As the University of Miami gears up for the imminent Presidential Debate, the Wellness Center has closed for the use of media. The Wellness Center was chosen for its size and proximity to the Convocation Center-the location of the debate-and was actually one of the reasons UM was chosen to host the event. The gym is scheduled to reopen Friday at noon. While the gym is closed, aerobics and yoga classes will be held in the UC Ballrooms.

As of last week, the Wellness Center had already been undergoing transformations. Students faced some disappointments even before the entire gym closed.

“It’s going to be the worst week ever,” said Ashley Dobble, a sophomore who goes to the gym five times a week. “They’re ruining it already-they had no free weights today. It’s horrible.”

Many have asked why no pro-rated fee was offered to students and other patrons, to take into consideration the loss of gym services. Norm Parsons, director of Wellness and Recreation, explained that no group was offered a pro-rated fee because the University still needs to pay for upkeep of the facilities. He mentioned that even during hurricanes there is no reduced price.

During the debate, approximately 2,000 media representatives will be expected. Two thousand desks, Ethernet cables and phone wires will be set up. Center Court will be used for interviews and be called Spin Alley.

While creating a temporary gym under tents or somewhere outside of the building was contemplated, ultimately it was deemed too difficult and dangerous to the machines. Wellness Center administrators explained that the schools that are able to set up tents don’t have hurricanes; Miami is in fact expecting high speed winds due to Hurricane Jeanne.

Another alternative discussed was using the athletes’ gym during this time. However, that gym was booked with athletic team practices, and the facility mainly contains weightlifting equipment, while students usually utilize cardio machines.

“I don’t know why they didn’t use the Convocation Center [for media], but I guess the Convocation rooms were being used for something else, like the parties,” said Zach Schneider, a senior who works at the Wellness Center.

Although a majority of students are displeased with the gym closing, they are also aware of the need to use the Wellness Center and accept it as part of holding the debate.

The gym will reopen Friday at noon.

While the gym is closed, aerobics and yoga classes will be at the UC Ballrooms.

“I’m kind of upset, but I understand why [the gym is being closed],” Stephanie Wood, sophomore, said. “They need to put the media somewhere.”

Ali Butrico, a junior volunteering in the debate, is highly supportive of the decision.

“Being a political science student, I am very involved in this year’s Presidential election and I think it is an honor for the University to be taking such an important role in the upcoming election by hosting the debate,” Butrico said. “To me, it’s a small price to pay-and exercise can be done in many other places besides a gym.”

Some students are skeptical that with the debate running well into Thursday night, the Wellness Center will be able to open soon the following day. They are doubtful that the transition from getting the media out, to putting all the equipment back, can be as quick as administration says.

Areas not used for the debate are scheduled to open as early as possible on Friday. Students are advised to call the Wellness Center’s main number, 305-284-8500, on Friday for more information.

Candice Castaneda can be contacted at c.casteneda2@umiami.edu.

After being postponed several weeks due to the hurricanes, the Presidential Debate volunteer orientation erupted in full swing two weeks ago, welcoming over 200 volunteers for one of the most extraordinary events that the University of Miami has ever held.

After three months of intensive planning, Laurie Deschryver, director of events at the Office of the President, said that the “faculty and staff and President Shalala are all excited about the upcoming days that will make UM history.”

Dr. Pat Whitley, vice-president of Student Affairs, commended and congratulated the student volunteers who were competitively selected and commented on the unique opportunity available to all students this fall.

Richard Walker, assistant vice-president of Student Affairs and project manager, discussed the volunteer organizational structure of the Presidential Debate.

Student coordinators will be heading up four main groups consisting of production and debate hall, media and voter education, special events and transportation, and hospitality and security. Several student team leaders will be directing various tasks within each group.

With the broad range of opportunities available to student volunteers, ranging from escorting media and politicians and working in the Convocation Center to helping at special events, the most fundamental role of any student, Presidential Debate volunteer or not, is to be a student ambassador to UM.

“This is a great opportunity to interact with a lot of people and learn about politics,” Renee Callan, director of Student Activities and Leadership Programs, said. “Take advantage of attending the events because this is an opportunity that can and should become a key part of your college experience.”

Despite inconveniences faced with parking and security, Margot Winick, director of Media Relations, said that the UM faculty, staff and students are “proud to be selected as the campus to host the debates.”

At the volunteer session, Winick posed possible questions that the 2000 media covering the debate may ask students.

“[It’s important to] express your opinion as a student and show your enthusiasm by answering questions and being helpful and accommodating during the week of the debate,” Winick said.

Sarah Artenoca, assistant vice-president of Media and Community Relations, emphasized the significance of positive and energetic student participation, and said that such an international event has historic importance at the individual and UM community level.

Sporting red polo shirts with the UM logo, student Presidential Debate volunteers will be representing the University in the greatest capacity: as ambassadors not only to the school, but also to the world.

Shelly Garg can be contacted at s.garg@umiami.edu.

The Presidential debates between former Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush were held at three universities in October 2000 -the University of Massachusetts in Boston, Wake-Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Each candidate discussed matters such as foreign policy, the national budget and social programs in order to convince the American people that he was the most worthy man for the job of President.

How were the universities affected by the debates? What might the University of Miami expect to gain from hosting the first 2004 Presidential debate?

“It was a great opportunity for the students, faculty and community. You learn so much -on TV, you only get part of the story,” said Kevin Cox, vice president of Public Affairs and director of Media Relations at Wake Forest University. “It involves the entire community ultimately, and many positive things happened as a result.”

According to Cox, classes were created, various events scheduled and technology related activities sprung up- all inspired by the debate held at Wake Forest. Other positive side effects included increased awareness of the city and the University, higher numbers of applications and increased political awareness and activism among students.

Steve Givens, assistant chancellor at Washington University, stated similar positive results.

“A debate brings a lot of attention to the University, although we’ve never tried to measure it in terms of long term effects,” Givens said.

Washington University will again host a debate this year, marking the third time that a Presidential debate is held at the University. When asked why the school has been chosen so many times, Givens replied that he didn’t know the exact reason, but it may have something to do with the first time they hosted the event.

“In 1992, we were given only one week’s notice before the debate and we made it happen,” Givens said. “That began a relationship with the Debate Commission-they knew that we were capable of pulling it off.”

The debate at UMass-Boston was put on in spite of last minute decisions as well. It was the first debate ever held at a public university, and the only debate held in New England that year. In Jan. 2000, the Commission decided that UMass-Boston, together with the John F. Kennedy Library, would put on the first debate. In September, George W. Bush decided that he didn’t intend to go to Boston, and then two weeks before the debate, the parties ultimately agreed that it was to be held there.

Annemarie Lewis-Kerwin, assistant vice chancellor for University Communications and debate coordinator, discussed the effects of the debate on UMass-Boston in a press release.

“The debate really gave an opportunity for people who might normally never have the chance to work together, to do so. I think we have already seen this sense of cooperation and appreciation surrounding the debate continue into the day-to-day life of the campus,” Lewis-Kerwin said.

Although cost estimates were not given, it was apparent that last second planning and preparation combined with the magnitude of such an event proved costly.

“We’ve never released a total figure regarding the debate,” Cox said. “We sought out sponsors to cover expenses-this helped greatly.”

“In spite of things, we think that the debate was definitely worth the effort, hassles and money put into it,” Givens said.

Teressa Dalpe can be contacted at t.dalpe@umiami.edu.

TODAY
Come by the Cosford Cinema at 4 p.m. for “A Personal Conversation with Ralph Nader,” where the Reform Party’s Presidential candidate will answer all of your questions. Free food and drink will be served. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

WEDNESDAY
History will be made as a rare, original copy of the Declaration of Independence goes on display at the lower lounge in the UC. “Declare Yourself,” a national non-profit, nonpartisan young voter registration campaign founded by famed television producer Norman Lear, presents this free viewing of the Declaration.

THURSDAY
The Presidential Debate will be held at the Convocation Center.

Come by the Rat from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. for the Debate Watch Party. The Rat Plaza will be turned into a huge block party, showcasing the live debate at the University of Miami Convocation Center.

Today is the last day students are required to wear their ‘Cane Cards at all times.

FRIDAY
Today is the last opportunity for students to view a rare, original copy of the Declaration of Independence in the lower lounge of the UC.

Rock the Vote brings its message of youth voter registration to UM, from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the UC Patio. This message will be conveyed through an interactive educational festival, and a concert featuring some of today’s hottest up and coming artists.

FunDay Executive Board applications are due today in UC 240.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2
Come by the Rock at 1:30 p.m. for the National Gandhi Day of Service, a large youth-led volunteerism event in the community put on by COISO and LINK with participants from other groups such as UBS and Spectrum.

School of Business MBA Program ranks high

For the past eight months, University of Miami officials, alongside local, state and national agencies, have been developing and coordinating security procedures for this week’s Presidential debate.

With the unprecedented high level of security on campus comes the necessity for all students, faculty and staff to visibly display their ‘Cane Cards at all times through Thursday. Consequently, guests may only visit the campus for specific University events until Wednesday night. Security personnel will stop individuals who do not have identification properly displayed, and a process of identifying the individual will ensue.

“It’s a hassle you want to avoid,” Dr. Patricia Whitely, vice president of Student Affairs, said. “This is a very high-level security event and it’s positive that we have the support of law enforcement and Secret Service, but students have to cooperate.”

Josh Borgshulte, junior, agrees.

“I think everybody should treat security personnel with respect because they are carrying a lot of responsibility,” Borgschulte said.

While residential colleges are not going to be significantly affected by any of the security measures, Whitely recognized a possibility in the apartment area of a number of buildings being searched for about an hour. She emphasized, however, that no students are going to be asked to relocate.

“No one is being displaced or being asked to leave for an evening,” she said.

Despite months of planning, administrators admit that commuters should expect delays. Street closures will be announced in advance online. Metrorail service will be suspended on Thursday at the University Station on Ponce de Leon, but Miami-Dade County transit will be providing transportation from South Miami and Douglas stations to campus. Additionally, mail and package delivery will be suspended on Thursday to a number of locations on campus, including residential colleges.

Nevertheless, students feel the security measures in place are not too inconvenient and at the same time are making the university safer than ever.

“I think everything is going pretty smoothly and as long as students cooperate it should be fine,” senior Ryan Lindsay said.

In fact, Lindsay admits that more students feel cheated about not being able to attend the debate than the limits security has placed on them.

Getting inside the Convocation Center will be a microcosm of the week-long security procedures alone. Only those who have been issued credentials from the Commission on Presidential Debates will be allowed in, and will go through extensive security checks.

>> For updated security information, as well as information on street closures, visit www.miami.edu/debate04.

Paul Fajardo can be contacted at p.fajardo@umiami.edu.

Hosting a Presidential debate is an honor very few universities get to add to their resum