The University of Canberra recently launched its UC Book Project, announcing the book that will be required reading for all commencing undergraduate students in 2013. The inaugural UC Book of the Year is the multi-award winning novel Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey, who said:

“I am delighted to be part of what is a very exciting initiative by the University of Canberra.”

The book is required reading for all commencing students at the University of Canberra. A free copy of Jasper Jones will be provided to every commencing student regardless of their course, as well as all academic and professional staff at the university. The book will be available as a paperback or as an eBook.

The objective of the UC Book Project is to introduce commencing students to intellectual life before their studies officially begin, encouraging early engagement with UC on-line resources, informal learning and sharing among all new students, closer connections between staff and students and greater inclusion of the University's associations, adjuncts and UC Schools.

The University of Canberra is one of the first Australian universities to embark on this initiative, as part of its innovative approach to student engagement. More than 6000 copies of the novel will be made available to staff and commencing students of the University, as well as commencing University of Canberra College students and Year 12 students of the Lake Ginninderra College.

Each year a different book will be chosen by a high-profile selection panel. The inaugural selection panel for the first UC Book of the Year included:

• Professor Nick Klomp, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education, University of Canberra.
• Professor Jen Webb, Professor of Arts and Humanities, University of Canberra.
• Anne-Marie Schwirtlich, Director-General of the National Library of Australia.
• William McInnes, Patron of the National Year of Reading.
• Nigel Featherstone, Award-winning author.

Professor Nick Klomp commended the panel’s choice saying:

“Jasper Jones is a terrific book. It made me laugh and it made me misty. It tackles some tough issues but it doesn’t pontificate. I think staff and students will love it. The book is required reading for all commencing students, and the themes and characters of the book will work their way into subjects, activities and campus life throughout 2013. We’ll even get a visit by the author, Craig Silvey, to hear about how he created this enthralling tale.”

Get your free copy of Jasper Jones and start reading. All staff and commencing students will receive an email from the University providing details on how to get their free copy of Jasper Jones. Use the links on the left of this page to read more about the UC Book of the Year,  the selection panel and the on-going debate about paperbacks versus eBooks.  Commencing students and staff can also chat about the book on-line.