Algoma U holds free teach-in about the economic crisis

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

************************* SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - JANUARY 15, 2009 - The economic problems that have gripped the world in the past several months have quickly become a top concern for many people, as grim pronouncements dominate the headlines day after day.

In an effort to help the public gain a greater understanding of this complex and multi-faceted "crisis," faculty members of Algoma University have organized two teach-in sessions that will take place on Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24 in Algoma U's Great West Life Amphitheater.

The teach-in sessions will grapple with issues of both local and wider importance, such as the effect the crisis will have on Northern Ontario, the impact on resource-dependent economies and the rationales and effects of the various government bailouts that have taken place so far.

The faculty panel, including representatives of economics, business, political science and social welfare, plans to debate topics such as: "Is the crisis a crisis for everyone, or just for the wealthy?" and "Last fall, the media was fixated on a looming environmental crisis, but now the economy is dominating the conversation. What happened to the environment?"

Dr. Gayle Broad of the community economic and social development (CESD) department at Algoma University is one of the organizers of the teach-in.

She explains the importance of teach-ins and why the faculty has organized one on this issue.

"A teach-in is where the university recognizes the importance of an issue and so opens its doors freely and says 'come in' let's learn together," says Dr. Broad. "It is a cross-disciplinary method of responding to an immediate curiosity for dialogue and answers, when there is no time to create a new course. Hosting this teach-in is an event that exhibits the kind of leadership the university is taking in the community, to delve into a complex issue together."

The session on Friday, January 23 will be a panel discussion that will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday's session will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and will include two panel discussions and a number of participatory workshops that members of the public can take part in.

Panel discussions will be held in the Great West Life Amphitheatre, (entrance door A of the university).

There is no charge to attend either of the sessions but donations to the Algoma University Food Bank will be accepted.

All interested members of the public are encouraged to attend and share their ideas.

For those unable to attend in person, live audio of the discussions will be streamed online.

Video of the proceedings will be available after the event.

About Algoma University

Algoma University is home to approximately 1,200 students.

Offering a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in computer science, business administration, fine arts, community economic & social development, and biology; Algoma U is committed to offering a personal education experience unlike any university in Ontario.

Algoma University also offers accelerated second degree programs in Business Administration and Computer Science on its Brampton campus through a partnership with the Education Invention Centre of Canada.

To learn more about Algoma University at Brampton, visit this website.

To learn more about Algoma University, click here.

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