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02/27/2007

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Today's college students are under enormous financial pressure. The gap between tuition and fees and financial aid leaves many students working long hours through college, struggling to make ends meet, and graduating with large debts. The high cost of textbooks is yet another financial burden. MASSPIRG conducted a survey of 287 professors from a variety of disciplines at Massachusetts colleges and universities over the fall semester of 2006 to get their views on textbook industry practices that drive up prices. (February 2007)

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08/01/2005

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Limited Knowledge

The future of academic research is in peril. University budgets are decreasing while the cost of academic journals is skyrocketing. As a result, universities are unable to purchase vital journal subscriptions that help boost the quality and success of new academic research. Fortunately, new and innovative solutions are growing in popularity and have the potential to change the future of academic communication. (September 2005)

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07/27/2005

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A Guide to Establishing Textbook Rental Services

One innovative way to lower textbook costs is allowing students to rent, rather than purchase, their textbooks each semester. This document is a twelve step guide for colleges and universities interested in lowering textbook costs for students by transitioning to a textbook rental service or exploring new, innovative business models. (July 2005)

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02/27/2005

Report

Ripoff 101: 2nd Edition

In order to both confirm our initial findings and to follow up on a number of anecdotal reports of additional problems with textbook pricing, the State PIRGs conducted an expanded survey of the most widely purchased textbooks at 59 colleges and universities across the country. (February 2005)

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MASSPIRG Students in Action

North Shore student Kaitlyn Heathman speaks at a press conference releasing our transportation report "Common Connections"
Students support more affordable textbooks
Students at UMASS Boston show off their energy efficiency knowledge
Students at Fitchburg State table for the homeless
UMASS Amherst students support more and better public transit
UMASS Boston students pose with Chancellor Motley
Students at UMASS Lowell and Dean of Students Larry Siegel support ending agricultural subsidies for unhealthy fiood

Tell Your Campus Officials: Support 100% Clean Energy!

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We can build support for a future powered by 100% clean and renewable energy.
MASSPIRG Wins National Award for Civic Engagement

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Student PIRGs wins the Youth Category of the American Civic Collaboration Awards
It's our turn: New Voter's Project 2016

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In Fall 2016, our biggest priority was the New Voters Project. We helped over 6,000 students to vote in Massachusetts so that our voices are heard on Election Day.
Intern with MASSPIRG

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As a MASSPIRG intern you'll learn skills and get valuable experience working on a campaign. You’ll learn how to build teams of volunteers, organize events on campus, and work with the media.
Jobs for Graduating Seniors

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If you are ready to dig in and start solving the problems that confront our country, consider a job with U.S. PIRG.
A crash course in effective citizenship.

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Get the basic tools necessary to run strong campaigns and service projects and win reforms both on and off campus for students and the public interest.
Victory: Subway to serve meat raised without antibiotics!

Thank You Subway!
We recently helped convince Subway to stand up for public health and fight superbugs!