UW Common Book: uniting students in a new way

[img1]For the first time, the University of Washington has assigned the freshman class summer reading.[HTML_REMOVED]

As fall quarter arrives, incoming freshmen and transfer students are wrapping up their summer homework assignment: a complete and thorough reading of Tracy Kidder"s Mountains Beyond Mountains, the UW"s selection for the trial run of the Common Book program. [HTML_REMOVED]

Conceived and headed by Dean of Undergraduate Education Christine Ingebritsen, the Common Book program is a joint effort of the office of Undergraduate Education in connection with First-Year Programs, the University Book Store and the UW Alumni Association to unite first-year students through a shared experience. [HTML_REMOVED]

"I hope students will be encouraged to get involved in their world, and discuss the book with one another as part of building community on our campus," Ingebritsen said.[HTML_REMOVED]

Mountains Beyond Mountains is the nonfiction account of Dr. Paul Farmer and his quest to bring quality health care to the poorest communities in the world. The book was chosen over more than 25 others.[HTML_REMOVED]

Ingebritsen said the book was chosen because it met the guidelines of being "accessible [and] well-written," and because it would 'resonate with the campus, encourage discussion and promote civic engagement."[HTML_REMOVED]

The UW has organized events and activities that revolve around the Common Book in and outside the classroom. Paul Farmer will be giving a lecture in Kane Hall on Nov. 13, which will be simulcast to all rooms in the building. Tracy Kidder will be visiting the campus on Feb. 27. More information on how to register for Farmer"s lecture will be available on the UW Alumni Association website, www.washington.edu/alumni.[HTML_REMOVED]

"The Common Book is intended to inspire students to follow the threads of their own passion," said Kirsten Atik, spokesperson for undergraduate education. Atik stresses that the Office of Undergraduate Education is interested in feedback from students to determine whether the book is motivating as intended.[HTML_REMOVED]

According to freshman Aaron Heyamot, the Common Book program is indeed achieving its goals of bonding incoming students. [HTML_REMOVED]

"The [First-Year Programs] people think that if everyone reads [Mountains Beyond Mountains] it'll spark conversation [about the book], but I believe that a communal rebellion of refusing to read it will make for much more fun and more engaging conversation," he said.[HTML_REMOVED]

Copies of the book were handed out during freshman advising and orientation, and are being sold at a discounted price of $9.72 at the U-Book Store.[HTML_REMOVED]

Reach contributing writer Amanda Helander at development@thedaily.washington.edu