I really enjoyed the commons reading over the summer. Once we arrive at Vanderbilt, are there any assignments that involve the Commons Reading? (i.e. essays, discussions etc)
Not assignments, but you will be discussing the book during Visions. Also, you can enter the Commons Reading competition if you want. But that’s optional.
Out of curiosity, what was this year’s book?
The Madonnas Of Echo Park by Brando Skyhorse.
It’s good to hear that you enjoyed the book, but it really depends on who leads your Visions group. For example, my Visions group leader outright told us, and I quote, “I hated the book, we’re not going to bother discussing it”. I’ve heard of other Visions groups actually discussing the book, so yeah. I doubt that there will be any essays. Visions isn’t really a class really; it’s more of a get-together with random people to just hang out and talk.
@derp125 That’s surprising! As a VUceptor, I know how much emphasis they are placing on this year’s reading. It’s just one Visions meeting that we’ll use to discuss the book, but there will programming/events related to the book throughout the semester, such as the Commons Reading competition and an evening with the author, Brando Skyhorse. This year’s book was, in my opinion, better than last year’s, and a lot of students have found it interesting 
Yeah, if anyone is wondering the book means nothing in the grand scheme of things. It is a nice way to burn some time during the summer and a conversation piece for visions. I’m glad you liked it… my year’s book wasn’t that good and had some ‘iffy’ arguments.
Do Visions impact GPAs or anything of the sort?
Nah, it’s not even pass fail. It still shows up on your transcript, but no grade will be shown,