What is the LSU Summer Reading Program (SRP)?
§ The SRP is the freshman student’s first introduction to the academic expectations of the University. As an LSU freshman, you are required to read Mountains Beyond Mountains before arriving on campus in August, attend the Academic Convocation, and participate in one of the discussion groups with other freshmen and with a faculty member to discuss the Academic Convocation and the book.

Why has LSU instituted a Summer Reading Program?
§ To introduce an academic focus to Bengal Bound, helping students see how various disciplines take different perspectives on a common book, giving them a chance to discuss ideas with a faculty member in an informal setting before classes start.
§ To provide freshmen with a common reading experience to discuss as they adjust socially and academically to a new community.
§ To provide an incentive to read and write over the summer -- a form of intellectual exercise that promotes critical thinking.
The book exemplifies the commitment to community that LSU would like its students to emulate, as stated in LSU’s “Commitment to Community.”

Will the book be used in classes?
§ Irv Peckham, Director of First-year Writing:

"A majority of teachers in English 1001 and 1002 will be expecting their students to have read Mountains Beyond Mountains before the semester starts.  Many teachers in English 1001 will use portions of the book as samples of profiles and will take subjects for research directly from the book. Teachers in 1002 will use many of these subjects as the basis for investigations and arguing about issues and possible topics for the final exam.

At the end of the semester, all students in English 1001 will write a final essay that we call an "Explanation of an issue." These essays are then scored by the teachers in one large scoring session and should be evidence of the best writing the students can do. The subject for these essays will be taken from Mountains Beyond Mountains. Students will have auxiliary articles to read, but we will be assuming they are familiar with the book and the many issues explored in it."

Why was Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure The World selected?
§ Thirteen faculty and seven students unanimously selected Tracy Kidder’s Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World as this year’s Summer Reading Book.
§ It is an inspiring biography that shows how one person’s knowledge and problem-solving skills can improve the lives of so many people around the world. Born into poverty, living in a bus, Farmer persevered in obtaining a PhD in anthropology and a medical degree.
§ The Committee admired his commitment to bring the lifesaving tools of modern medicine to those who need it most, be they in Boston, Haiti, Peru, Russia or Cuba.
§ Farmer models the commitment to community that LSU would like its students to emulate through the coursework and co-curricular opportunities it offers.
§ With Baton Rouge’s high rate of new AIDS cases, the Committee wanted to invite Dr. Farmer -- who specializes in helping people with infectious diseases, such as AIDS and tuberculosis -- to speak along with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder, who followed him and wrote this story.
§ Dr. Farmer is the Lillian and Maude Presley Professor of Medical Anthropology in the Department of Social Medicine at Harvard’s Medical School and the Chair of the Division of Social Medicine and Health Inequalities at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston.
§ "The book is an engaging, well-crafted non-fiction narrative by Tracy Kidder, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award"

What should I do before I arrive on campus?
§ Read the book prior to the Academic Convocation on August 19, 2005.
§ Check the SRP web site for study guides and related information.
§ Please check your email frequently for updates on the Summer Reading Program and on the Academic Convocation.

How can I get a copy of the book?
§ You will receive a copy at Spring Invitational or Orientation.

Is participation in the Summer Reading Program required?
§ Yes, all freshmen are expected to read Mountains Beyond Mountains and attend both the Academic Convocation on August 19 at 9:00 a.m. and the discussion sections with faculty that follow.

What is the Academic Convocation?
§ The Academic Convocation signals the beginning of a new academic year.
§ Dr. Paul Farmer and Tracy Kidder will speak.
§ It will be held August 19 at 9:00 a.m. Location to be announced.

Do I have to attend the Academic Convocation and the breakout session?
§ Yes, all freshmen are expected to read Mountains Beyond Mountains and attend both the Academic Convocation on August 19 at 9:00 a.m. and the discussion sections with faculty that follow.
§ The breakout session is your opportunity to meet with an LSU faculty member before classes begin. In some cases, you may be assigned to meet with a faculty member who will be teaching one of your courses. In all cases, you'll meet someone who can answer questions about academic life at LSU.

What should I bring with me to the Academic Convocation?
§ You should bring your copy of Mountains Beyond Mountains so that you can refer to your notes in the text or key passages in the group discussion.
§ Bring a number 2 pencil so that you can register your attendance and enter your name into a drawing to win one of ten $250 gift certificates to redeem at the LSU Bookstore.

How will I know where to go for my discussion group?
§ Students meeting with faculty from the Honors College, Herget, IT, and Vision Louisiana will receive their room assignments in advance. Most students will receive their room assignments as they enter the convocation on August 19. Please arrive early- -no later than 8:45 a.m. - -so that you can get your assignment and be in your seat by 9:00 a.m.

What will happen if I do not attend? What if I have a conflict Friday morning? What if I have band or sports practice? What if I have to work?
§ We hoped you would not ask this question if it means you aren't interested in learning, hearing distinguished speakers, or meeting with faculty and students to engage in dialogue – all important ways of gaining knowledge. After all, that should be your primary reason for choosing LSU!
§ Students who fail to attend the Academic Convocation or the follow up discussion group will miss a valuable and enjoyable learning experience.
§ We understand that unforeseen conflicts may arise, but you should try to reschedule your work assignment or resolve other conflicts in advance.
§ Your participation signals your intention to contribute positively to the life of the campus and surrounding community.

What if my fraternity or sorority has scheduled an activity?
§ Faculty and staff who have organized the Summer Reading Program have made certain that there are no fraternity or sorority activities scheduled for Friday morning, so there should be no conflicts.

What if my friend at LSU who isn't a freshman wants to attend?
§ All LSU students, faculty, staff and surrounding community are invited to hear Tracy Kidder and Dr. Paul Farmer speak.

What if I need a copy of Mountains Beyond Mountains in an alternative format?
§ Please bring the copy of Mountains Beyond Mountains you received at Spring Invitational to the Office of Disability Services in 112 Johnston Hall, and you will be accommodated.