Join University Housing for the Fifth Annual Life Raft Debate

Cast your vote for which academic department is most crucial when rebuilding after the apocalypse at the fifth annual Life Raft Debate.

The event will be held from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18 the Law School courtroom.

The following faculty members will debate for that last seat on the raft.

• Dennis Brewer, professor and vice-chair of mathematical sciences
• Kate Chapman, clinical assistant professor of psychological sciences
• Christian Goering, professor of English education
• Raja Kali, professor and departmental chair of economics
• Barry Ward, associate professor of philosophy

The event will be moderated by University Housing's faculty-in-residence, Lissette Szwydky-Davis.

Contestants will make their case about why their academic skill set and area of expertise would be most important when rebuilding the world after an unnamed apocalyptic event.

There will be several rounds of debate and students vote for who should advance to the next round. The debate will offer a unique intellectual experience that challenges students to consider the impact that academic life has on society.

"Life Raft" debates started almost 20 years ago at the University of Montevallo in Alabama. Since then, several universities including Cornell University, University of Buffalo, the College of William and Mary, and University College Dublin have started their own annual traditions. The goal of the event is to help students see the value of their academic training in a much broader context.

Light refreshments will be served. For more information please contact University Housing's Stephanie Adams, associate director for academic engagement, at sgadams@uark.edu. 

About @Home. Life Raft Debate is part of University Housing's @Home series. The The@Home series consists of several signature events during the 2018-19 academic year that promote academic success, personal development and diversity education.

About University Housing. University Housing is a department within the Division of Student Affairs serving a residential community of around 5,700 on-campus students. More than 200 students find employment opportunities with University Housing each year. We offer educational programs that support the success of students and services that help students focus on academics at the University of Arkansas. Living on campus starts with a housing contract.

About the Division of Student Affairs. The Division of Student Affairs supports students in pursuing knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, exploring diversity, and connecting with the global community. We provide students with housing, dining, health care resources, and create innovative programs that educate and inspire. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.