Cheers from tired students were heard from the Academic Senate meeting Tuesday, after the body approved the proposed textbook policy, which is guaranteed to save students money.

After lobbying for this proposal for some time, the Associated Student Organization’s, ASO’s, efforts have caused administration to pay attention to the rising cost of textbooks.

“We’re really excited because we have been lobbying this proposal all year long,” Phillip Gomez, ASO president, said. “With this policy, we will not have to worry about always buying new textbooks because we can sell them back and buy used ones.”

The new policy states that an instructor can only change a textbook before two years have passed under “extenuating circumstances” or in courses “requiring critical updates.”

“We worked all year on our proposal, doing research, talking to the bookstore, to publishing companies and to other schools,” Bryce Matson, student trustee, said.

ASO is confident that the new policy will have a positive effect on the students and their wallets.

“We believe it would be really great for the students because it would bring down the costs of textbooks, increase more used books in the bookstore and students would be able to sell the books back,” Matson said.

Peter Marcoux, English professor, said he believes he will not have a problem using the same textbook for at least two years.

“I think it’s good. It should not be hard to stick with the same book. I teach English and English stays the same,” Marcoux, said.

The ASO members who proposed the policy change are aware of the fact that some courses require textbooks to be updated more frequently than others.

“We know that in courses like computer science the books are out dated before they even hit the shelves,” Matson said. “This is why the policy is broad and flexible: It leaves room for interpretation.”

Since the Academic Senate has approved the policy, it will now be brought to the College Council. If approved there, the proposal will be brought to the board of trustees in June. If the board of trustees approves the policy, it will most likely take effect in the summer or the fall semester.

“Now instructors do not have to (change textbooks as often); they have academic freedom,” Matson said.