It’s that time of year again. Hundreds of incoming first-year students will be on-campus for New Students Orientation. During the whirlwind, two-day summer orientation program, students will be introduced to the 2015 Common Read, The True American: Murder and Mercy in Texas.
Each incoming UMass Amherst student will receive a customized paperback version of the book when they attend the New Student Orientation program. As an introductory letter in the book explains, the Common Read “is an opportunity to explore our values as a community.” The introduction by Provost Katherine Newman and Enku Gelaye, vice chancellor for student affairs and campus life, adds, “Over the past year, as part of a campus-wide strategic planning process, students, faculty, and staff have come together to discuss issues related to diversity, inclusion, and access. These conversations are essential to creating a safe, healthy and inclusive environment, defined by the exploration of ideas and a deep regard for the experiences and humanity of the people around us.”
For more information on how you can engage with this exciting, annual initiative check back here for future updates, stop by the website or follow us on Twitter. Don’t worry, if you’re a fan of Facebook and Instagram we’ll be breaking into the scene shortly. Happy reading and be sure to join in on the conversation!