UMD First Year Book Program

Dear Class of 2024, 

Welcome to the University of Maryland and the First Year Book program! 

Each year since 1993, the University of Maryland has selected a book for all first-year students. The goal of the First Year Book Program (FYB) is to provide a shared intellectual experience for all new students along with the opportunity to discuss the book from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Many new students will use this book in their classes. 

We encourage you to read the letter from Provost Rankin about this year’s First Year Book and explore the other features offered on the First Year Book website. 

This year the FYB is going to be offered exclusively in a digital format. Here’s how you can redeem your ebook copy of Weapons of Math Destruction: 

1. The redemption process requires two steps: obtaining an access code and redeeming the book via Google Play. 
2. To get your access code, please visit the First Year Book Terpware page, click on the red button with “First Year Book - Weapons of Math Destruction - Students” on it, and log in using your UMD credentials. You should then be given a unique access code. Hang on to your code for the next steps! 
3. After obtaining your access code, visit our unique landing page hosted by Penguin Random House, the book’s publisher. 
4. On the landing page, click on the link titled “Click Here for Your Copy.” The link will take you to the Google Play Store. 
5. Once at the Google Play Store, you will be prompted to enter your unique access code. Enter your access code, and you should have a copy of Weapons of Math Destruction in your ebook library. 
6. To read the book, click on the “Books” tab on the left side of the screen in the Google Play store, and then click on “My books.” Weapons of Math Destruction should now be in your Google Play ebook library. 
7. Enjoy! 

For more information about the FYB and the program, visit our website at firstyearbook.umd.edu and follow us on social media @firstyearbook! If you have any questions, you can reach out via the form on our website or by emailing fyb@umd.edu. 

Once again, welcome to the University of Maryland! 

Best wishes, 
William A. Cohen 
Associate Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Studies