The Common Read Experience

Common Read Experience

勛圖腦瞳扦 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?

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.

2025 Book selection

I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by M籀nica Guzm獺n

SEEK YOU: A Journey Through American Loneliness by Kristen Radtke

In Seek You, Kristen Radtke's wide-ranging exploration of our inner lives and public selves, Radtke digs into the ways in which we attempt to feel closer to one another, and the distance that remains. Through the lenses of gender and violence, technology and art, Radtke ushers us through a history of loneliness and longing and shares what feels impossible to share.

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, a bookmark and additional resources. During orientation, you'll hear about the Common Read Experience 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

Stay tuned for events based on the Common Read selection!

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 years Common Read 
Experience book, SEEK YOU by Kristen Radtke. We will 
unpack the books themes, discuss the impact of loneliness on our everyday lives 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
  • 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
Submit a question