New students receive their book in a faculty/staff facilitated classroom setting during summer orientation sessions. A packet of materials provides the student with reading strategies and a writing assignment.

Upon the students’ return on New Student Weekend in the fall, they assemble for an all-campus convocation centered around the academic theme and the common book. From there, they participate in their first Integrative Studies course where their writing assignment on the book is due and a common bond is formed through discussion. Then, freshman Integrative Studies classes read and examine the book’s themes and issues during the three quarters of the academic year. As freshmen, students must take a writing seminar and two social sciences (from courses in psychology, geography, sociology, anthropology and western societies) in Integrative Studies.

Fall Quarter
A focal point of the Thomas Academic Excellence Series is the visit by the common book author. The author visits some fall quarter classes and speaks at an all-campus convocation, followed by a book-signing. Fall activities are planned around the author’s visit. One highlight is a progressive dinner with the author in three residence halls, sponsored by the Residence Life and food service divisions. Another is when the Theatre 100 students interpret the year’s common book issues through a series of playlets, which is always moving. Authors usually visit the campus in late October to allow instructors time to discuss the book in detail with students.

Winter Quarter
During winter quarter, art and essay contests are sponsored that ask students to submit original works that are inspired and related to the common book and its theme. The common book author serves as a judge for the student essay contest. Other speakers are invited to campus during this quarter to explore issues raised in the book.

Spring Quarter
When possible, the author returns for a short visit that includes a community lecture and further classroom visits with students.