Students were surveyed about a first-year summer reading program (SRP) at Murray State University, a regional, comprehensive university, for five consecutive years. Data are presented on how well the program met five stated goals: (a) providing a common academic experience for incoming first-year students, (b) introducing students to intellectual life at the university, (c) creating a greater sense of community, (d) emphasizing the value of reading, and (e) establishing the connection between reading and other cultural events on campus. Overall, students valued the SRP when they perceived the reading level of the book to be easier, (r = 0.11, p less than 0.01) and when the book was shorter (r = 0.23, p less than 0.0001). Further, they indicated valuing the experience more when the book was required reading in at least one of their classes (r = 0.13, p less than 0.0001). Implications for future research and for SRPs at other institutions are presented. (Contains 1 table and 5 figures.)