Big Questions: Weekly Dialogue Series

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The UAA Big Questions Weekly Student Dialogue Series is a program coordinated by Dr. Joel Potter, the Department of Residence Life, Student Activities and Commuter Programs office that seeks to elevate student dialogue and discourse. Last year, many student organizations and UAA departments facilitated student-led conversations about race and colorism, dialogues about gender expectations with student and staff advocacy teams, and discussions about philosophy - all of which effected meaningful and robust conversation. In that same vein, individual students, student organizations, and UAA departments are invited to submit a dialogue topic around the big questions in life. We aim to support the departments and organizations in these discussions by offering unified marketing, certified student/staff moderators (when needed), topic-relevant faculty and community experts, and other resources to facilitate dialogue. The discussion series will take place through the Zoom platform. 

Join us at 6:30pm on Zoom (on different days; see calendar) at https://www.tinyurl.com/2021uaabq 

Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/uaabigquestions 

Submit a topic to UAA Big Questions on Qualtrics. 

 

2021 Spring Events

  • 1/26 : What Is Home?
    Home is more than an address. It is more than being a local of a place. It is a concept. It is a space. Come explore what home means to you. 
  • 2/2: COVID-19 - What Are Our Rights and Responsibilities?
    The COVID-19 pandemic has required communities and individuals to consider how to protect the health of the most vulnerable while respecting the rights of others. During this session we will discuss what should be done when individual freedom and a duty to care come into conflict. 
  • 2/17: How Can Alaska's Indigenous Languages Thrive?
    How do languages inform and impact an individual's identity? How do they unite people together? Come and discuss why Alaska's indigenous languages should thrive.
  • 2/3: What Does Gene Editing Mean for Alaska's Food Systems?
    New techniques in gene editing promise to address real human needs but have also raised concern. During this session we examine how these technologies might be utilized and what the impact could be for the sustainability of Alaska's food systems. 
  • 3/16: How Does Social Media Affect Human Wellness
    While many would say that social media has empowered them to express freely, it is also worth noting that many suffer from bombardment of what "perfect" is, and what their bodies and lives should look like. In the day and age of TikTok, and Instagram, come discuss with us whether social media affects human wellness? Anf if yes... wow? 
  • 3/23: Is There a Problem With Alaska's Voting Procedures?
    As we gear into the mayoral election, come discuss the strengths and weaknesses of new and old Alaska voting procedures. Learn about upcoming changes to how you vote, including ranked choice voting and non-partisan election reforms. 
  • 3/30: Does the Media Promote or Hinder Justice?
    Has today's social media clouded or enlightened society's view on justice and how it works? We'll discuss how justice is portrayed in today's media platforms (i.e. news, social media outlets) and whether the impact it has on individuals and the community is detrimental or helpful to justice-related services and justice itself as a whole. 
  • 4/14: Is Science and Religion Compatible?
    What is the relationship between Science and Religion? Are they in conflict or are they in harmony? What - if anything - distinguishes science from religion, and religion from science? Come explore the topic with others! 

 

 

Past Events