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Students who purchased the 2004 University of Maine Dirigamus finally received a one page sheet last week that contained the last two pages of the biographical section of the yearbook. The error, made by Taylor Publishing, was not discovered until after the books were shipped from the company, and was the final blunder on a list of reasons why Student Government has backed out of a three-year contract with Taylor.
“These particular pages were prepared by Taylor. An oversight in designating the color of the type in the desktop publishing program caused the copy not to appear,” said Taylor college projects leader Linda Tailford, in a letter describing the situation to students who purchased the book.
Before the 2004 book was completed, a UMaine yearbook had not been published since 1997 due to financial problems. Matthew Rodrigue, former student body president, initiated the yearbook project in 2003 and the General Student Senate voted to finance a feasibility assessment for the publication.
Even though the UMaine Student Government staff was apathetic to the production of a yearbook when the idea was presented, they still secured a contract with Taylor in agreement to publish three books over a three-year period.
While Taylor was pleased with the finished product, Student Government Vice President of Financial Affairs Ross Bartlett described the final product as “unimpressive.”
“Taylor is totally unwilling to admit faults and are less than forthcoming in their role and responsibility,” said Bartlett.
Aside from the incomplete listing in the rear of the book and the untimely manner in which the books were distributed to students after publication, general complaints about the editorial content of the book have been made to Student Government by students. Most of the complaints were about the lack of photography, inadequate representations of the student population and current events taking up too many pages in a special section devoted to worldwide events and occurrences that had taken place throughout the year.
Additional problems with Taylor and the yearbook staff provided Student Government with little interest in pursuing the project for the 2005 academic year.
Dirigamus Editor in Chief Jonathon White completed his term of employment with Student Government in the spring semester of 2004, and was released from the project. At the time of White’s departure from his position, the yearbook was behind schedule with the past June 30-deadline set by Taylor.
Dirgamus Photo Editor James Hills was then appointed as editor in chief and spearheaded the project until its completion.
The staff requested additional funds continually throughout the entire process, as Taylor advised the purchase of additional equipment needed to complete the project.
“The experience had not been the best and was a mounting financial burden,” said Bartlett. Student Government did not profit from the production of the book. The overall cost of producing the book was about $10,000 – much greater than the expected cost. Funds to support the project were budgeted from the student activity fee, which is automatically charged to students each semester on the student bill.
Funds to produce a second yearbook for 2005 were not approved after a $20,000 request was submitted last April, according to Bartlett. A back-out clause in the contract with Taylor permitted Student Government to discontinue production of additional yearbooks without any financial penalty.
Students and parents were told that the yearbook was only available through special order. The cost of the yearbook was $75 for students.
Taylor provided 100 additional promotional copies to the university. All promotional copies were sent to the UMaine Bookstore. However, upon the books’ arrival, Student Government declined to sell them because of a previous agreement with Taylor that there was no intent to sell additional copies outside of special orders.
When the promotional copies of the book were collected from the Bookstore, only ninety-eight were present. It was revealed that both White and Hills had each taken a book from the promotional copies provided by Taylor. Hills returned a copy of the book voluntarily while White returned a copy of the book after Public Safety was contacted about the issue, according to Bartlett. The promotional copies were then given to the university administration.
White declined to speak on the matter.
“I’m seeking legal counsel right now which is why I have no comment,” he said. He did note he was happy with the finished product.
“I was very pleased with the way it came out,” White said. “I thought it was a great publication.” He said that if the yearbook ever were to surface again, he would like to be involved, but doesn’t see it as a reality.
“I don’t foresee having time to work on it again,” White said.
Most recently, a dispute over two missing camera lenses has initiated a small claims case, filed though the Penobscot County Court, as a civil action to either recover them or to seek restitution for their value.
“As representatives of the students, we have a fiduciary responsibility to students to pursue it,” said Bartlett.
Dean of Students Robert Dana was pleased with the production of the yearbook, and described it as “nicely done” and a “bold first step.” Dana feels that the project is worth continuing, despite the past year’s difficulties.
“I don’t think [Taylor] provided much support,” said Dana. “I like the idea of rituals and traditions. Therefore, I like the idea of a yearbook.”
Because students are very busy with the schoolwork and social aspects of college, it has been suggested that the UMaine Alumni Association could adequately sponsor and coordinate a yearbook project in the future. Unaware of the capacity of the Alumni Association, Dana said it could possibly be an option.
“They are very centric and respect the students,” said Dana, who noted he feels that the Alumni Association would be a good partnership for students interested in pursuing another yearbook in the future.
