The Northern Michigan University Diversity Common Reader committee is seeking creative works and essays exploring the complex issues presented in this year's selection, Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine. Submissions can address citizenship, race, micro-aggression and other topics. The deadline is Friday, March 31.

Submissions will be accepted in two categories: essay, such as an argument or personal essay; and creative, such as short fiction and poetry. The winners from each category will receive a $50 cash prize, and one honorable mention will receive a $35 prize. Authors of the winning submissions will be invited to read from their pieces at the Celebration of Student Research on Thursday, April 13. For more information or to submit work, email english@nmu.edu.