The Common Read Experience

Common Read Experience

Binghamton University is excited to continue the Common Read Experience for all incoming first-year students. The program helps students gain new perspectives on the most important issues of our days, learn how to engage in constructive dialogue and debate, and acclimate to the intellectual life of a premier university. The Common Read Experience enables students to connect with the campus community through programming, events and activities held throughout the fall semester.

Why be involved in the Common Read?

6 Reasons for Incoming Students to Join the Common Read Experience

The bulk of common read programming will take place in person during B-Welcome Week and will continue throughout the fall semester, providing a chance for all new students to participate. While we hope everyone joins us, this program is highly recommended but not mandatory.

2024 Book selection

I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán

I Never Thought of it That Way:
How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán

Mónica Guzmán is a journalist and entrepreneur who lives for good conversation sparked by challenging questions. Learn more about Mónica on her website.

Welcome to Binghamton! Your journey starts now:
When you arrive at your Orientation session, you will receive a hard copy of your book, a customized drawstring tote bag and a bookmark with resources. During orientation, you'll hear about the Common Read and the Civil Dialogue Project at-large from a variety of staff and faculty, including your residential community collegiate professor.

First-year students who attend orientation in August will be contacted by the Office of The Dean of Students to receive their book when they arrive on campus.

As you read this book over the summer, we encourage you to reflect upon these important topics. When you arrive on campus, you will be invited to join the broader University community in discussions and programs related to it in your residential communities, your classes and events. 

Accommodations: Students wishing to request accommodations to ensure their equitable access and participation in the common read experience should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Office. The office is located in the University Union room 119, and they can be contacted at 607-777-2686.

Common Read Events

August 18-19 — Community Lunch, Listen and Learn:
Join your fellow new students with a FREE meal on us! 

Community times, dates and locations can be found in the B-Welcome calendar of events!

Grab a meal and connect with other new students in your community. 
You will meet your Collegiate Professor and learn about this year’s Common Read 
Experience book, “I Never Thought of it That Way” by Monica Guzman. We will 
unpack the book’s themes, discuss the impact of civil dialogue and much more!

Collegiate professor contact information

Students with questions should email their collegiate professor/faculty-in-residence:

Common Read Experience steering committee:

  • Megan Benson (book selection chair), lead instruction and outreach librarian
  • Trevor Fornara, former civic education coordinator for the Center for Civic Engagement
  • Tyler Lenga, assistant director Student Transition and Success
  • Pete Nardone (chair), senior director of The Union
  • Kelli K. Smith, assistant vice president for Student Success
  • Dana Stewart, collegiate professor of Mountainview
  • Ryan Yarosh, senior director of media and public relations
  • Emily Ziemba, assistant director New Student Programs
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