CFI - On Campus: The Course of Reason

CFI -On Campus Lectures and Debates

CFI - On Campus sponsors scores of lectures and public debates each year at colleges and universities across North America. These lectures and debates explore both popular topics, such as the teaching of evolution, as well as issues important to CFI - On Campus, such as secular versus religious ethics and the history of religious extremism. CFI - On Campus's lectures and debates aim to promote and defend reason, science, and freedom of inquiry in all areas of human endeavor.

What Academic Fields do CFI - On Campus Lectures and Debates Address?
- European Enlightenment studies
- Public understanding of science
- Science and the Social Sciences
- Philosophy, philosophical naturalism

Massimo Pigliucci, Prof. of Evolutionary Genetics at University of Tennessee, addresses 1300 students at Kansas State in a debate on Christian morality.

- Ethics
- The goals of higher education and the university
- History, American History
- Politics, Political Science
- Public Policy and Religion
- Philosophy and Religion
- Comparative Religion

What CFI - On Campus Lecture and Debate Topics are Popular?
- Secular Roots of the American Founding
- Free Speech on Campus
- Individual Liberty
- Morality, Relativism, and Society
- Science and its Critics
- Evolution versus Intelligent Design
- Multiculturalism
- Religion and the "Social Order"
- Secular versus Religious Ethics
- Religious Threats to Freedom
- The Role of the University in a Free Society
- The Role of Religion in a Secular Democracy

Who hosts or co-sponsors the CFI - On Campus Lecture or Debate?
CFI - On Campus members who are faculty or affiliate group leaders can host a CFI - On Campus lecture or debate at their campuses through coordination with the director of CFI - On Campus's Lectures and Debates. The host is responsible for the on-site administration of the lecture, which is detailed in The Guide to Successful CFI - On Campus Lectures and Debates.

How does one Host a CFI - On Campus Lecture or Debate?
The director of CFI - On Campus's Lectures and Debates will work with the on-campus host to tailor events to the specific academic interests of each individual school and CFI - On Campus group. To get an idea of what is available, consult this year's featured themes. When a date and topic have been arranged with a speaker or debater from CFI - On Campus's Lectures and Debates, the host will be responsible for booking an appropriate lecture room on campus and arranging the advertising for the event. Through consultation with the director of CFI - On Campus's Lectures and Debates, the campus host is responsible for selecting a list of possible dates to host the lecture when no major conflicts would interfere with the best possible turnout for the lecture or debate.

Most schools require that a student or faculty member host an event through an officially recognized group or department on campus, such as a CFI - On Campus affiliated group. It is often helpful to have a few on-campus organizations co-sponsor the lecture to assist financially and to encourage a greater attendance. Depending on the theme of the lecture or the debate, consider co-sponsoring the event with the Campus Crusade for Christ or some other group that finds CFI - On Campus's issues important.

In deciding which speaker is best for your campus, please consider the the topic being addressed, and the needs of your campus. Creative and extensive advertising can generate an excellent turnout, even when the speaker is not well known on your particular campus. Beyond the traditional CFI - On Campus lecture, CFI - On Campus speakers participate in debates, panel discussions, and intensive student and faculty workshops. Receptions, press interviews, and meals with the host organization are highly encouraged.

Who is Financially Responsible for the CFI - On Campus Lecture or Debate?
The costs involved in arranging a CFI - On Campus lecture or debate include the speaker's honorarium, travel, lodging, meals, and miscellaneous costs associated with the event, such as room rental and advertising. Depending on the honorarium and travel costs, CFI - On Campus may be able to cover the full or partial amount of the lecture or debate. It is recommended that hosts seek additional funding from campus resources such as student activities, academic departments, and other sympathetic student organizations. This offers the benefit of additional funds plus a wider audience.

For more information on hosting a lecture at your campus, please send your full name, school name and mailing address to speakers@campusfreethought.org, or call 917.664.3855.

Other Resources on CFI - On Campus Lectures and Debates
The Guide to Successful CFI - On Campus Lectures and Debates
CFI - On Campus Speakers and Debaters Listing
Make a request for a CFI - On Campus event on your campus

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