The annual Common Book Program introduces new students to the university’s community through a shared reading that encourages critical thinking, meaningful dialogue, and engagement beyond the classroom. For 2026, the university has selected Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life. This book will serve as an anchor for shared academic experiences during the university’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To provide a unique opportunity beyond the classroom, the Common Book Program presents the first ever Common Book AUmazing Race!
First-Ever AUmazing Race!
The Common Book AUmazing Race will happen in Fall Semester where teams of four students will complete challenges across campus, earn points and win prizes. The race includes many challenging, creative, and physical activities with themes to the America 250 program, Auburn traditions, and this year’s Common Book. Volunteering at the Common Book AUmazing Race is your opportunity to engage with students for a couple of hours of fun and games!
EVENT DETAILS
The Common Book AUmazing Race will be held:
- Sunday
- September 13, 2026
- 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Volunteers will be needed from 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Volunteers Needed at AUmazing Race Event!
With many different activity stations scattered across the core of campus, it is going to take a great number of volunteers to pull off the event. Volunteers do not need prior experience or training. They just need to sign up and then show up. All instructions, materials, and answer keys for the challenges will be provided!
Each activity station will need 3-5 volunteers to hand out challenge sheets and judge completion. The challenge sheets will have all the information the teams need to complete the activity. Volunteers don’t need to worry about having to explain anything to the participants. Actually, clarifying the challenges for participants is not allowed! Volunteers simply judge completion with the answer key.
Volunteers can sign up on the Common Book AUmazing Race – Volunteer Sign Up form. Volunteers can be employees, students, and community members over the age of nineteen. Volunteers will be needed from 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
You can help us in two ways:
- Sign up yourself to volunteer for the event!
- Share this with others to recruit from your organization, community, and friends!
What’s Next?
The theme for the Common Book AUmazing Race connects the life of Ben Franklin, Auburn University traditions, and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence!
We are gathering volunteers throughout the spring and summer. We will be in touch before the start of the academic year with further details about the day of the event. This will include, where to park, when to arrive, where to sign in, what to expect the day of the event, etc. Student volunteers will be sent an additional volunteer tracking link to record hours in GivePulse so they can be verified in the official university system. All volunteers will sign a waiver prior to volunteering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I volunteer with a friend?
Yes, when you complete the volunteer sign up you will be prompted to list the names of others you would like to have at your volunteer station. Matching is not guaranteed, but we will do our best to accommodate. They must also register themselves through the Volunteer Sign Up form.
Does my friend also need to sign up?
Yes, each volunteer needs to sign up for themselves.
If I need volunteer hours for a club or class, can these volunteer hours count?
Yes, when you sign up, indicate you are a student. Students will then be given a GivePulse Sign Up link before the event. Volunteer hours will be verified following the event.
What if I don’t work or study at the university, can I still volunteer?
Yes, when you fill out the sign up form you will indicate you are a community member.
Thank you for Volunteering at the Common Book AUmazing Race!!
After you sign up to volunteer, if you would like more information, please feel free to contact the Office of Sustainability by phone at (334) 844-7777 or by email at sustain@auburn.edu. We will add these additional questions to this posting.
