Student Civic Engagement Committee Kicks Off ’16 Election Events
While the race for the White House is nearing its climax, the Student Civic Engagement Committee (SCE) is just beginning its work of getting Fairfield students involved and enthusiastic about politics. Designed to foster a culture of civic-mindedness on campus, the organization seeks to host active and passive programming activities, as well as educational initiatives, all in an effort to raise awareness of civic issues among students, faculty and staff.
Comprised of members of the College Democrats and College Republicans, the committee also sponsors a host of related events, including debate viewing parties and a workshop entitled "How to Become an Educated Voter." SCE is also hosting an Election Results Viewing Party on November 8 so students can watch history unfold in real time.
But before students can watch the vote tallies rise, SCE is trying to make sure that all students have the chance to have their voices hear in this election.
Working in union with Stags Vote, SCE will help students who live on campus or at the beach register to vote on campus the same day of the election. Even if students are already registered to vote, then can re-register on site in order to vote on campus, which is designated by the Town of Fairfield as an Election Day Registration site.
All of these efforts, says Jeremy Kaler, associate director of Student Engagement and SCE advisor, are an attempt to encourage civic engagement in its various forms. "When the group formed, we were intentional about making sure that the student membership was individually and ideologically diverse," he said. "We are firm believers that we can be passionate about our politics and personal beliefs while still respecting and supporting the passion and deeply-held personal beliefs of people that do not see eye-to-eye with us. And I think we’ve seen that play out wonderfully at the first couple of events that we’ve hosted."
The goal of this committe is to create opportunities for students to explore their individual political identities and to become politically involved with their community at Fairfield and at home. Said Kaler, "The students have a number of different ideas from on-going Current Event Dialogues and Panel Discussions, to taking trips to State legislatures and talking about advocacy and movement building. Just like Campus Ministry and the Center for Faith & Public Life, and organizations like 7Elements and JUHAN, we are in this for the long haul, and would like to be a part of Fairfield’s sustained efforts to foster civic-mindedness on campus."
Upcoming Election Events:
Media and Democracy: The Press, Public Opinion and the 2016 Presidential Election
October 13 at 10 a.m. Quick Center for the Arts
Taught by Dr. David Gudelunas, this series of talks will go beyond the headlines and escape the echo chamber of punditry to understand how media impacts public opinion. .
Gender & Sex in 2016 Presidential Politics
October 17 at 5 p.m. Faber Commons
Co-hosted by the Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies and the Politics departments, this event will feature Professor Gayle Alberda, Professor Gwendoline Alphonso, Professor Jocelyn Boryczka, and Professor Sonya Huber on a panel about the role of gender and sex in this year's election.
How to Become an Educated Voter
October 18 at 7:45 p.m. Jogues Hall, Third Floor
Presidential Debate Viewing Party
October 19 at 8:30 p.m. TV Lounges in the Quad, Meditz & Faber
Quick Center Presents: " Seeking a New Common Ground: The 2016 Presidential Election and the Future of America"
October 20 at 8 p.m. Quick Center for the Arts
The 11th Annual Student Forum presents Margaret Hoover and John Avlon with "
Seeking a New Common Ground: The 2016 Presidential Election and the Future of America."
Find out what happens when a couple walks down the aisle only to end up in careers that keep them near the political aisle professionally. The “proud Republican” great granddaughter of President Herbert Hoover and her husband, the centrist Editor-in-Chief of
The Daily Beast
take the stage to talk about the presidential election as well as the changing political and media landscape.
As the election draws near, join us for an evening of political banter and argumentation with Hoover & Avlon.
ýƵƹۿ student tickets are $5.
Book Signing: "The Evolution of Hillary Rodham Clinton" by Prof. Sonya Huber
October 27 at 7 p.m. Kelley Center Presentation Room
ýƵƹۿ English professor Sonya Huber will host a book signing for her recent release, The Evolution of Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Election Results Viewing Party
November 11 at 8 p.m.
Join the College Democrats or College Republicans to watch the results of the 2016 Presidential Elections live!
College Democrats will hold their viewing party in the Oak Room.
College Republicans will hold their viewing party in the Mezzanine.
Election Night Viewing Party in the Quad
November 11 at 8 p.m. Quad
Watch the election results on the big screen in the Quad.
Rain location Faber Hall OR go to the BCC and view with your Party (Oak Room for Democrats, Mezzanine for Republicans)
