Dear Colleagues,

It is our pleasure to invite academic and equivalent administrative staff members to take part in READ@PolyU 2013, the campus-wide common reading programme which is to be kicked off in September this year. 

• The Common Book
Following campus-wide consultation, we are pleased to announce that The Hunger Games (Book 1) by Suzanne Collins has been selected as the common book for 2013/14, to be read by all new full-time undergraduate students. A free copy of this book will be distributed to all freshmen in September 2013.

• Recruitment of Facilitators
We would like to invite staff members to take up the role of facilitators who would run discussion sessions to encourage students in reading the common book.

Role of Facilitators
   • read the designated book and identify areas of interest / issues for possible discussion 
   • initiate and facilitate discussions, and
   • encourage participation from all group members during the discussion sessions

Schedule and venue for Discussion Sessions 
Discussion sessions will be run from 23 September – 25 October 2013. During this period, each facilitator will run three discussion sessions (1-hour each) for a group of around 10 to 15 students. These sessions can take place in the collaborative learning space in the Library, the Centre for Independent Language Learning (A305), or any other suitable venue. Facilitators are free to determine the format of discussion sessions in accordance with their individual preferred approach and style.

Training for Facilitators
There will be a one-hour training session for facilitators in September 2013, during which a resource guide will be given to each facilitator.

Appreciation
Staff facilitators will be presented with small souvenirs in appreciation of their support.

In this regard, we would like to ask for your help in the following:

• Participation
Please complete the REPLY FORM and let us know your preferred schedule for the discussion sessions.

• ACT Now
We look forward to hearing from you by 27 August 2013. Upon confirmation of the discussion sessions, we shall send each facilitator a complimentary copy of The Hunger Games (Book 1) as well as a confirmation letter in August, with details of the training sessions. 

Your support and participation in this campus-wide initiative are very much appreciated. 

With best wishes,

Dr Shirley Chiu-wing Wong 
University Librarian 
Co-Chair of the READ@PolyU Programme Committee

Dr Bruce Morrison 
Director of English Language Centre 
Co-Chair of the READ@PolyU Programme Committee

30 Jul 2013 

(rev 20 Aug 2013)