The Common Reader, a program for our first-year students, is an integral part of the Missouri State public affairs mission. It’s not just an assignment or busy work for our students, it’s a tool to enhance the first-year student’s experience, encourage the students to think about the public affairs mission and to start having conversations with their fellow students about the Missouri State and the global community.
This year’s common reader is The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore. It’s a story of two boys, same name but life paths completely different.
There are several goals of the Common Reader Program. They are:
- Establish an opportunity for first-year students to understand their responsibility as engaged learners in an academic community.
- Set expectations for student success by emphasizing the importance of reading, writing and critical thinking in the University environment.
- Create a sense of community by increasing interdisciplinary thinking and dialogue among students, faculty and staff through shared academic and co-curricular experiences.
- Promote a deeper understanding of the public affairs mission and it’s wider societal impact through a critical analysis of a common reader.
“Missouri State University’s common reader program provides a common academic experience and creates a greater sense of community among students, faculty and staff. It also offers an introduction to intellectual life at Missouri State University. ” — Dr. Rachelle Darabi, Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs
Please consider joining us in reading The Other Wes Moore. It’s an excellent book. Reading the book and discussing it with your student is great way to start the conversation about the impact of the book and the Missouri State public affairs mission. Learn more about the common reader program.