chair of WISPIRG. Groups in the coalition have worked to schedule a number of educational events, and other efforts that will make voting easier for students at UW Oshkosh. “We want to make sure that all students have access to vote,” said OSA president Amanda Cone. OSA will sponsor efforts to drive students from the Union to their polling place on Election Day. For students who have yet to register, Cone reminds them that students can register at their polling place on the day of elections. Attoe said that students who want to register on Election Day should bring their driver’s license or state ID, as well as a piece of mail with a printed address label—such as a utility bill or a bank statement—to prove their address. Students may also register by taking the same information to the office of the City Clerk and registering, to avoid long lines on Election Day. “The important thing to remember is that every vote counts, and every student should be voting,” says Smith. “There are important decisions this election that shouldn’t be made without student input.