ßÙßÇÂþ» is excited to continue the common read experience for all incoming
first-year students. The program allows students to gain new perspectives on the most
important issues of our days: embracing diversity, striving for unity and seeking
justice for all. The common read enables students to build connections to the campus
community through talks over the summer and programming, activities and events when
they arrive on campus.
Zoom discussion sessions with Collegiate Professors took place in July and August, providing an introduction to the program. The bulk
of common read programming took place in person during B-Welcome Week and will continue
throughout the fall semester, providing a chance for all new students to participate.
Moreover, many first-year students’ courses are integrating the book into their curricula.
While we hope everyone joins us, this program is highly recommended but not mandatory.
Conditional Citizens by Laila Lalami
Conditional Citizens: On Belonging in America by Laila Lalami
In Conditional Citizens, award-winning Moroccan-born novelist Laila Lalami explores what it means to be an
American, by reflecting upon her own life story and immigration to the United States.
Her personal and individual story has great resonance for anyone who has embarked
on a migration far from home, whether across the globe or across the state, and has
sought to find a sense of belonging.
This common read brings to light pressing issues regarding social and economic inequality,
border politics, gender discrimination, religious prejudice and other concerns sure
to inspire important, lively, and engaging discussions and debates across the University.
After considering almost 100 options, including many that were suggested by ßÙßÇÂþ»
students, faculty and staff, a special committee selected Conditional Citizens by Lalami, a Pulitzer Prize finalist. This book was selected because it speaks powerfully
about some of the key concerns of the present day — inequality, diversity, and belonging.
Laila Lalami takes a fresh and unexplored angle on these issues, by looking across
the dimensions of race, class, gender, religion and national origin. Conditional Citizens is challenging in its treatment of America and its complex history, while also being
readable and fully connected to the richness of the human experience.
This book will inspire many different responses and undoubtedly spark disagreement
and debate about these important, yet contentious issues. Indeed, this book is intended
as a starting point for a continuing conversation about the most pressing problems
that our society faces. It is our hope that ßÙßÇÂþ»â€™s next generation of students
will be ready to take on these persistent concerns with graciousness, compassion,
intelligence and fairness. And we hope that all students will want to read it as new
members of a University with the motto: "From breadth, to depth, to perspective."
For more information and to listen to an excerpt read by Laila Lalami,
Upcoming Events
Contact information
Students with questions should email their collegiate professors:
Megan Benson, lead instruction and outreach librarian
Sean Fenty, director of the writing initiative
Jonathan Karp, associate professor/undergraduate director of Judaic studies
Pete Nardone, director of The Union
Stephen Ortiz, assistant vice provost for academic enrichment and executive director ßÙßÇÂþ»
University Scholars Program
Kelli K. Smith, assistant vice president for student success
Betsy Staff, director of new student programs
Ryan Yarosh, senior director of media and public relations
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.
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