The University of Massachusetts Lowell joins other universities with its own Center for Public Opinion. According to Lowell’s Chancellor Marty Meehan: “The Center for Public Opinion will advance understanding of government, societal issues and the political process and encourage cicivc engagement among our students to help them achieve the well-rounded education that will make them world-ready when they graduate.”

It should come as no surprise that Chancellor Meehan, a former member of the U. S. House of Representatives and a longtime student and observer of politics and the political process should want such a center at UMass Lowell.

One day after releasing its first opinion poll, the Center in cooperation with the Boston Herald will host the first debate among Democratic candidates seeking the nomination to run against incumbent U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in 2012. The cadre of candidates includes Tom Conroy, Marisa DeFranco, Alan Khazei, Bob Massie, Herb Robinson, Setti Warren and the most recent candidate to join the race – Elizabeth Warren.

The debate to be moderated by Chancellor Meehan will take place on Tuesday October 4, 2011 at 7 pm in Durgin Hall on Wilder Street, South Campus. A panel of UMass Lowell student leaders and a university focus group will question the candidates on key issues.

The event is open and the public is invited to attend.

I for one will be looking for a front row seat at the debate and this launching of the new role of UMass Lowell in understanding government and civic engagement in that governemntal process.

Read more here at lowellsun.com and here at bostonherald.com