U of L’s FreeU series begins today

First session set for Telegraph Taphouse

They’re promising no fees, no exams and no mid-term papers. And their “classes” will be held in downtown shops or pubs. “FreeU,” a series of informal public presentations, is being launched this month by a group of University of Lethbridge professors. The first session, a hands-on look at electric vehicles, will be held today in and around the Telegraph Taphouse.

Two weeks later, a team of U of L faculty members will examine Alberta’s “bank account” in the light of the newly released report on the province’s financial affairs.

Kat Stevens, a philosophy professor who’s helping organize the series, says the goal is to reach the general public with information and discussion on a wide range of topics.

“We want to make it entertaining and interesting,” with short presentations and plenty of time for questions and responses over coffee or drinks.

“They’re all supposed to be topics where people could take something

home” for further conversation.

Geographer Jim Byrne will kick off the series with “Canada, cars, carbon and climate.”

Some southern Albertans who own electric cars will be bringing them to the Festival Square area outside the Telegraph, he says, where participants can chat with the drivers. Byrne says the first of several brief presentations on the future of electric-powered transportation is set for 6 p.m.

By 2030, he predicts, far fewer Canadians will be using carbon-fuelled vehicles. The air will be cleaner and children will grow up healthier.

The Owl Acoustic Lounge will be the venue for the Sept. 24 discussion, focusing on the government-selected “blue ribbon” panel’s recommendations on cuts to health care, education and other services — and how these could be avoided if Albertans were willing to pay a sales tax like all other Canadians.

Professors from all faculties have been invited to take part in the series, Stevens says, and some are already planning sessions in the new year. “FreeU” is not asking for financial support from the university, she adds — so participants will pay for their own refreshments.

They’ll be held through the fall and winter on alternating Tuesdays, she says, because that’s the quietest day of the week at most venues. Most will run from 60 to 90 minutes.

“FreeU” will be the university’s third public interest series. The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, formed during the very first years at U of L, resumed its weekly presentations last Thursday. The university also sponsors the monthly “PUBlic Professor” series, taking a more in-depth look at topical issues.

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