Volunteers sought for CCU’s Big Read program

The Coastal Carolina University Big Read Committee has revamped the discussion groups this year and is looking for faculty/staff volunteers to help with the New Student Convocation event on Sunday, Aug. 20.

Each year, incoming first-year students at CCU participate in the Big Read program by reading a book chosen by the committee and joining in on a book discussion led by faculty members during CINO TIE weekend.

This year the committee chose “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline as the Big Read book. It is a tale of a world facing energy crisis from the depletion of fossil fuels and how people try to escape their fate by turning to virtual reality.

Facilitators will only have to lead two 40-minute discussions and will be provided a copy of the book, discussion questions and other materials.

In previous years discussion groups focused on general topics and themes present in the Big Read book. The committee has decided it would be more beneficial if discussions were set up in a round-robin style setup where students can engage with faculty and staff in their area of expertise while focusing on a broad range of topics.

A few of the potential themes present in “Ready Player One” are:

• Environmental issues
• Perseverance and obtaining success
• Hybrid modalities in education – technology, online learning
• Socialization – online anonymity
• Becoming a leader
• Multicultural and diversity topics

Anyone interested in facilitating a discussion should contact Frankie Weeks, chair of the Big Read Committee, at fmweeks@coastal.edu or 843-349-2498.