UM Common Reading Experience 2025: Leave Only Footprints
2025 Teaching Resources
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2025 CRE Teaching Resource GuideIntegrating Leave Only Footprints into the classroom. Written by EDHE, Library, and Writing & Rhetoric Faculty and Staff.
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CRE Community of Voices EssayWhile the Common Read is a text provided to incoming freshmen, we encourage participation from all UM undergraduate students. Each year, the prompt is inspired by the text. However, your essay should not be about the text. Therefore, even students who have not read the text are able to participate.
Essay rules:
· The annual challenge is open to all UM undergraduate students.
· One winner and two finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges.
· The winner will receive a $400 scholarship, awarded through the student’s bursar account.
· Entries must be submitted through the online portal.
· The deadline to submit is December 31, 2025, with the winners and finalists announced in March 2026.
· Note that there isn't a length requirement. As the writer, you would decide how long the essay needs to be to effectively answer the prompt. -
NPS Jobs and InternshipsFind your passion! If you are between 15 to 30 years old, or a military veteran who is 35 years old or younger, apply for a job or paid internship to help you figure out your career path. Gain work experience, while helping to preserve and protect our nation’s natural and cultural resources. The National Park Service collaborates with many organizations to offer onsite and remote internship and fellowship opportunities.
Scheduled Common Read Events
Get out more this semester by attending events related to the CRE! Participating in events can support EDHE 105/305 student learning outcome to "Develop strategies to balance social and academic goals." Reflective writing after attending events can strengthen students' writing process and exploration abilities as defined in WRIT 100/101 student learning outcomes.
Check back often to see more events as they are being planned for the Fall 2025 semester! If you have an event idea or want to list your event, email Melissa Dennis at mdennis@olemiss.edu
Fall Convocation
Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
7:00 p.m. | The Sandy and John Black Pavilion 
The University of Mississippi Fall Convocation commemorates the beginning of the college journey each year at Ole Miss. Join us on Tuesday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ole Miss Pavilion to hear from campus leaders and guest speaker and author of this year's Common Read, Conor Knighton. Bring your copy of the book, Leave Only Footprints, for Knighton to sign.
Five Nights in the Park (Listening Party)
Date: Mon. - Fri. August 25 - 29, 2025
9:00 p.m. | Zoom 
You are invited to a Listening Party!
Sarah Campbell leads nightly sessions (1 hour each night) for students to follow-along in their books, read aloud together, and listen to their peers discuss Leave Only Footprints by Conor Knighton. Nightly Zoom sessions the first week of class only. Meeting URL:
https://olemiss.zoom.us/j/83339748925?pwd=mmGNVyghcrtQ4QF5QYsr0FU6GEUeLC.1&from=addon
USAJobs Lunch and Learn
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025 
12:15pm - 1:00pm | Classroom 106D, J.D. Williams Library
Interested in a summer internship or a job with the National Park Service? Learn how to navigate the USAJobs.gov website to save your favorite jobs, upload your resume, and set alerts for future job openings. Registration is required. Sponsored by UM Libraries. Speaker: Susan Kelly, Center for Intel & Security Studies.
The Longest Table
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm | The Circle
The Longest Table is a free university gathering that brings together students, faculty, staff, and community members for a shared meal in The Circle in front of The Lyceum. In recent years, we have also taken the opportunity to honor James Meredith Day (celebrated annually on October 1) by scheduling TLT in late September. it aims to: • Bring together students, staff, faculty, and community members. • Build trust and promote civic optimism. • Encourage honest conversations about the university's legacy. • Break down social and cultural barriers
For accessibility assistance, please contact the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Community Engagement at 662-915-2933 or daoce@olemiss.edu Please register here givepul.se/yrr6wy
National Parks Trivia Night 
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
5:00pm - 6:30pm | Classroom 106D, J.D. Williams Library
Test your national park knowledge for a night of food, fun, and of course, National Park Trivia inspired by this year's Common Read, Leave No Footprints, by Conor Knighton. Limited space so Registration is required. Sponsored by UM Libraries. Prizes will be awarded! Host: Ashley Dees, Associate Head of Research & Instruction Services (UM Libraries).
Open Doors
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm | The Lyceum
As an Ole Miss student, have you ever wondered what makes our campus leaders happy? Journey through the Lyceum to meet and converse with UM administration and enjoy a night filled with food, fun, and festivities. This is a come-and-go event for all students.
National Parks Trivia Night @ the Public Library!
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
5:30pm - 6:30pm | Lafayette County and Oxford Public Library
Test your national park knowledge for a night of food, fun, and of course, National Park Trivia inspired by this year's Common Read, Leave No Footprints, by Conor Knighton. Sponsored by UM Libraries. Prizes will be awarded! Host: Ashley Dees, Associate Head of Research & Instruction Services (UM Libraries).