New Student Book Experience
Program Reviews

"These students are starting all over again, and the readings will be a catalyst to get discussion started, make new friends... Also, this is the beginning of a new intellectual level on a different plane."
                                                                                                                                             - U.S. News & World Report

What students and faculty say about the Book Experience

• Students:
  • “Even though I placed out of English 100 with my Advanced Placement Test scores, the new student book experience gave me the opportunity to find common ground with new students I did not know. It was a good conversation starter and kept my mind engaged over the summer.”
  • “Participating in the New Student Book Experience provided me with an opportunity to engage in the "academic culture" of UMBC and to connect with new students and faculty.”
  • “I participated to learn a broader range of ideas about the book from fellow students and faculty.”
  • “I read The Starship and the Canoe and I had some difficulty understanding it. I attended because I wanted to get a better understanding of the book with my Woolie group.”
  • “I attended the Book Discussion because I thought it would be interesting to read a book that everyone else did and have something in common to talk about with everyone.”
  • “I thought that this would be a great way to get back into the swing of things in relation to school. It was informative and helped clarify parts of the biography that I didn’t understand.”
  • “I participated because I read the book and I thought it was very good. I wanted to share my opinions and hear others also.”
  • “It helped me get acquainted with class discussions. Great experience!”

 

• Faculty and Staff Facilitators:

• “Each year I have enjoyed the experience and I enjoy learning form the student, and hearing their perspectives and seeing a glimpse into their world.”
• “Please allow me to be a facilitator again! This was a privilege and I cherished it!”
• “It was a very intellectual discussion that really got the student to think about not only the subject matter of the book, but about them as well. I feel it was a very good interaction for students to meet other new students, as well as a good way to get their minds ready for the heavy workload coming with this new fall semester. I highly enjoyed my discussion group.”
• “I think this program is a good idea and has lots of potential to be a good experience for students and facilitators, as well as in creating a sense of campus community.”