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Introduction to Intellectual Conversations

New perspectives on diversity and inequality

I believe the best ways to learn are to read plenty of books and engage in conversations with others. The Common Read Experience offers just that, with conversations about a new book each year on a specific topic aiming to embrace diversity and educate students about inequality. This year’s title, , a curated collection of essays, poetry and art by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson is a timely and engaging text with diverse selections that take a solutions-oriented approach to the climate crisis, examining it from multiple perspectives.

Group activities when you arrive on campus

It took me a bit of time to find the perfect club at ������Ƶ for me, but the Common Read provide activities and events during Welcome Week. It is a fast and enjoyable way to meet people the first week at school before you explore all that campus has to offer. Even better, you and your friends from the Common Read can go to University Fest and sign up for clubs together!

Reviewers have raved about this book

Nothing is worse than a boring book that just seems to drag on forever. The good news is this book has received nothing but praise! The New York Times Book Review approved of this year’s Common Read, calling it “A powerful read that fills one with, dare I say . . . hope?”

Meet Professors

Everyone always advises students to connect with professors outside of the classroom, so why not meet a few before the school year even starts? The Common Read hosts tent talks in the residential communities during Welcome Week. These talks are facilitated by the collegiate professors to engage students with the book. This program is a great way to build connectionsand a community with professors and students before and during the semester.

Stay in contact with new friends all semester

In your first year, it feels like you are meeting new people every other day. It can be hard to stay in touch with people and build long-lasting friendships from quick conversations after class. The Common Read Experience continues throughout the fall semester, giving you the chance to talk and hang out with the same group of students multiple times through a variety of programming and engagement activities!

Isabella Cavallo is a senior majoring in literature & rhetoric at ������Ƶ. She writes articles for Pipe Dream, Her Campus, and the University’s blog and news page. When she’s not writing, Bella is typically thrifting, playing piano, painting or forcing her friends to a game of Bananagrams.