Nominations Sought for 2027–28 First Year Book

The little-known history of the American Empire, the societal impact of algorithms, and the causes of poverty. These subjects are among past selections for the University of Maryland's First Year Book (FYB). The committee responsible for choosing the 2027-28 First Year Book is now asking the community: What should Terps read next?

Since 1993, UMD has read together across genres: biographies, nonfiction, novels, poetry and collections of essays. A committee consisting of faculty, staff and students ensures that a wide range of viewpoints are represented in the selection process. Nominated books should provide:

• A shared intellectual experience for all incoming students.
• Possibilities for integration into first-year courses, allowing students to engage with the book across disciplines.
• Campus-wide programming opportunities, including lectures, panels, and creative projects, in collaboration with academic departments, student organizations, and community partners.

Nominations are accepted through Oct. 16.

Students can pick up free copies of this year’s First Year Book, “How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States” by Daniel Immerwahr, from the Information Desk at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union. Faculty, and faculty and staff can get them in front of the Office of Undergraduate Studies, 2110 Marie Mount Hall.