The First-Year Reading Program, coordinated by the Center for Academic Enrichment and the Library, provides an opportunity for all freshmen to participate in a common academic experience -- one that will enhance their transition to college, their intellectual growth, and ultimately their success at Tech. Freshmen receive the book during the summer prior to their arrival in the fall. Events related to the book will be scheduled throughout fall semester, and the book will be used in a variety of classes.

All students can pick up fliers about events and contests for the 2013-2014 First-Year Reading Program in the Clough Atrium. Students who RSVP can also join a smaller book-related discussion and activity with Georgia Tech faculty in the Clough Lounge.

Simplicity turns out to be more complex than we thought. In his provocative and informative book, “Living with Complexity,” Don Norman writes that the complexity of our technology must mirror the complexity and richness of our lives. It’s not complexity that’s the problem, it’s bad design. Bad design complicates things unnecessarily and confuses us. Good design can tame complexity.

Complexity is good. Simplicity is misleading. The good life is complex, rich, and rewarding—but only if it is understandable, sensible, and meaningful.