Common Reading Program

Announcing the 2008-09 Common Reading Program Book
When the Rivers Run Dry: Water-The Defining Crisis of the Twenty-First Century
By: Fred Pearce

What Gators are saying about the Common Reading Program: "Dining with a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, reading and discussing books with other Gators, and working with a wide range of faculty creates the ultimate freshman experiencce. Winning the Common Reading Program essay contest truly transformed a large university into an intimate learning community, enhanced my confidence, and brought the UF faculty to life. The Common Reading Program perpetuates the spirit of the Gator Nation: the successful interaction among students, faculty, and the community, whose individual perspectives combine to form an inspired partnership." Elizabeth Dow, First-Year Student

The Common Reading Program is designed to provide all 6600 new first-year students with a common intellectual experience to stimulate discussion, critical thinking, and encourage a sense of community among students, faculty and staff.

All incoming students will receive a copy of the 2008-09 selected text, When the Rivers Run Dry by Fred Pearce, at Preview (Orientation) and are expected to read it by the start of their first semester of college.

The book was chosen by a committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students with the charge of selecting a book that is interdisciplinary, global, recently published, and relatable to both first-year students and the campus community.

Participation in this program will:
• Expose students to issues relevant in today's global community
• Provide students with a shared experience upon which to engage in dialogue with peers, faculty, and staff at UF
• Introduce students to the high academic and intellectual expectations at UF

This year's text:

When the Rivers Run Dry: Water – The Defining Crisis of the Twenty-First Century

2007-08 Selection