The Washington University community has a long history of civic engagement through volunteering, service-learning, public-service internships and political student groups. As the host of the 2008 vice presidential debate, this dedication to citizenship and democracy is even more pronounced.
This fall, a host of programs, projects and panels have been developed by the V.P. Debate Program Planning Committee in collaboration with other groups on campus to engage students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and neighbors in the electoral process. Registering to vote, seeking new knowledge and exchanging opinions about political and social issues are just a few ways to do so.
Student Union, Campus Life and the Gephardt Institute for Public Service also have combined resources to support additional student-led programming related to the election year. Undergraduate and graduate student groups may apply for small grants to cover program expenses such as rentals, publicity, supplies, refreshments and speaker honoraria. The funding may fully cover program costs or be supplemented by other sources. Collaborative proposals are encouraged.
Proposals are being accepted through November. For more information, e-mail wuelectionfund@wustl.edu.
For questions regarding programming or additions to the calendar, contact programming co-chairs Robin Hattori at rhattori@wustl.edu or Brittany Perez at president@su.wustl.edu.
The following list is a compilation of events that have been planned. As more activities are developed, they will be added to online lists. Most events listed are free and open to the public, although some may be geared specifically to WUSTL students and faculty.
Sept. 8
The Use of Nuclear Power Panel Discussion. 6 p.m., Danforth University Center, Rm. 276. Discussing this important topic are Hiroshima survivor Yoshiko Kajimoto and WUSTL faculty members, including Clare Palmer, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and of environmental studies, both in Arts & Sciences; Leila Sadat, J.D., the Henry H. Oberschelp Professor of Law; Lori Watt, Ph.D., assistant professor of history and of international and area studies, both in Arts & Sciences; and James Wertsch Ph.D., the Marshall S. Snow Professor in Arts & Sciences and director of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy. Presented by the Office of International and Area Studies and the Heisei Japan Club.
Sept. 11
Take A Stand Rally. 11 a.m., Danforth University Center NE Courtyard. Funding is available for action or advocacy groups to share their cause in a creative way. For information, contact dsalls@ymcastlouis.org. Presented by V.P. Debate Program Planning Committee.
Sept. 15
“Make It Clear” multimedia competition begins. Students can begin preparing five-minute presentations as if they were given a one-on-one conversation with the next President of the United States. Write, describe, express or otherwise show in a multimedia format what you would say or what would happen. Cash prizes awarded. Submit entries to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch by noon Oct. 1. More details can be found at gephardtinstitute.wustl.edu. Presented by V.P. Debate Program Planning Committee and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Sept. 16
Constitution Day Trivia Challenge: Saint Louis University vs. Washington University. 6 p.m., Danforth University Center, Rms. 233 & 234. Enjoy refreshments while testing your knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. A joint presentation of the College Democrats, College Republicans, the School of Law and the Gephardt Institute for Public Service.
Sept. 18
Voter Registration/Change of Address Drive. All day at 10 locations throughout campus. Presented by Gephardt Institute for Public Service.
Sept. 23
Public Service Fair. 3 p.m., location to be determined. Find the right service project for you among the countless possibilities available. Presented by the Community Service Office and the Gephardt Institute for Public Service.
Sept. 24
The U.S. Economy in the Consumer Age. 4 p.m., Graham Chapel. Steven Fazzari, Ph.D., professor of economics in Arts & Sciences, presents the history behind the present economic slowdown and how it will affect the country. Presented by Assembly Series.
Why the Vice Presidency Matters. 7 p.m., Danforth University Center. Vice presidential expert Joel Goldstein provides an overview of the role of the “Veep” and answers your questions. Presented by the V.P. Debate Program Planning Committee.
Oct. 1
The Power and Problems of the Vice Presidency Panel Discussion. 7:30 p.m., Brown Hall, Rm. 118. Three experts come together for a discussion: Joel Goldstein, Douglas Kriner and Michael Nelson. (Reservations are required: wc.wustl.edu) Presented by Weidenbaum Center Forum.
Oct. 2
Vice Presidential Debate at Washington University. 8 p.m., Televised viewing sites: Graham Chapel, Danforth University Center, Lab Sciences Aud., Whitaker Hall Aud., Ursa’s, Friedman Lounge.
Vice Presidential Debate Watch & Panel Discussion for Community. 7:30 p.m., 560 Music Center. This event is open to the public; reservations required by calling 935-5752 or contact communityevent@wustl.edu.
Red vs. Blue. 9:30 p.m., Graham Chapel. Post-debate program sponsored by Congress of the South 40/Student Union.
Oct. 8
Student Debate Competition Round 1: Election Year Issues. Noon, Danforth University Center Commons. Topic: Is Our Country Ready For a Black President? Presented by V.P. Debate Program Planning Committee.
Oct. 15
Student Debate Competition Round 2: Election Year Issues. Noon, Danforth University Center Commons. Topic: Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered to 18? Presented by V.P. Debate Program Planning Committee.
Oct. 22
Student Debate Competition Round 3: Election Year Issues. Noon, Danforth University Center Commons. Topic to be announced. Presented by V.P. Debate Program Planning Committee.
Oct. 23
Public Ethics: The Responsibilities of Elected Officials. 4 p.m., Graham Chapel. Carl Bernstein, the Washington Post investigative journalist who broke the Watergate scandal, will discuss the need for ethical governance and a free press to ensure it. Presented by the Assembly Series.
Nov. 4
Election Day. Shuttles will be available to area polling sites. Visit gephardtinstitute.com for more information. Presented by Student Union/Gephardt Institute for Public Service.
Election Day Viewing Party. 7 p.m., Danforth University Center. Join friends to watch Election Night coverage. Presented by Student Union.
Ongoing project
Artistic Installations relating to Election Year. Funding is available for students to create installations or artistic expressions with political or election themes. Visit gephardtinstitute@wustl.edu for details. Presented by V.P. Debate Program Planning Committee and Art School Council.
Programs will continue to be added to the list. For updates, visit these Web sites: assemblyseries.wustl.edu, gephardtinstitute.wustl.edu, su.wustl.edu, and debate.wustl.edu.