Like other Penn State students, I am required to take Speech Communications 100 (Effective Speech). When I went to purchase my textbook for the class, I also noticed a sign telling me to pick up the other required item, an online workbook, at the cash register.

What exactly is this $15 item? It is a folded, sealed piece of paper containing the address, a login name, and a password for the course's Web site.

What is the justification for so blatantly ripping students off? Is the Speech Communications Department so underfunded that it must force students to purchase such worthless items? I've already paid for the class and the actual textbook as well.

I guess someone must figure that among increased tuition costs, already overpriced textbooks, food, and housing that Penn State students must still have money to burn.

Practically all professors just tell you the class Web site in class or print it on the syllabus. Speech Communications makes you throw away $15 for the privilege.