“How Much Can One Book Do?”: Exploring Perceptions of a Common Book Program for First-Year University Students

Abstract

This article reports on student surveys and faculty interviews with regard to a university pilot project of a common book program for first-year students. We found that a minority of students read the book and the book was integrated into only some faculty members’ courses. First-year students varied in their perceptions of the impact the project had on selected literacy skills, with small to moderate gains reported. In addition, the program did not create a sense of community for students or faculty members. Some students and all faculty members believed the program had the potential to have a greater impact on students’ university-level skills and to create a sense of community in future years. Practical implications for common book programs and suggestions for future research are discussed.