The Common Read is part of a series of first-year experiences designed to encourage students to make connections with each other and engage with the LIU Post campus community. The Common Read book is chosen by a committee comprised of faculty, administrators, staff, and students, and is part of the curriculum of College 101, a 13-week, one-credit course with an academic focus designed to assist first-year students in making the transition to college life. All incoming freshman will receive a copy of the book at orientation.
Each academic year the Common Read Committee chooses a work of fiction or non-fiction that:
• Addresses aspects of the human condition or experience in a way that encourages intellectual and emotional growth.
• Raises intercultural knowledge and tolerance by presenting a variety of cultural perspectives or contemporary social issues in a way that is accessible to a diverse population of readers.
• Contains content and/or themes that encourage critical thinking.
• Captures the imagination of first-year students and draws them into reading and self-reflection.
• Introduces students to academic expectations and provides a model of serious intellectual engagement.
Janessa Barrett, Success Coach
Kaity Bathrick, Success Coach and PAS Coordinator
Michael Berthel, Director of Student Life
Tejas Bouklas, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences
Noreen Brittenham, Director of Administration, Management
Cara Caporale, Associate Director of LIU Promise
Rachel Cloward, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
Ramira Corbetta, Director, Digital Game Design and Development
Manoj Dalvi, Professor of Finance
Abby Dress, Associate Professor of Public Relations
Michele Dornisch, Professor of Education
Nancy Frye, Chair and Professor of Psychology
Martin Guillet, Associate Director of Recreation – Pratt Center
Pam Gustafson, Assistant Director, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program
Michael Harrington, University Director of Arts Advancement
Alex Henderson, Assistant Professor of Health Care and Public Administration
Carol Hernandez, Junior Instructional Designer
Michael Hogan, Director of Clinical Education & Professional Certifications
Lori Knapp, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kathleen Kumpas, Student – B.S. Adolescent Ed. - Social Studies
Melissa Labos, Medical Imaging
Roberta Levitt, Associate Professor of Special Education
Eric Lichten, Chair and Professor of Sociology
John Lutz, Chair and Professor of English
Lauren Mayor, Assistant Professor of Marketing
Dante Moratto, Adjunct Professor of Media Arts
Lauren Mullins, Assistant Professor of Health Care and Public Administration
Arlene Peltola, Assistant Professor of Public Relations
Mary Pigliacelli, Director of the Writing Center
Lou Pisha, Associate Professor, Library
Valerie Pye, Assistant Professor of Theater
Paul Rapess, Director of Public Safety
Debra Anwar Riad, Adjunct Professor of English
Ed Raven, Adjunct Professor of Health Sciences
Susan Rock, Adjunct Professor of English
Lauren Sassenoff, Adjunct Professor of English
Kay Sato, Director of Hutton House Lectures
Adam Savran, Adjunct Professor of English
Lynne Schwartz, Director, Center for Healthy Living
Matthew Shortis, Adjunct Professor of Media Arts
Jeannie Smith, Associate Dean of Students
Dulcie Stoepker, Adjunct Professor of English
Suzanne Thomas, Director of Medical Imaging
Colby Valentine, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Robert Valli, Dean of Management
Abby Van Vlerah, Dean of Students
Linda Vila, Assistant Professor of Health Care and Public Administration
Greg Wagner, Senior Associate for Graduate Recruitment
Robert Wildman, Assistant Professor of Arts Management
Wendy Williams, Instructional Design
Maria Zarycky, Associate Professor, Library
Cheng Zhang, Assistant Professor of Chemistry