Each year a diverse campus-wide committee comes together to carefully select the University of Maryland's first-year book. Chosen with community input and a thorough review of the issues it will generate, the first-year book provides a shared intellectual experience for faculty, staff and all first year students. Guest speakers, films, theater productions and panel discussions often provide additional opportunities outside of class to generate discussion around a common theme.

The first-year book provides an opportunity to discuss a topic and its impact on the lives of individuals from a number of perspectives, from the sciences to the humanities, as a community, in dialogue with others. Our community is stronger when we are free to challenge each other and listen respectfully. The University does not shy away from challenging or controversial issues; on the contrary, free and spirited speech should be at the very heart of an academic community.

Just as importantly, the FYB program is about community. For new students entering the University -what are their expectations of others with whom they share classes, interests and the pursuit of higher education? Is this related to the local, national or global communities in which they live? And as the future leaders of tomorrow, what roles can they play in protecting civil rights for all?