Freshmen Continue to Read

As the freshman class of 2015 settles down after a few weeks of college classes, Student Affairs is celebrating their recent success. This recent success was the freshmen common reading program. The common reading program is one book that the entire freshmen class is given to read over the summer before fall classes.

A few weeks ago author Rebecca Skloot came to visit campus and give the keynote address at the freshman convocation. If you are not a freshmen or faculty member, you were probably wondering why she was here. Skloot is the author of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”, the common reading book chosen by the faculty at the University of Mississippi.

Because of the overall success of the program, UM has chosen to continue the freshmen common reading program. “This past year was a pilot year, it went well and we had a lot of positive feedback,” Banahan said.

A small committee formed by Leslie Banahan, vice chancellor for student affairs, selected the book. The committee consisted of Associate Provosts; Robert Cummings, English professor; Dewey Knight, associate director of financial aid; and one librarian.

“The book is used by 100 different schools,” Banahan said. “It had a broad appeal, while telling a compelling story.”

The committee to choose the book has also decided to let all faculty members help nominate a book for the upcoming class. “It helps students being able to talk about one subject matter, and forming different opinions,” explained Banahan.

But was the reading program all the rage between freshmen and should they continue?

Lauren Loyless, freshmen, said, “I believe it was a good idea, it brings people together while having a conversation starter.” Loyless said she enjoyed the different topics in the book, citing science and philosophy in there.

Loyless also believes that the university should continue with reading program. “If students take the time to read the book, it can be a huge success.”

Some freshmen, on the other hand, Loyless is worried about. “Some of my friends were like no, I’m not going to take time to read this.”

While we may not know exactly how effective this common reading program is right now, the university will know down the road after a few more freshmen classes come through.