Here’s what people have asked us about the Freshman Common Reader.
What is IUP’s Common Freshman Reader?
The Common Freshman Reader is a book selected each year for incoming first-year students. The book is given free to students to read during the summer before they come to campus in the Fall.
Why did IUP begin this program for its new students?
The goals of the Common Freshman Reader are to enhance new students’ understanding of the academic climate and what it means to be a member of IUP’s learning community, their connection with faculty and fellow students, and their academic success. Through reading, discourse, and engagement with faculty and students, in and out of the classroom, first-year students will experience IUP as a university that encourages student participation and will recognize the educational value of their active involvement in the intellectual life of the campus.
How will the book be part of the students’ learning experience?
Starting with fall orientation and welcome weekend and continuing through their first year, students will have opportunities to share their views and join in lively discussions with members of the IUP community. These experiences include:
- Library website of related information and resources
- Common Reader discussion groups
- Campuswide discussion series representing perspectives from each of IUP’s six colleges
- Visiting author lecture series and book signing
- Film series
- Essay and poster contest
- Research projects as a part of the Undergraduate Scholars’ Symposium
- Course-based assignments
- Group projects and field trips
What student learning outcomes are expected through participation in the Common Freshman Reader?
- Participation enhances students’ understanding of the academic expectations of college.
- Students feel more connected to faculty and staff as a result of participation in discussions or events around the book.
- Faculty and staff feel more connected to students as a result of participating in discussions or events around the book.
- Students are more confident during their transition to college as a result of participating in the common freshman reader program.
What criteria are used to select a book as a Common Freshman Reader?
- The book needs to be accessible to high-school graduates just beginning their college years (e.g., around 250 pages, with appropriate reading level, topic, relevance).
- The book needs to be affordable (typically paperback).
- The book needs to be applicable to many disciplines.
- The author should be living and available for a campus visit.
- The book should be appealing to a large audience, motivating members of the university community to volunteer to lead small-group discussions.
Who reads the Common Freshman Reader?
First-year students attending the Indiana, Punxsutawney, and Northpointe campuses; interested faculty members; deans and associate deans; Student Affairs directors; the president and members of President’s Cabinet; interested staff members.
Who was involved in selecting this year’s book?
The 2007–2008 Common Freshman Reader Selection Committee.
Who was involved in planning this year’s activities?
The 2007–2008 Common Freshman Reader Implementation Team.