To:	University Community
From:	Pat DeDeo, Director for External Relations
Date:	September 16, 2013

I am pleased to report that Governor Chris Christie and Senator Barbara Buono have agreed to debate on Tuesday, October 8 in the Shea Center for the Performing Arts on our campus. 

In July, the University was selected by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission to host one of the two planned gubernatorial debates this fall. The University is partnering with WCBS-TV and WCBS Newsradio 880 in New York; KYW-TV and KYW Newsradio 1060 in Philadelphia; The Record and its sister paper, The Herald News; and Gannett New Jersey newspapers, including the Asbury Park Press, Courier-News, The Courier-Post, Home News Tribune, Daily Record, and The Daily Journal to host the debate.

 This is the third time that William Paterson has been selected to host a gubernatorial debate since 1997.  Last year we also hosted a debate for the 11^th Congressional district.

Thank you to all the staff members and departments across campus who are coordinating so smoothly on this major project.  We appreciate everyone’s flexibility, patience and enthusiasm.  The Department of Music and University Performing Arts have been tremendous in keeping their schedules flexible as we negotiated dates.  Faculty from the political science and communication departments have been involved from the beginning of our planning and are working closely with us to engage students who will be involved in a number of ways, including helping to coordinate media and campaign staff on the night of the debate.

A limited number of tickets will be made available to students, faculty and staff and the general public over the next few weeks.  As was the case four years ago when we hosted the debate, we will offer tickets to students, faculty and staff prior to the general public.  Details regarding the availability of tickets have not yet been determined so I ask for your patience. Tickets, once available, will be on a first come, first served basis, while they last, with a limit of two tickets per person.  There will be no charge for the tickets.  We will also be setting up overflow areas where the community can watch the debate on a television screen.  A separate notice will be sent to the community as soon as possible with details about tickets and the overflow areas. The debate will bring visibility and prestige to the University. We are proud to host this important statewide event.