The Summer Reading Program: An LSU First-Year Initiative

What did you do during your summer vacation? If you're an LSU freshman, you probably spent some time reading the book Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the America Meal  by Eric Schlosser, required reading for all entering freshman as part of LSU's new Summer Reading Program (SRP). In Fast Food Nation, Schlosser investigates the inner workings of the fast food industry in the United States and examines how the industry has influenced the nation's health, landscape, values, and economy. The SRP committee chose the book because it addresses topics of interest to a wide variety of readers and provides ample subject matter for discussion and debate among students, faculty, and staff. For instance, you would probably guess that the enormous buying power of the fast food industry would affect agricultural economics, but you might not guess that it would fundamentally change immigration patterns as well.

Mandy, Baton Rouge  Redemptorist High School "At first I wasn't excited about the Summer Reading Program, but the book covers an interesting topic, so I'm glad to read it. Maybe it'll make me eat better!" Matt, Shreveport, La. Caddo Magnet High School "This book's an eye-opener. It'll be a good book for everyone to read." Holly, Shreveport, La. Byrd High School "I think the Summer Reading Program is a good idea. It raises standards at LSU. I love reading, so having to read over the summer is no big deal to me. My mom has the book now, and she's started to read it."

Why a Summer Reading Program?

LSU has instituted the Summer Reading Program to add an academic component to freshman orientation. “"We are excited about setting a precedent for active academic engagement from the very first day of a student's career," said Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Frank K. Cartledge. During orientation, at the Academic Convocation, incoming students will share their views on the book and participate in discussions lead by faculty, staff, and upper-class students. “"This is a chance for students to meet a faculty member in a small group setting," said Cartledge. In addition, the Convocation will feature a talk about the book by the author.

All freshmen are required to attend the convocation, but returning students are also welcome. When the semester begins, freshmen will again discuss the book in various general education courses, including English, sociology, and political science. Student groups such as the LSU Ambassadors and residential assistants in campus residence halls will also read the book and be available to discuss it with freshmen. The shared reading experience is expected to help newcomers adjust to their new learning and living environment. As an added benefit, the SRP gets students reading and thinking during their summer break, which helps prepare them for the academic challenges that lie ahead during their University years.

First-Year Initiative

The summer reading program is part of LSU's effort to improve undergraduate education through a "first-year initiative," a key component of the University's Quality Enhancement Plan, or QEP. The QEP is required by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as part of reaffirming LSU's accreditation. The university's accreditation must be reaffirmed every 10 years by the Commission on Colleges, which will make a determination on LSU's standing in December.

SRPs around the Nation

Many colleges and universities across the country—public and private, small and large—have summer reading programs. Large public universities like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of California at Berkeley, Penn State University, Ohio State University, and Appalachian State University have programs. Duke University and Cornell University are just two of the larger private universities that have SRPs. Liberal arts colleges like Miami University, Saint Francis University, and Gallaudet University have them as well. Around the nation, colleges and universities have found summer reading programs helpful in welcoming and connecting students to their institutions.

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Contact Marybeth Theriot | LSU University Relations
Highlights Team
Fall 2004

Related Links

LSU's Summer Reading Program (SRP)
LSU Embarks on Summer Reading Program—Office of Academic Affairs
Flagship Agenda
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