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WSU Reads 2016: Start Something That Matters

Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie is the chosen book for the 2016 WSU Reads. This guide provides more information on the WSU Reads program, the book, and related topics, materials, and initiatives.

WSU Reads 2016-2017

WSU Reads

WSU Reads was initiated to provide students a common experience in their first year at Wichita State University. For the 2016-2017 academic year, the WSU Reads program has selected the book "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie, founder and Chief Shoe Giver for TOMS. As a common read experience, all new students receive a copy of the book at student orientation and "Start Something That Matters" is incorporated into classes such as WSU 101 and Honors 101 as well as various programs outside of the classroom. 

More about WSU READS

Office of First-Year Programs imageOffice of First Year Programs

The Office of First Year Programs sponsors the WSU Reads Program for new students to Wichita State University. Below are some of the programs in which the WSU Reads selection is incorporated. For additional information about the Office of First  Year Programs and the support they offer new students, please visit http://www.wichita.edu/thisis/home/?u=transitions. 

Fall 2016

  • Coffee and Conversation- Students, faculty, and staff come together for coffee and an afternoon of discussions about the WSU Reads book.
  • Academic Convocation - Convocation incorporates themes of the common read book. This year, Start Something that Matters by Blake Mycoskie includes the theme find your story. Find the Convocation website here.
  • Pre / post Convocation Events -
  • Dine and Dialogue - Students, faculty, and staff come together for dinner and an evening of discussions about the WSU Reads book.

View all First-Year Programs calendar events here.

Spring 2017

  • Coffee and Conversation- Students, faculty, and staff come together for coffee and an afternoon of discussions about the WSU Reads book.
  • Dine and Dialogue - Students, faculty, and staff come together for dinner and an evening of discussions about the WSU Reads book.
  • Civic Leadership and Service Summit - An event that features a panel of speakers, a break-out session, and a community based volunteer project for students to learn about the importance of civic leadership and service in their collegiate experience. For more information, visit the Service Learning page under Student Involvement. 
  • Alternative Spring Break - An opportunity that exposes WSU students to complex social and cultural issues through community visits, experiential learning, direct service, group discussion, common readings, and reflection activities. For more information, visit the Alternative Breaks page under Student Involvement. 
  • Wu's Big Event - Sponsored by the student organization, Community Service Board, this event is a massive volunteer effort in which students, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus organizations work together to help various agencies in the Wichita community. Visit the website!
  • TOMS: One Day Without Shoes / Style Your Sole - WSU students dedicate time to raising awareness for children in impoverished countries who lack education and health opportunities by decorating and selling TOMS shoes. For more information, visit the Events page of the Community Service Board. 

View all First-Year Programs calendar events here.

Sponsors

  • Civic Leadership Living Learning Community - For campus residents with any major, this community is focused on engagement, leadership, service, and civic duty. Learn more at the Civic Leadership Living Learning Community webpage. 
  • First-Year Seminar - These are unique, three-credit hour courses designed specifically for new students and part of the General Education program. Seminar topics cover a broad range of issues. Learn more on the Class Schedules webpage.
  • Honors 101 - An introduction to the university, this course is designed specifically for first-year students to prepare them to succeed in college. Find more information at the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College. 
  • New Member Greek Council - This council is made up of two representatives from each Greek house. They plan new member events and organize their annual community outreach event, Play for Parkinson's. Find more information at the New Member Greek Council webpage. 
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