About the Common Book Program

One book or common reading programs have been part of orientation and ongoing book-based activities at a number of universities for several years.
Some successful programs include those at Cornell, Purdue, California State, and Texas A&M.
First-year students are required to read a book selected by the university and to get involved in discussion groups, assignments, and events such as meeting the author, watching films, etc.

A one book program has two main goals:

to foster a sense of community and belonging through a common academic experience and
to introduce new students to the level of critical thinking, literacy and analysis necessary in a university environment.

Three Day Road has been chosen for 2010 because:

Three Day Road is an award-winning novel exploring themes of interest to the Nipissing community including the clash of native and non-native cultures and traditions, the impact of war on those fighting and those at home, the horrors of drug addiction and the struggles of youth in an alien world.
The Canadian author, Joseph Boyden, is a 2008 Nipissing University honorary degree recipient.
Much of the novel is set in the James Bay region and other parts of Northern Ontario.

Students get involved by reading the book provided and attending the discussion forums, going online, watching films, and participating in events put on by the university such as essay contests and meeting the author
Faculty get involved by leading discussion groups, creating assignments and integrating in existing courses, and participating and promoting special events

During the fall semester, several activities for students are planned. These include:

Discussion groups during orientation
A visit to campus by Joseph Boyden
An essay contest
A discussion of native cultures
Class-based activities and assignments in participating first-year classes
A showing of the film, Passchendaele, a Canadian film depicting life during World War I and survival in the trenches