MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State University's incoming freshman class was assigned to read the best-seller "Life on the Color Line" before arriving for all classes, and consider what they would ask the author if they had a chance.

That opportunity comes Aug. 27 when author Gregory Williams, a Ball State alumnus and dean of the Ohio State University College of Law, discusses his book in a free public lecture at 8 p.m. in Emens Auditorium.

Williams' memoir was the first academic assignment for members of Ball State's class of 2002 as part of the Freshman Connections program.

"Life on the Color Line" is Williams' story about being raised to think he was "white." Only after moving to Muncie did his father reveal that he and his brother were in fact "black." Faculty members who selected the book praised Williams for writing "a story that is both local and particular, while at the same time universal in its wider implications."

Freshmen gathered at 10 campus locations to share ideas about the book in discussion sessions led by 80 faculty and professional personnel. They saw a brief video introducing "Life on the Color Line" followed by a Tom Brokaw interview with Williams that aired on NBC's "Dateline."

Randy Hyman, associate vice president for student affairs and co-chair of the Freshman Connections Steering Committee, said faculty members plan to incorporate themes from the book into University Core Curriculum courses during fall semester. A July workshop explored ways faculty can use "Life on the Color Line" to enhance classroom learning experiences.

"We want to send an important message to students emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and analysis in examining themes that cut across academic disciplines," Hyman said. "These themes have implications for pressing issues they will face on campus and in everyday life."

Hyman noted that Williams emphasizes how his education helped him persevere despite his difficult childhood circumstances.

"We hope Life on the Color Line' will give our incoming students an enlightened respect for individual rights and human dignity as well as a deeper appreciation for the value of education," Hyman said.

Freshman Connections is Ball State's effort to enhance student success by linking living and learning experiences. Small learning communities organized around common courses and out-of-class experiences immerse students in a culture of learning during their first semester.