Common Read/Common World is a voluntary learning initiative based on a shared learning experience of students, faculty and community members.

The program was developed for all USA students, particularly first-year students, and aims to:

• Improve understanding of differences and commonalities across the world;
• Develop a more sophisticated understanding of values and ethics;
• Increase awareness of global issues;
• Gain an understanding of how to make an impact in society;
• Engage in academic discourse and critical thinking; and
• Create a sense of community among students, faculty, staff, and the greater Mobile area.

Events and speakers are scheduled throughout the academic year. This enables students and faculty to engage critically with the ideas and themes of the book. Common Read/Common World is a university-wide program, and a partnership between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs with special support from the Stokes Center for Creative Writing.

Join Dr. Joe Gaston and Dr. Susan Ferguson as they discuss this year's selection, Late Migrations, by Alabama-Born Author Margaret Renkle. They are joined in the studio by College of Education and Professional Studies Graduate Assistant, Kenneth Germany. Tune in as they discuss activities to promote this year's text, upcoming plans for Spring Semester 2026, and the selection process for next year's Common Read text.

For more information about upcoming programming, University committee members, and ways to participate, visit:

https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/commonread/