Students who are experiencing leisure reading withdrawal may want to consider joining Porch Reads, a sophomore book club that meets five times a year.


The group was started to "promote leisure reading among college students," Will Soto, Roesch Library graduate assistant, said. "While reading is an essential part of undergraduate courses, few students read for pleasure."


Sophomores are the basis for the group, but juniors and seniors are welcome to return and help to co-facilitate discussions and host the sessions. The focus is on sophomores because they are "lost in the mix as they find themselves sandwiched between the novelty of being first-years and its intensive programming and third and fourth years who benefit from upper level classes and career preparation," Soto said.


Students receive a free book and and attend a book discussion. The first book this year is Christopher Buckley's Boomsday, a "satire on the issue of social security surrounding a major presidential election," Soto said. "We find this title to be appropriate as many of our readers finds themselves voting in their first major presidential election."


The first discussion is Oct. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. Each session lasts about an hour. Students will be served free food and drinks and sophomores can win a $50 bookstore voucher.


More information will be sent out in an e-mail to all sophomore students.


As the new semester begins, P.O.R.C.H. is ready to welcome new and returning students and faculty into their small faith communities.


P.O.R.C.H, which stands for "People Of Respect, Compassion and Hope, meets regularly to discuss current events in members' lives, share prayer and reflect on their faith. Some of the groups have a specific focus for the week, such as Post Retreat or JustFaith, which "explores responding in faith to social justice issues," Allison Leigh, campus minister for retreats and faith communities, said. Most often, members of the group decide the topic on a weekly basis.


P.O.R.C.H received its official title five years ago, Leigh said. Since then, the groups have "expanded to include things like leaders' retreats, resources, and larger gatherings for everyone participating in a small group."


People at all places in their faith are invited to participate. The sessions take place anywhere on campus, from the residence halls to student houses and Liberty Hall. P.O.R.C.H also has social events, retreats and other activities.


To join a group, contact Leigh in Campus Ministry at x94813, speak with the campus minister in your residence hall or get in touch with a group leader.