Students are invited to cast their ballots online and determine the 2009 Forum at the Forum topic

For the past two years, in the forum between the Gottwald Science Center and the Chapel, University of Richmond students have gathered at a special springtime event designed to let them to speak their minds on controversial topics. Organizers anticipate that this year’s March 2009 Forum at the Forum event will be even more successful than in prior years, particularly because, for the first time, the campus community can vote for the Forum’s topic online.

The Forum at the Forum is based on monthly public debates that were held on campus in the 1960s and 1970s, designed to rally an apathetic student body. Recently, University of Richmond speech consultants have worked to rally the student body once again, giving them invaluable opportunities to speak effectively and articulately outside of the classroom.

Each year, organizers have deliberated with University of Richmond students and faculty to come to a consensus on the Forum’s debate topic. This year, students and faculty will have the opportunity to vote on one of three proposed topics, as well as suggest additional interesting and controversial topics.

The winning Forum at the Forum topic will be announced early in the spring semester, and students are encouraged to generate thoughtful arguments on the topic, come out, speak their minds and listen to the opinions of others.

To vote for the 2009 Forum at the Forum topic, vote online at groups.richmond.edu. Groups is a private online network for students, faculty, staff and friends of the University of Richmond. Paper ballots are also available at the Speech Center, which is on the fourth floor of Weinstein Hall, at the student activities desk in Tyler Haynes Commons and in special issues of The Collegian.

Posted October 22, 2008