Maryland university to eliminate textbooks

By BRIAN WITTE
Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The University of Maryland University College plans to eliminate textbooks this fall to save students money by using resources online.

Kara Van Dam, a vice provost, said Thursday students will be able use a variety of materials like readings and videos online at no cost.

Van Dam says the change will save students thousands of dollars over their academic program. She says other universities are taking similar steps, but UMUC is a front runner in making a transition of this magnitude.

UMUC caters largely to adults who come to the school with previous college-level learning, whether from prior college course work or job training received in the military.

The change begins this fall for undergraduates and by fall of 2016 for graduate students.

UMUC has about 84,000 students.