Convocation Focuses on Civic Education
University Communications
University Reporter
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Dirk Messelaar Appointed Dean of Newly-Reconfigured Division |
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Arts on the Point Moving Ahead |
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by Leigh DuPuy
To complement the presidential debate, UMass Boston has devoted opening convocation to examine the theme of "Civic Education for Civic Responsibility." From August to October, the University has sponsored a series of educational panels, workshops, and discussions for the university community to explore some of the major issues of Campaign 2000. Programs will take a second look at environmental sustainability, health policy, aging and social security, race relations, campaign finance reform, presidential character, defense spending, housing and the economy.
"Our convocation series is a wonderful opportunity for our students who are leading now and who will be future leaders to grapple with these issues and examine what it means to be a responsible citizen in a multicultural society," explains Vice Provost Theresa Mortimer who is playing a critical role in planning.
Convocation Day will be held on September 20. Among the dayÕs activities includes a breakfast with faculty and staff, a luncheon with student leaders, and a colloquium panel which will address the topic: "To Run or Not to Run? Does the Glare of the Media Spotlight Discourage People from Running for Public Office?" The panelÕs subject and guests are being finalized.
Also held on September 20, the College of Nursing will sponsor a healthcare panel, Health Policy Issues in the 2000 Presidential Election. Howard Koh, Commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, will discuss key health issues in the state. Nursing program doctoral students also will present a report card on the presidential candidatesÕ health policy programs.
Other educational events include a voter registration kick-off sponsored by the Golden Key National Honor Society on Welcome Day, September 5, to increase civic awareness and provide information on the voter registration process.
The UMass Honors Program will lead a discussion with honors students and others of the book DemocracyÕs Discontent: America in Search of a Public Philosophy by Michael Sandel, professor of Government at Harvard University, on campus and in an evening session with the author at the Kennedy Library.
UMass Boston will take another look at bridging the digital divide in schools and communities in a public forum discussion at the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston. The panel will include representatives from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Museum of Science, the ChildrenÕs Museum, Intuit Inc., and City Hall.
These are just a few of the activities on campus. Many faculty are offering debate-related curriculum in their classrooms and have extended invitations for students campus-wide to attend and participate on a space -available basis.
More information about convocation activities will be available on www.umb.edu/debate. The Kennedy Library also is planning a series of forums focusing on presidential debates, rhetoric and leadership that are open to the UMass community. Details are available at www.cs.umb.edu/jfklibrary.