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WKU's Communication Department Hosts Debate Watch September 28, 2004 On Thursday, Sept. 30, and Wednesday, Oct.13, the debates will be broadcast on a jumbo screen on WKU's South Lawn and afterward, open discussions will be held in Downing University Center where guests can discuss and debate issues affecting the election. Events begin on WKU's South Lawn at 6 p.m. with The Jeremy Mitchell Band playing live and the debates air at 8 p.m. Dinner will also be available. More information, including a schedule, is available online at http://www.wku.edu/~matthew.villmer/DebateWatch.html. Senior English major Rachel Shook said, "I'm tired of my friends telling me I haven't gathered enough facts about this election." Many students feel the same and DebateWatch presents them with opportunities to examine issues so that they may make more educated votes. Shook and other attendees are encouraged to stroll the information booths that will be set up by student organizations and to bring a lawn chair or blanket to watch the debate. "Vote Smart is a central theme in DebateWatch," said Sally Ray, head of the Communication Department at Western. "The program is geared toward citizens who have not yet decided who will get their votes. This election is very important and we are proud to be hosting DebateWatch at Western Kentucky University." DebateWatch is a national program, established in 1996, in which schools across the country participate. The program has improved voter turnout and knowledge of political issues in other areas in the past. Topics will range from local to international issues. The first debate will concentrate on foreign policy and homeland security. It is important to the Communication Department that DebateWatch be a nonpartisan event. By focusing on educating students on election issues, DebateWatch will not only encourage students to vote, but also heighten student awareness of the issues and policies at stake in this election. To prepare for the event, students can purchase food tickets for $6 from the Department of Communication by calling 745-3296. Dining Services will also issue tickets at the Fresh Food Company from Sept. 27-30 for one meal swipe. The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Steering Committee is partnering with the Communication Department on DebateWatch. The program is endorsed as both an outlet and an invitation for civil involvement and academic engagement. Other partners include: the American Democracy Project Committee, Department of Political Science, School of Journalism and Broadcasting, Aramark, Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, Center for Leadership, Honors Program, Housing and Residence Life, International Association of Business Communicators (WKU chapter), Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society of the National Communication Association, The Outlet/Outlet Alliance, Student Activities, WKU Athletics, the WKU Bookstore, WKU Communication Ambassadors, WKU Forensics, WKU Postal Services, and the WWHR Revolution 91.7. DebateWatch leads into October, which is Communication Month, as one of the events emphasizing the theme "Celebrating the Freedom of Expression." Throughout this month, the department has several events and special guests planned to attract WKU students to communication as an academic option. For more information, contact Sally Ray at (270) 745-3296 or Jillian Jackson at (270) 745-8915. More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.
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