Planners going into Utah’s first, and 2020’s only, United States vice presidential debate on October 7, 2020 knew that optics could impact the University of Utah's reputation. A lot was riding on making a good impression.
When the University of Utah needed help in hosting virtual viewing parties for the upcoming vice presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, administrators turned to the Utah Esports program for help.
As candidates take the stage to make the arguments of their lives, the question remains whether debates actually change people’s minds.
"Civic engagement is a core value of our nation and, as we host the 2020 Vice Presidential debate, Utah students will be able to learn about the political process and experience firsthand how being involved matters." —Ruth V. Watkins, President of the University of Utah
On Oct. 7, 2020, the vice presidential candidates will take the stage at Kingsbury Hall on the University of Utah campus.
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, all currently enrolled students may enter to win a seat in Kingsbury Hall for the Vice Presidential Debate.
What you need to know about access to campus from Sunday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 11.
Borrowing lyrics from the musical “Hamilton,” one could say, “History had its eyes on the U,” last Wednesday night, Oct. 7, for the lone vice presidential debate of the 2020 election.
From providing golf cart rides to members of the international media to ushering guests to their seats inside the debate hall, the 2020 Vice Presidential Debate volunteers reflect on the event.
In anticipation of the 2020 Vice Presidential Debate, the Utah Debate Commission worked with the Utah State Board of Education and business partner, Lucid Software, to create a curriculum for all K-12 students and held a statewide essay contest.
For the first time in its history, the state of Utah will host a national political debate, shining an international spotlight on its capital city.
As the host to the upcoming vice presidential debate, the U has been hard at work finding ways to incorporate the debate into fall programming.