ELECTION FEVER GRIPS
TRINITY CAMPUS

September 2000 — This political year, talk about the presidential candidates and the issues is just too big to hold in classrooms alone.  So members of Trinity's student affairs office, faculty, and students have joined together to exchange ideas and debate the issues at a series of events held mostly in residence halls during the fall semester.  The project is called Trinity Elects 2000, and it gives students a chance to stay involved in politics outside of class. According to David Tuttle, dean of students, the idea for Trinity Elects 2000 evolved from talks on how to enrich campus life. "And then it was a matter of taking that idea to some of the residential life staff, students, and faculty members," says Dean Tuttle.  Once everyone agreed to take part in the campus program, a committee was formed to organize  Trinity Elects 2000. Among the events being planned are parties centered around the presidential debates, and informal get-togethers with faculty members to talk about campaign issues. A nation-wide project designed to engage college students in the political process, will also make a stop at the Trinity campus.  Rock the Vote will mix music and speakers during a day long event to help register new voters.  The Sept. 23 event will be open to the public. One aspect of Trinity Elects 2000 is a residence hall floor devoted to first year students who share a passion for debating political issues.  About 40 students signed up to live on the theme floor.  Michael Boyd, a senior resident assistant, will work with the students to plan special events this election year. "A lot of these students want to be heard and I don't think they have ever had the chance to share their views with people who would listen to them," says Mr. Boyd. With the school year only a few weeks old, the Trinity Elects 2000 project has already received a great response. Dean Tuttle says members of the faculty are excited by the opportunities to meet with students outside class.  And Mr. Boyd reports that student response had been enthusiastic. He has already had to break up a debate which lasted until two in the morning.  To find out more about the Trinity Elects 2000 project, contact:  Russell Guerrero or Sharon Jones Schweitzer at (210) 999-8406 or e-mail at RGuerrer@Trinity.edu or Sjones@Trinity.edu. You can also check the Trinity University web site at http://www.trinity.edu/departments/residence_halls/trinity_elects/index.htm

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Last updated on November 6, 2000 by the Office of Public Relations