February 29, 2012

Presidential politics topic of Troy University's Civic Engagement Series on March 5

TROY -- Presidential politics will be the topic of discussion during the fifth installment of Troy University's Civic Engagement Series on March 5.

The event, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the Trojan Center Ballrooms, will focus on the topic "Should There Be a Change in the Presidential Leadership" and will feature position statements from TROY students Cody Farrill and Ryan Williams, as well as discussion and questions from the audience.

"In light of the Alabama primary on March 13, we will examine the future political direction of the United States," said Jonathan T. Cellon, coordinator of student learning initiatives at TROY. "Students in attendance will have an opportunity to participate, express their views and ask questions."

Cellon said the discussion will be organized based on a public forum-style debate model.

"Forum-style debating allows for each keynote debater to present an opening statement. After the opening statements, speakers from the audience will exchange ideas and viewpoints in a series of questioning periods," Cellon said. "After each questioning period, audience members will have the opportunity to note any changes in their position by literally moving across the aisle and changing sides of the room. This style of debate allows for strong audience participation and enables speakers to gauge reactions to their positions on the topic."

Farrill is a junior political science major from Panama City, and Williams is a sophomore political science major from Loxley. The debate will be moderated by Dr. Hal Fulmer, Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate and First-Year Studies.

TROY's Civic Engagement Series, designed to spark discussion of contemporary issues and engage students in civic involvement, is sponsored by the First-Year Studies Program's Office of Student Learning Initiatives.