First-Year Seminar
Explore information about the First-Year Seminar.
Common Read Events: 2025-2026
First-Year Forum: One Book, Many Voices
Monday Sept 22nd and Tues 23rd | during class | RSC Ballroom
Come together with fellow first-year students for an event focused on connection, conversation, and discovery. We’ll dive into Eat Like a Fish by Bren Smith, explore the author’s message through a short video, and engage in meaningful discussion about sustainability and resilience. Led by Carolyn Shaw and Aaron Rife.
Fish for the Future
Tuesday Sept 30 | 9:30 - 10:45 am | 141 Woolsey Hall
Join David Breth, a biologist from Kansas Parks and Wildlife, to learn more about fishing in Kansas and the ecological impact of fishing. A raffle will be held for some starter fishing gear (must be present to win).
Save Water by Drinking More Water: counterintuitive sustainability tips
Tuesday Sept 30 |11:00 am | RSC 265
As we start the Water Year, join a discussion about counterintuitive things that you can do to help ensure the sustainability of our water resources. Led by Andrew Swindle
Seas, Soil and Sustainability
Thursday Oct 2 | 3:30 – 5:00 pm | President’s Residence
RSVP required. Capacity is 50 students. RSVP HERE.
Dive into a conversation that connects the health of our oceans to the heart of our farmlands. Hear from a local agricultural specialist about sustainable farming practices and make your own wheat weaving creation with a local artist.
Ocean to Table: Designing a Resilient Food Future
Friday October 3 | 12:30-1:30pm | RSC 265
RSVP required. Capacity is 30 students. RSVP HERE.
Explore the critical connections between marine ecosystems and global food security. This interactive design thinking experience challenges students from all majors to empathize with the diverse stakeholders in our food chain. You'll then design and develop creative, user-centered solutions to make our plates, and our planet, more sustainable. Led by Sam Corcoran, Janelle Birkner
Found Sound Symphony Experience
Thursday Oct 9 | 2:00-3:30 | Duerksen Fine Arts Amphitheatre (weather permitting)
RSVP required. Capacity is 25 students. RSVP HERE.
This experience will stimulate your sense of sound through participatory creations using real, virtual, and recycled sound instruments. Join us in this interactive experience where we will reframe your understanding of both sound and song. Led by Elaine Bernstorf, Lucas H, Lynne D, Jacy P, Jeb Wallace.
Trash to Treasure
Thursday Oct 9 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm | McKnight 216
RSVP required. Capacity is 35 students. RSVP HERE.
Attend a print-making workshop in the new print making studio and create your own sustainability themed print using found-objects. Led by Marco Hernandez Guillen
Tide and Tranquility
Tuesday Oct 21 | 12:30 – 1:00 pm | Online (link posted when finalized)
Take some time to relax and find your inner peace listening to ocean sounds with a guided meditation led by CAPS.
Water Sustainability: Conserving Our Most Precious Resource
Thursday Oct 23 | 12:30 – 2:00 pm | RSC 262
RSVP required. Capacity is 40 students. RSVP HERE.
In this interactive workshop students will learn more about water sustainability, calculate their water footprint, discuss strategies to conserve water, and develop a personal action plan to reduce their water footprint. Led by Kara McClusky
Kelp is the new Kale
Wednesday Oct 29 | 12:30 -2:00 | RSC 262
RSVP required. Capacity is 30 students. RSVP HERE.
This workshop discusses our food experiences and foods that we may eat more of in the future. Samples will be provided. Led by Rocio Del Aguila
Past Books
» View a list of past Common Read Books
Nominate a Book for Common Read
Have a book that you would like to suggest for consideration or want to learn more about the nomination and selection process?
» Nominate a book for the Common Read program
Library Resources
The Common Read Library Guides provide more information on the common read program, the book, and related topics, materials and initiatives.
University Library Book Discussion for My Broken Language (academic year 2024-2025)