Common Read Experience
黑料不打烊 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
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 year鈥檚 Common Read
Experience book, 鈥SEEK YOU鈥 by Kristen Radtke. We will
unpack the book鈥檚 themes, discuss the impact of loneliness on our everyday lives and
much more!
10:00am - 11:00am
Old Rafuse Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Dickinson Community. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Ben Fordham and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
11:00am - 12:00pm
Marcy Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Mountainview College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Dana Stewart and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
11:00am - 12:00pm
Mohawk Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in College In The Woods. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Andy Merriwether and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
11:00am - 12:00pm
Hinman Dining Center (1200 Multi-Purpose Room)
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Hinman College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Kristina Marty and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
11:00am - 12:00pm
Bingham Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Newing College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor John Starks and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
11:30am - 12:30pm
Old Digman Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Dickinson Community. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Ben Fordham and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Broome Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Newing College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor John Starks and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Hinman Dining Center (1200 Multi-Purpose Room)
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Hinman College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Kristina Marty and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Hunter Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Mountainview College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Dana Stewart and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Mohawk Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in College In The Woods. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Andy Merriwether and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Digman Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Dickinson Community. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Ben Fordham and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hinman Dining Center (1200 Multi-Purpose Room)
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Hinman College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Kristina Marty and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Delaware Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Newing College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor John Starks and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Mohawk Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in College In The Woods. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Andy Merriwether and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Mohawk Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in College In The Woods. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Andy Merriwether and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Endicott Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Newing College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor John Starks and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
10:00am - 11:00am
Rafuse Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Dickinson Community. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Ben Fordham and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
11:00am - 12:00pm
Cascade Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Mountainview College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Dana Stewart and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
11:30am - 12:30pm
Johnson Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Dickinson Community. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Ben Fordham and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Hinman Dining Center (1200 Multi-Purpose Room)
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Hinman College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Kristina Marty and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Windham Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Mountainview College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Dana Stewart and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
1:00pm - 2:00pm
O'Connor Hall Great Room
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Dickinson Community. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Ben Fordham and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Hinman Dining Center (1200 Multi-Purpose Room)
New Students! Come out and connect with other new students in Hinman College. You will have a chance to learn about this year's Common Rad Experience book, "Seek You" by Kristen Radtke. At this program, we will unpack the book's themes, provide a chance to meet your new neighbors, meet with your College Professor Kristina Marty and chat about the Common Read Experience. FREE Pizza and drinks will be provided! Also, all students in attendance will be entered into a drawing for a $50 黑料不打烊 Bookstore Credit.
Collegiate professor contact information
Students with questions should email their collegiate professor/faculty-in-residence:
- College-in-the-Woods: Andy Merriwether
- Dickinson: Ben Fordham
- Hinman: Kristina Marty
- Mountainview College: Dana Stewart
- Newing College: John Starks
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
Previous Common Reads
- 2024: I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by M贸nica Guzm谩n
- 2023: All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis, a curated collection of essays, poetry and art by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson
- 2022: Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy by Cathy O'Neil
- 2021: Conditional Citizens: On Belonging in America by Laila Lalami
- 2020: Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson