One Book

“In order to have important conversations, you will sometimes have to check your opinions at the door. There is no belief so strong that it cannot be set aside temporarily in order to learn from someone who disagrees. Don’t worry; your beliefs will still be there when you’re done.”

--- Celeste Headlee
Author's Website

CALENDAR of EVENTS for ONE BOOK 2019-2020

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS - EVENTS-SPEAKERS
Designed with a focus on the power of conversation and civil discourse, sponsored programs will illuminate the interconnected and limitless potential of scholarship, creative and critical thinking, and problem solving skills that invite diverse perspectives.

• The Conversation Pit
         Week of Welcome: A ball-pit with signs to invite students to engage in converstation 'in the pit'
         August 21 & 22 from 12-2 PM on the Blue Ridge Lawn and all week (August 19-23) in the ICA Gallery in the UC.
  
  
• We Need to Talk      
        Continue the conversation about topics that matter as you engage with peers in the Conversation Pit.
        Conversation topics will change weekly.
        Hosted by Intercultural Affairs.
        August 19th through September 27th - ICA Gallery.
          
• Amendment 28   
       What do you care enough about to do something about? Join this dynamic student workshop and learn how
      to pass legislation on an Environmentalism Issue or other topic that inspires your passion. Successful teams
      will be encouraged to submit ideas to appropriate granting organizations on campus.
      Registration required with lunch provided.
      Saturday, September 21st 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. - Blue Ridge Conference Room
  
  
• Addiction Town Hall
        An on-campus opiod & addiction town hall disccussion featuring two national elected officials,
        several NC and WNC leaders including WCU Faculty.
        October 3 10:00 am-2:30 PM-UC Grandroom
  
  
• A Conversation with Celeste Headlee
       A facilitated conversation with the author, followed by a reception and book signing.
       October 28th at 6:00 PM-UC Grandroom
  
  
• We Need to Talk Town Hall
        This Town Hall meeting will feature invited guests from the science and business community for a 
        moderated discussion about enviromental sustainability.
        November 5 from 6-8 pm - Blue Ridge Conference Room
  
  
• We Need to Talk Town Hall
         This Town Hall meeting will feature invited guests involved with policy and legislation for a moderated      
         discussion.
         Date and location TBA.
  
  CONNECTING THE DOTS: Campus Theme and other points of connection
  Many programs are being designed to help students make the valuable connection between the book and the theme, both flagship programs are defined as Common Intellectual Experiences, one of ten High Impact Practices defined by AAC&U. Please visit this link often for updates and additions!

The mission of the One Book program is to engage first-year students, as well as the campus community, in a common intellectual experience that promotes critical thinking and interdisciplinary conversation. This experience will allow participants to strengthen academic skills, create connections with peers, instructors, and community members, and relate universal themes to personal experience and identity. The program seeks to reflect WCU’s core values and responsibilities as a regionally engaged university.

One Book committee members will serve as ambassadors who aid in integrating reading selection themes into course curricula, campus events, service learning opportunities, and departmental goals. The selection committee comprises individuals from across campus, ensuring that values and views of all academic units are considered and represented.

The One Book Experience Will:

• Introduce clear expectations of academic performance and engagement
• Create opportunities to reveal and explore notions of community
• Reflect the University’s mission and core values
• Integrate book themes into course curricula, particularly transition course curricula
• Encourage interaction among peers, instructors, campus and local community members
• Foster interdisciplinary discourse and partnership
• Offer diverse perspectives and cultural exploration
• Stimulate student self-discovery and personal development
• Inspire participation and support from faculty and administrators by clearly conveying the book’s relevance to   the academic experience and student enrichment.