Do too many people go to uni?
[Thursday, 5 November 2009]

Some of Australia's top educators and debaters will come together at the University of Sydney next Tuesday (10 November) to determine whether or not too many - or not enough - people go to university.

In this timely Sydney Ideas debate, co-presented with IQ² Australia, speakers including the University's Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence and ABC broadcaster Adam Spencer, will argue whether recent increases in university numbers - and decreasing budgets - have diminished the quality of a degree.

While debating the motion 'Too Many People go to University,' speakers will closely examine the pros and cons of increasing university numbers and will discuss whether or not the current University model is working to increase Australia's national productivity and performance, as recently called for by the Australian government.

The panel will use humour, expertise and experience to determine if a well-rounded University education is necessary in order for Australians to compete in a globalised economy and what part private education plays in the debate.

Speakers 'for' the motion are:

* Steve Hind, a fourth-year Combined Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws student and Director of Debates at the University of Sydney Union. Recent finalist and top five individual speaker at the World Intervarsity Championships
* Andrew Smith, Executive Director of the Australian Council for Private Education and Training
* Stephen Matchett, former marketing director for Monash University and the University of Western Sydney and now a columnist for The Australian.

Speakers 'against' the motion are:

* Naomi Oreb, final-year Bachelor of Laws student and member of the University of Sydney debating team. Named Best Individual Speaker at the 2009 World Universities Debating Championship
* Dr Michael Spence, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sydney
* Adam Spencer, ABC broadcaster and graduate of the University of Sydney, with a First Class honours degree in Pure Mathematics. Former University debater and one-time winner of the World's Best Speaker at the World Universities Debating Championships.

The debate will be chaired by Dr Simon Longstaff, Executive Director of St James Ethics Centre.

This is a rare opportunity to hear some of Australia's most entertaining speakers argue one of education's most pressing issues in the historic surrounds of the University of Sydney's Great Hall.


Event details:


What: 'Too many people go to University' debate co-presented by Sydney Ideas, the University of Sydney's international public lecture series, and Intelligence Squared Australia

When: 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday, 10 November, 2009.

Cost: $20adult/$15 concession/$10 USU Access Card (booking feels may apply)

Bookings: Seymour Theatre Centre box office. Phone: (02) 9351 7940 or book online at www.usyd.edu.au/sydney_ideas/

As at all IQ² Australia debates, audience members will be invited to join the floor debate and will determine the outcome of this debate with their vote.