Northern Essex Community College is using this year’s election as a teachable moment, planning a series of events during the month of October designed to educate the college community about the presidential election and other important election issues.

As part of the college’s Election Teach-In, local elected officials will visit the college to discuss the importance of being civically engaged; the public will be invited to a series of events, including “NECC’s Own Big ‘Presidential” Debate’”, at which faculty members will debate representing all four candidates for president; and faculty will incorporate the election into their course curricula.

On Monday, October 3, Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini will share why it’s important to get involved in the political process with a presentation titled “Why Should I Vote.”  This presentation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon in the Hartleb Technology Center, Room 103B, Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliott St.

On Tuesday, October 18, the discussion will move to Lawrence when Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera shares his thoughts on civic engagement from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Dimitry Building, Room L244, 45 Franklin St., Lawrence.

Northern Essex will host its Own “Big Presidential” Debate on Monday, October 24 from noon to 1:30 pm. In the Hartleb Technology Center, Room 103B, on the Haverhill Campus.  Professors involved in the debate include Steve Russell, Steve Slaner, Andrew Morse, and Patricia Portanova. Katie Formosi of Groveland, a student and current president of the Contemporary Affairs Club will moderate; and Professor Paul Saint-Amand will serve as timekeeper of the debate.

Fifteen faculty have signed up to incorporate the election into their course curricula this year, according to Janel D’Agata Lynch, coordinator of civic engagement and service learning.  As examples, she shares the psychology class that will research the mental health platforms of the presidential candidates and the communications class that will study the role of the media in a presidential election.

The 2016 Election Teach-In is part of a state-wide effort to educate students on the importance of the election and why their vote matters.  It is supported by the Contemporary Affairs Club, the Global Studies Department, and Civic Engagement and Service-Learning.

To learn more, contact D’Agata-Lynch at jdagatalynch@necc.mass.edu or call 978-738-7530.

Here’s a list of what’s planned:

Why Should I Vote? Hear from Haverhill Mayor Fiorentini  about the value of being civically engaged.

Monday, October 3rd 11am-Noon

Haverhill Campus, Tech Center 103B

Vice Presidential Debate: Join us to watch and discuss the Vice Presidential Debate

Wednesday, October 5th 12:30-2pm

Haverhill Campus E160

Ballot Question 2: Come, watch and discuss the UMass Debate on raising the cap on charter schools.

Tuesday, October 11th 11am-12:30pm

Lawrence Campus, Dimitry Building, L244

Ballot Question 3: Come, watch and discuss the UMass Debate on regulating the treatment of farm animals.

Thursday, October 13th Noon-1:30pm

Haverhill Campus, Student Center Room 213

Technology and the Election; Hacking the vote: The security behind voting machine and elections.
Professor Adrianna Holden-Gouveia

Friday, October 14th 1-2pm

Haverhill Campus, Tech Center 103B

Why Should I Vote? Hear from local politicians, including Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera, about the value of being civically engaged.

Tuesday, October 18, 8-9am

Lawrence Campus, Dimitry Building L244

Ballot Question 1: Come, watch and discuss the UMass Debate on gambling.

Monday, October 17th 11am-12:30pm

Lawrence Campus, Dimitry Building L251

Ballot Question 4: Come, watch and discuss the UMass Debate on recreational use of marijuana.

Wednesday, October 19th 11:30am-1PM

Haverhill Campus, E Building Room 170

NECC’s Own Big “Presidential” Debate: Faculty members will debate representing all four candidates for the U.S. Presidency

Monday, October 24th Noon-1:30PM

Haverhill Campus, Tech Center 103A