New students receive their book in a faculty/staff facilitated classroom setting during summer orientation sessions. A packet of materials provides the student with reading strategies and a writing assignment.

Upon the students’ return on New Student Weekend in the fall, they assemble for an all-campus convocation centered around the academic theme and the common book. From there, they participate in their first Integrative Studies course where their writing assignment on the book is due and a common bond is formed through discussion. Then, freshman Integrative Studies classes read and examine the book’s themes and issues during the three quarters of the academic year. As freshmen, students must take a writing seminar and two social sciences (from courses in psychology, geography, sociology, anthropology and western societies) in Integrative Studies.

Fall Quarter
A focal point of the Thomas Academic Excellence Series is the visit by the common book author who speaks at an all-campus convocation, followed by a book-signing. Another highlight is the Theatre 100 students' interpretations the year’s common book issues through a series of playlets. Authors usually visit the campus in late October to allow instructors time to discuss the book in detail with students.