Life of the Mind Discussion Leaders Needed

Dear Colleagues:

Thank you for all you do to make the University of Tennessee a welcoming place for our newest students. Each fall, first-year students come together by reading a common book in the Life of the Mind program. We invite you to be part of that program by leading a discussion section of about twenty students during Welcome Week.

Life of the Mind is now part of FYS 100: The Volunteer Connection, a required, online course that all first-year students complete between orientation and the first few weeks of class. Last fall was the first time the program had this added structure, and it drew a record participation with over 95 percent of incoming students participating in their group discussions.

We need at least 165 faculty and exempt staff to provide each Welcome Team with a Discussion Leader during Welcome Week. Leaders will be asked to read this year's Life of the Mind book selection, The Accidental Asian: Notes of a Native Speaker, attend an orientation session, review their groups' creative projects, and then meet to discuss the book with app. 20 students during Welcome Week. At the orientation session, we will provide all the necessary background materials, discussion questions, and tips to help you have a successful and meaningful experience with your group.

The Accidental Asian: Notes of a Native Speaker is a thematic memoir that challenges the reader to consider identity as both accidental (coming from family and other peoples' expectations) and intentional (created and/or adopted by one's own choosing). From other themes such as race, language, and global politics, to the feelings of inadequacy and ambivalence that often accompany the college transition, The Accidental Asian: Notes of a Native Speaker is sure to make for a great discussion this fall.

Please join us as we reach out to our first-year students. We think you will enjoy this year's book, and we ask you to complete this online form to volunteer to serve as a discussion leader. We will then be in touch with additional information and send you a copy of the book via campus mail. Please e-mail fys100@utk.edu with any questions.

Sincerely,

Sally J. McMillan
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Ruth A. Darling
Assistant Provost - Student Success
Director, First-Year Studies

Posted: May 9, 2012