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Dear Senators and Representatives,

My name is Taylor Gilliam. I’m a (CITY) resident and former Arizona State University student.

Over the past few days you may have heard of an ongoing news story at Arizona State regarding use of “pay-to-submit” learning software. Even though the school already has access to online software that hosts all of their classes, tests, and homework assignments (Canvas), some courses mandate that students purchase access to a second software system – like MindTap, WileyPlus, and PearsonLab. These sites rarely offer anything in terms of learning tools that Canvas does not. And yet, students are being forced to buy this software, or fail the class (by virtue of not having any way to turn in homework otherwise). MindTap fees add up. As an alumni I haven’t spent much on these codes, but empathize with students who are being forced to buy them.

I sometimes understand the need for this software, but find that it is being mandated in far too many classes – and at the student’s expense. I am writing to request that the Arizona State Legislature explores legislation in the upcoming 2019-2020 session that seeks to limit school’s use of such secondary learning software when it already has primary tool that it has licensed (i.e. Canvas).

I understand that sometimes there is a need for such software but feel that it is being forced on students far too haphazardly. College is already unaffordable as it is, but I believe that implementation of strict rules for such access codes (along with analogous action on the open-source textbook front) is a common sense way to lower student spending on their college education without allocating a dime from the state’s pocket. It won’t be a panacea, but it is a start.

I eagerly await legislation on this subject next legislative session and wish to be sent updates on the matter, if possible.

Thank you for your service in our legislature,

Taylor Gilliam