Common Experience 2022
"Cultivating Me to Understand the Complexities of We"
The 2022-2023 Common Experience theme is “Cultivating Me to Understand the Complexities of We” which is supported by Tell Me Who you Are by Winona Guo and Priya Vulchi.
About the Authors
Common Experience Fall 2022 Events
Tell Me Who you Are: Mocktails Edition
Come join us at an event where students learn about alcohol consumption and bystander intervention while making connections with other people through mocktails. We will have a revised version of card game, “We’re not really strangers”. Come meet new people to kick off your semester and enjoy a mocktail!
Coping Skills Toolbox
Come join the Office of First-Year Experience as we create a toolbox to help you cope in times of need. This toolbox will be created by you and provide different methods and resources you find helpful to use when you need them most.
Speaker Series: Racial Literacy at Work
Local activists within San Antonio will be here to speak with us on how they have been racially literate, and how the skills within Tell Me Who You Are are vital to their line of work. Those who attend can learn from the speakers while seeing intersectionality at work.
Can’t You See What I See: A Conversation around Imposter Syndrome and Third Culture
Come join FYE as we have an event discussing different topics such Third Culture, Imposter Syndrome, and Mental Health! We will be facilitating conversations while creating your very own piece of art which will serve as a reminder of all your progress and what makes you unique.
TAMUSA Night at the Museum
Join the Office of First-Year Experience and your fellow Jaguars on a trip to the San Antonio Museum of Art! Here we will look at the Traitor, Survivor, Icon: The Legacy of La Malinche exhibit and other artworks that exam culture. Enjoy art, culture, and friends at the A&M-SA Night at the Museum!
D9 and Much More: An Open Conversation of Identity within the Military and their Affiliates
Join the Office of First-Year Experience as we discuss how social identities affect those in the military and their lives now. TAMUSA's own faculty, staff, and students will be able to speak about their intersectionality and those who attend may ask questions and join the conversation.
TBD - Indigenous/ Environment
Come join First-Year Experience as students will be given the opportunity to engage with the history of indigenous pottery, learning how it was made and how the vitality of the earth was important to the survival of native cultures.
All Around the World
All Around the World is an event where students will explore the various countries occupying the regions of the world. They'll be able to learn about the culture and history of each country presented and indulge in the foods of each to better learn about the world around them as well as the variation of identities not only in the U.S, but all around the world.
2022-2023 Common
| Heather Olague Executive Director, First-Year Experience |
| Dr. Ripsime Bledsoe Faculty/Coordinator, First-Year Experience |
| Elissa Gallegos Peer Leader, First-Year Experience |
| Bryant Moore First-Year Experience Librarian |
| Dr. Karen Kohler Assistant Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction |
| Caitlyn Pleake Supplemental Instruction Coordinator, Academic Learning Center |
| Crystal Lemons Siver Liners Mentor, Silver Liners Mentorship Program
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Experience Committee
| Myrna A. Garza Coordinator, First-Year Experience |
| Jessica Reynolds Lecturer/Director, First-Year Experience
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| Rafika Islam Peer Leader, First-Year Experience |
| Patty Mendoza Director, Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders |
| Dr. Reba Fuggs Coordinator for Family Engagement |
| Justin Korver Lecturer of Art, Department of Language, Literature, and Arts
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2022-2023 Common Experience
FAQ's of Common Experience
These are some questions commonly asked about the Common Experience, Common Read, and how it is incorporated into First-Year Seminar courses.
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When did Common Experience start?
Common Experience was formed in 2016, and each year has grown and become more involved on campus and in First Year Seminar. -
Why is Common Experience significant to the first-year experience?
Common Experience allows students and faculty to think and discuss challenging topics that are important to personal, academic, and professional growth. -
How is the book selected?
The Common Read is selected by a committee made up of faculty members and Peer Leaders that go over book nominations, that are received by the campus community. They then narrow down the list of book nominations to the top 3, and vote on which book they would like the upcoming class to read. -
How are nominations received?
Common Experience takes book nominations during the fall semester for the upcoming freshmen class. We will have multiple tabling's throughout the semester to gather input from the campus community, there will also be social media posts made to remind the community to nominate books. -
What criteria are the books selected on?
After the books are selected and the committee read them, the books are numerical rated based on the following questions: Does this book provide an opportunity to deconstruct and explore a common subject through multidisciplinary lenses? Does this book address significant challenges or issues? Does this book encourage open discussion, civil discourse, and critical thinking about a common theme? Does this book value diverse cultural perspectives? Will this book connect with the broader student population? How is the readability/flow/engagement of the book? Does it connect to broader themes across divisions and departments? -
When is the Common Read announced?
The selected book will be announced in June and given out to incoming students during their Summer Orientation. -
Where will I see the Common Read being used?
If you are an incoming student, you will see the Common Read being used in your First-Year Seminar class. However, if you are a current student, you will see the Common Read being referenced in many of our events throughout the academic year. -
How are CE events different from general campus events?
The Common Experience events are different from general campus events because they are connected with the year’s Common Read’s theme. The events also focus on an educational component while also creating a fun and safe environment for students to make connections. -
What can students gain from going to a Common Experience event?
When attending an event, students can expect to learn new things about other perspectives, cultures, and healthy habits to be a successful student. Those that attend can also make connections with other students and faculty to create a better sense of community on campus. -
Who can I contact if I would like to collaborate, plan, or suggest an event with Common Experience?
If you would like to collaborate, plan, or suggest an event, please email Myrna Garza at mgarza3@tamusa.edu. -
How will the Common Read be integrated in the First Year Seminar courses?
Each instructor will use the Common Read differently in their class, but connections will be made between the book either separately or combined with lessons such as “Adjusting to College Life” “Goal Setting” etc.