In summer 2009, more than 3,500 Washington State University freshmen  received during orientation copies of the book, “Omnivore’s Dilemma,” by author Michael Pollan, to use as their 2009 Common Reading.  Topics raised in the book are being discussed in at least 90 classes this fall.

To tie the topics to students' lives inside and outside the classroom, numerous events, speakers, and projects are on the schedule.  Spring semester programming kicks off Jan. 13 when author Pollan comes to Pullman to visit with students, faculty, and staff, and make a public presentation that evening.  His visit is possible thanks to a generous donation by WSU alumnus Bill Marler.

• provides new students with a common ground from which interdisciplinary discussions and assignments can spring
• serves as an introduction to the academic life of the institution, both inside and beyond the classroom
• draws on the research expertise of countless professors to bring subjects to life for the students
• will run in two semesters (fall 2009 and spring 2010)