Common Reader Home

Frequently Asked Questions About the Common Reader Program
 

2007-2008 CFR: Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change

2007-2008 Events and Activities Related to the Book

Focus The Nation - IUP
 

Common Freshman Reader Selection Committee (CFRSC)

CFRSC Meetings

CFR Selection Process

Reviews of Nominated Titles

Frequently Asked Questions

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, 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 and planning this year’s activities?

2007-2008 Implementation Team

Dr. Rhonda Luckey, Vice President, Student Affairs Division, Common Freshman Reader Planning Group Convener

Dr. Dan Burkett, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Dr. Jackie Beck, Director, College of Health and Human Services

Mr. Jim Begany, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management

Dr. Elaine Blair, College of Health and Human Services

Dr. Dolores Brzycki, College of Health and Human Services

Ms. Malinda Cowles, Student Affairs Division

Ms. Susan Drummond, IUP Libraries

Dr. Joe Domaracki, College of Education and Educational Technology

Dr. Cathy Dugan, Student Affairs Division

Dr. Arden Hamer, College of Education and Educational Technology

Dr. Steve Hovan, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Dr. Bill McPherson, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology

Ms. Julie Moreland, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology

Ms. Michele Norwood, College of Fine Arts

Dr. MaryAnn Rafoth, College of Education and Educational Technology

Mr. Jim Racchini, College of Health and Human Services

Dr. Jennifer Rotigel, College of Education and Educational Technology

Dr. Jonathan Southard, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Ms. Cyndy Strittmatter, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology

Dr. Valarie Trimarchi, Dean, Punxsutawney Regional Campus

Ms. Amber Valentine, Student Affairs Division

Mr. Phil Zorich, IUP Libraries

2007-2008 Selection Committee
 

Mr. Jim Racchini, Co-Chair, College of Health and Human Services

Dr. Veronica Watson, Co-Chair, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mr. Fred Anderson, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology

Dr. Allan Andrew, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Senate Representative

Dr. Tom Ault, College of Fine Arts

Dr. Dennis Ausel, College of Education and Educational Technology

Dr. Charlene Bebko, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology

Ms. Portia Diaz, IUP Libraries

Dr. Cathy Dugan, Student Affairs Division

Ms. Susan Drummond, IUP Libraries

Dr. Arden Hamer, Department of Developmental Studies

Dr. Becky Knickelbein, College of Education and Educational Technology

Dr. Christoph Maier, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Dr. Jamie Martin, College of Health and Human Services

Dr. Bill McPherson, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology

Dr. Brenda Mitchell, College of Fine Arts

Ms. Beverly Rossiter, College of Health and Human Services

Ms. Theresa Ruffner, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Punxsutawney Campus

Dr. Judith Villa, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Dr. Susan Zimny, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

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