The Conference on World Affairs is back, and from April 7-11, over 200 events will be held around campus. The free, five-day event showcases topics from pressing issues like global warming to more lighthearted affairs, like an entire afternoon dedicated to “Sex: Just Do It (or not).” The selection can be overwhelming, but here is a peek at events to appeal to both your academic and not-so-serious sides.
For your intellect:
Monday, April 7th
“The Globalization of Health”, 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m., Macky Auditorium
With the extended deadline to sign up for the Affordable Care Act ending Monday, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius will set the week off to a healthy start, giving the keynote speech of the conference.
Tuesday, April 8th
“Surrendering the War on Weed”, 2:00-3:20 p.m., UMC Ballroom
Get the latest on one of the most controversial topics in our state and nation — weed. Listen to some of the country’s brightest minds on the topic discuss the pros and cons of marijuana legalization.
Wednesday, April 9th
“The Invisible War” screening, 3:00-5:30 p.m., Muenzinger Auditorium
Watch this powerful Academy Award-nominated documentary about sexual assault in the U.S. military. A former Marine, as well as one of the stars of the film, Elle Woods, will be in attendance.
Thursday, April 10th
“Obama’s Reading My Texts! Technology and Privacy”, 1:30-2:50 p.m., Boulder High School
Learn more about the ongoing NSA privacy debate that has dominated national news this year.
Friday, April 11th
“Fear Factor: Our Shocking Industrialized Food Supply”, 11:00 a.m.-12:20 p.m., Fleming 155
Are you hungry for some frightening facts about the food industry? Learn more about what you eat at Friday’s panel.
For your entertainment:
Monday, April 7th
“Tinder and Sexting: The Evolution of Dating”, 4:30-5:50 p.m., UMC West Ballroom
If you’re curious about new ways to meet people or find the love of your life, or if you want some tips on the dos and don’ts of sexting, check out one of the conference’s first panels.
Tuesday, April 8th
“Put Your Weiner away: Best Scandals Ever”, 11:00 a.m.-12:20 p.m., UMC 235
Take a walk through the Scandal Hall of Fame. Cringe along as NPR correspondent Margot Adler and others highlight the most embarrassing “falls from grace” in history.
Wednesday, April 9th
“Wanderlust: Oh, the Places You’ll go in your 20s”, 9:00-10:20 a.m., Old Main Chapel
Find out the best places to adventure while in your 20s. The band Gooding and others will tell you about some of the coolest spots the world has to offer.
Thursday, April 10th
“Spin It to Win It: The Wonderful World of Lying”, 5:00-6:20 p.m., UMC Ballroom
They say that honesty is the best policy, but communication expert Tasmin Maxwell thinks your life could benefit from a little bit of fibbing.
Friday, April 11th
“Four Guitars and Some Sax”, 12:30-1:20 p.m., Macky Auditorium
Soothe your soul with some jazzy music and contemplate all you learned this week. Guest musicians from numerous CWA events will be getting together to jam.
You can find a full schedule of events on the CWA’s website here.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Devon Fleiss at Devon.fleiss@colorado.edu.