Student Affairs to unveil Common Reading Program book for 2009-2010

February 13, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Division of Student Affairs will announce the book choice for the Common Reading Program for the 2009-2010 year on Feb. 18.

The selection will be unveiled at 12:30 p.m. on the Plaza of the Americas. The rain location is Room 212 in Library West.

This will be the third year for the Common Reading Program, requiring all first-year students to read a common book prior to the beginning their college career. Each year, the book is selected by a committee of UF faculty, staff, and students with the intent to spark dialogue, encourage critical thinking and provide a shared experience for all new Gators.

Last year, the committee selected “When the Rivers Run Dry: Water – The Defining Crisis of the Twenty-First Century” by Fred Pearce, who spoke on campus last fall. This year’s author will do the same.

Copies of the book will be distributed to first-year students when they attend Preview, the summer orientation program. The entire campus and Gainesville community is encouraged to read the selected book and to participate in the events this fall semester, including the author’s visit.

For more information, please see http://www.dso.ufl.edu/nsp/firstyearexperience/commonread/ or contact Leslie Hahn, assistant director of New Student Programs, 352-392-1261, ext. 236.