State officials, community leaders and educators will join panel discussions on topics ranging from higher education and the economy to foreign issues at a student conference to kick off the week of the presidential debate.
The Associated Students of ASU and the Programming and Activities Board will host an "ASU Student Conference on the Presidential Debate" on Oct. 11 leading up to the presidential debate on Oct. 13.
"[The event] will truly engage students from all over the state in the political discourse and dialogue and get them involved in the political process," said Undergraduate Student Government president Sophie O'Keefe-Zelman.
O'Keefe-Zelman said student government sent an invitation to student organizations at ASU and invited more than 50 student organizations at NAU and UA so their student clubs also could participate in the event.
The conference will be held at the second floor of the Memorial Union from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students and community leaders will have the chance to discuss topics such as higher education, jobs, domestic policies, immigration, the war in Iraq and the presidential candidates' policies on these issues.
"Groups from all over the state will also be able to set up their own tables or rooms throughout the day in order to showcase their group as well as their issues," O'Keefe-Zelman said.
John Ronquillo, student activities chair for presidential debate and a public administration graduate, said the conference would be a great opportunity for students to get educated about issues that are important in the coming elections.
"The conference is exceptionally important because students can come to one place and vocalize their opinion and listen to what others have to say," said Ronquillo. "There may be other students who aren't sure about a specific issue so they'll have someone there they can ask."
Conservation biology junior Jackie Pietrewicz said the student conference is an excellent idea.
"It's a necessity, especially for young voters who have not really exercised their rights to vote," Pietrewicz said. "They can learn a lot about current events at the conference.
"Hopefully, it'll start their interest about politics and understand how important it is for them to be involved in the political process."
Reach the reporter at laosamoa.poasa@asu.edu.
