Reading Groups

The TLC hosts "no guilt" reading groups throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to join in the conversation, no matter how much or how little of the reading selection you've been able to review beforehand. Usually a limited number of free copies are available to interested participants, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Reading Group selections relate in some way to the practice of teaching and learning. Sometimes they coordinate with events or initiatives co-sponsored with other offices. 

Nominations for reading selections are always welcome! Message the TLC director with your suggestions. 

2025-26 Reading Group Opportunities

For additional details about when each group meets, and how to request a copy of the current reading selection, review the . 

Semester Title Description
Summer 2025 by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Join colleagues for a discussion centered around the 2025-26 »Ê¹Ú²©²ÊÍøÖ· Common Read selection, What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures, by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (2024). This positive read supports the »Ê¹Ú²©²ÊÍøÖ· Ideas That Matter focus on climate change and individual action this year.

Our summer break reading group will meet virtually, in order to expand access. We will only meet once, to accommodate busy summer schedules.  

Goals for this conversation include discussing the contents of the book itself, as well as how it applies to our mission, values, and instruction at »Ê¹Ú²©²ÊÍøÖ·. Where might pieces of this book inform your own practices for yourself or your students in the coming year?

Fall 2025 , by Catherine J. Denial

Join colleagues for a discussion centered around A Pedagogy of Kindness (2024), by Catherine J. Denial. Our book group this fall will meet virtually, in order to expand access. There will be 2 sessions:

  • Friday, 10/10 @ 9:30am: conversation focused on Introduction-Chapter 2
  • Friday, 11/7 @ 9:30am: conversation focused on Chapter 3-Conclusion

About the book:

"Part manifesto, part teaching memoir, part how-to guide, A Pedagogy of Kindness urges higher education to get aggressive about instituting kindness, which Denial distinguishes from niceness. Having suffered beneath the weight of just 'getting along,' instructors need to shift every part of what they do to prioritizing care and compassion—for students as well as for themselves."

Winter 2026 by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Join colleagues for a discussion centered around the 2025-26 »Ê¹Ú²©²ÊÍøÖ· Common Read selection, What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures, by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (2024). This positive read supports the »Ê¹Ú²©²ÊÍøÖ· Ideas That Matter focus on climate change and individual action this year.

Our winter break reading group will meet virtually, in order to expand access. We will only meet once, to accommodate intersession schedules.  

Goals for this conversation include discussing the contents of the book itself, as well as how it applies to our mission, values, and instruction at »Ê¹Ú²©²ÊÍøÖ·. Where might pieces of this book inform your own practices for yourself or your students in the coming semester?

Spring 2026 TBD TBD

Previous Reading Group Selections

Semester Title
Spring 2025

, and Abstractions by Temple Grandin

Coordinated with a campus visit by author Temple Grandin, sponsored by the Office of Accessibility Services.

Winter 2025

, by Janelle Shane

(2024-25 Ideas That Matter Common Read selection)

Fall 2024 , by James M. Lang
Spring 2024

, by Cathy N. Davidson & Christina Katopodis

Coordinated with a TLC Presentation by author Christina Katopodis.  

Fall 2023

, by bell hooks

Participants were encouraged to experience the audio version of this book. 

Spring 2023 , by Paul Kirschner & Carl Hendrick
Fall 2022 , by Kelly A. Hogan & Viji Sathy