In the fall of 2009, Purdue University will implement a common reading experience.

The inaugural book for the 2009-2010 academic year is Stealing Buddha's Dinner by Bich Minh Nguyen. Click here to read the announcement of the book selection.

Books will be distributed free of charge to all first year and transfer students during the Summer Transition, Advising and Registration (STAR) program in June-July 2009. International students and students unable to attend STAR for extenuating reasons will receive an electronic copy of the book during the same period.

Interested in joining the 2009 Purdue University Common Reading Facebook group? Click here!

Additional information regarding the mission and goals of the common reading program are below.

Mission

To provide a common academic experience for all new students (freshmen and transfers).

Goals

This experience will:

• Set high academic expectations for incoming students
• Connect students to their faculty/instructors
• Connect students to their peers
• Foster involvement in campus activities by linking programs and events to the common reading
• Promote meaningful learning by encouraging intra- and inter-disciplinary dialogue
• Foster first-year student teaching-focused discussions among/between faculty; and Foster greater and intentional connection between the University and the community (public libraries, cultural events, etc.)