Temple Issues Forum

The basic components of the TIF model are as follows.

(1) Two or more competent advocates for opposing positions

(2) are engaged in a public discussion or debate,

(3) superintended by an experienced moderator

(4) on a current event or campus issue,

(5) which is expected to be of widespread interest to the university community;

(6) The forum is presented live

(7) in a discussion-friendly auditorium

(8) before an audience consisting largely of undergraduates

(9) and in a manner calculated to stimulate audience involvement and participation.

TIF has done several such events per academic year, recently with WHYY, and oftentimes in cooperation with other institutional entities at Temple, such as academic departments or research centers. An executive committee makes policy, approves topics, and oversees the work of the Coordinator. A much smaller advisory committee works closely with the Coordinator to organize, publicize, and stage TIF events.