frequently asked questions

overview of the program

What is the Common Reading Experience?
The University of Kentucky's Common Reading Experience is a collaborative effort between Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and New Student and Parent Programs to engage the entire UK community in a common intellectual experience. Each year students, faculty, and staff will read a common book and participate in year-long programming which focuses on the book's themes and issues. For more information, visit About the Common Reading Experience.

Why did the Selection Committee choose this book?
The Common Book Selection Committee is comprised of faculty, staff, and students who evaluate numerous books prior to making a selection each year. Book recommendations are evaluated for possible selection based on several criteria. The book should:

  1. Be intellectually stimulating in order to stretch students' minds and cause students to think about issues they might not have before.
  2. Be enjoyable, engaging, relatively short, and easy to read.
  3. Provoke interesting discussion.
  4. Addresses a theme/topic that can be made applicable to a wide range of students.
  5. Be unlikely to have been read by students in high school.
  6. Be relevant to first-year students, the institutional mission, campus initiatives, the current society, and/or the local community.
  7. Provide possibilities for additional programming.

How can I recommend a book?
Please visit our electronic suggestion form to recommend a book for the 2010-11 Common Reading Experience. The Common Book Selection Committee will give full consideration to all book recommendations received by September 30, 2009.

How can I be involved in the Summer Reading Program?

New Students - Read the book! Attend your K Week Discussion Group and bring your QLC! Then attend events all year long which will allow you to delve deeper into the book while reflecting on your personal collegiate experience. View the Checklist for more info.

Upperclassmen - Apply for K Crew! As a member of K Crew you'll not only be able to participate in all the fun events of K Week, but you'll also get to lead the small group discussions for the Common Reading Experience. Also, check out all the fun Common Reading Experience events throughout the year.

Faculty & Staff - Volunteer to be a Discussion Leader. You'll co-lead a small group discussion during K Week with a K Crew member. Have a good idea for an event? Email commonreading@lsv.uky.edu to connect with the Common Reading Experience Programming Committee. Faculty and UK101 Instructors are also encourage the incorporate the book into their class(es).

How do I get the book?
New students will receive a FREE copy of the book during their Summer Advising Conferences. Faculty and staff who choose to participate as Discussion Leaders will also receive free copies of the book prior to the summer. Other students, faculty, and staff who wish to read the book may purchase it at the UK Bookstore or online.

How do I find out my discussion group assignment?
Visit K Week Discussion Group Assignment under the Students or Discussion Leaders tabs.

When will the discussion groups be held?
Small group discussions about The Color of Water will be held during K Week, on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 from 10-11 a.m. For more information, visit K Week Discussion Group Assignment.

students

Do I have to read the book?
It is expected that you read the book and attend your K Week Discussion Group. The Common Reading Experience is meant to be an introduction to academic life at UK. Not only will you enjoy a common academic experience with the campus community, but you'll get to interact with faculty, staff, and students - all before classes even start. The program will prepare you for what to expect in some collegiate classes, while allowing you to learn from your peers. You do not want to be the one to miss out on this great introductory experience.

What do I need to bring to the discussion group?
Bring your copy of the book and your QLC. It's always great to remember a pen, just in case you want to jot down some notes!

faculty, staff, & discussion leaders

What does the role of Discussion Leader entail?
Members of the K Crew, faculty, and staff who choose to participate as Discussion Leaders for the Common Reading Experience will co-lead (1 K Crew member + 1 faculty/staff) small group discussions during K Week, on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 from 10-11 a.m. More information can be found under the Discussion Leaders tab on this site.

What do I need to bring to the discussion group?
Bring your copy of the book, as well as the provided discussion materials.