Lecture improvements

Academic departments, prestigious annual lecture series and diverse programs like the Center for the Study of Religion, the PACE Center and the Program in Law and Public Affairs bring fascinating speakers to campus, and students are grateful for the unparalleled experience of listening to some of the world's greatest thinkers. As Princeton's programs and departments begin planning for next year's lectures, they should plan something else: to adopt the same policy regarding student questions for lecturers as the James Madison Program. The Madison Program pledges publicly, at the beginning of question-and-answer sessions following lectures, to take the first question from a student. It's a powerful gesture of respect for students and gives students the opportunity to interact with the program's many lecturers.

Princeton offers many chances for students to interact with guest lecturers in roundtable or dinner gatherings. Invitation to such events, however, often depends on special affiliations and seating is always limited; not everyone will get to meet lecturers in such a setting. To expand students' opportunities to engage with speakers, students who show up to a lecture should have at least one chance to ask the lecturer a question before more confident and aggressive audience members, such as professors and community members, monopolize the session with their often long-winded questions.

A pledge from each program that sponsors lectures to allow a student the first question is a symbolic gesture, consistent with Princeton's undergraduate focus. It is a public representation of the University's commitment to undergraduate education. The Daily Princetonian called last year for expanded seating for undergraduates at popular events. A pledge to take the first question from a student is yet another way to encourage students to come to lectures prepared to engage intellectually with the speakers.

Such a pledge would not be a hardship for the organizations that sponsor lectures. After all, Princeton students aren't shabby thinkers, and they usually ask wonderful (and wonderfully concise) questions. The organizers of lectures should ensure that students have the chance to ask at least one question at every lecture event next year.