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Assistant Dean Lisa Kiely
Undergraduate Studies
University of Maryland
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Q - Why a First Year Book? How difficult is the selection process?
The process of selecting a first year book is always difficult and that's what makes it fun. We begin in October by putting together a faculty committee and soliciting nominations from the university community. We meet in November and December to whittle the list down to five. Over break we read the five finalists and make recommendations to the provost, who ultimately selects the book.
The criteria for the first year book is purposely vague. We want a book that stimulates discussion.
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The purpose of the first year book is to provide a shared intellectual experience for new students. Whether a student (or faculty member) likes the book or not, it should make you think. It's an exercise in listening to, and engaging in, discussion that you may not agree with. My hope is that students can stake out a position on an issue and then defend it.
Q - Tell me about this year's choice - The Ravaging Tide by Mike Tidwell.
When we got down to a shorter list, we had a book on war and this book. There was a sense that both these issues were too important to ignore. Both are challenges of our students' generation. The Ravaging Tide provides an opportunity to debate the science but also helps students understand their role in stopping climate change.
Q - How widely is it used as an instructional tool on campus?
That depends - it's up to any faculty member to use it in class. It's often used for UNIV 100, HONORS 100 and GEMS 100. Some books fit better into the CORE curriculum but it's up to faculty to determine. It's also used as a unifying tool for the campus community. How will we discuss it as a community, how does it affect us? This year those questions are very important. The campus has already made climate change an important issue.
Q - What lessons are you hoping students who read this book will come away with?
I've asked the author that - his hope is that students understand this is a problem of their generation - that we, as their parent's generation, have not solved it. He hopes they feel empowered to do something about it. I would add that before they act, they must understand this issue the best they can.
First Year Book Home Page
Author Mike Tidwell's Home Page
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