The 14th annual National Parliamentary Debate Association's national championships will be held throughout the campus Thursday, April 8, and Friday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The university's Sierra Center, located on the west side of campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge, will be the base of operations where audience members can locate the various tournaments.

Undergraduate students from throughout the U.S. will go head-to-head in parliamentary-style debates on current events and philosophical issues such as sexism, truth, and government roles. Approximately 1,000 debaters, coaches and judges are expected to participate.

"The parliamentary debate is the only academic debate named for the audience," said Becky Opsata, Northridge's director of forensics and event coordinator. "It's a lot of fun to watch and audience participation, in the form of heckling, is encouraged."

"The (debate) encourages active discussion of current events by well-informed individuals in a competitive environment," Opsata said. "It seeks to teach students how to construct and evaluate arguments by fostering critical thinking and the ability to voice and support opinions. These benefits extend far beyond the debate round, into the real world and everyday life of a responsible citizen."

Event admission is free. To park visit the kiosk, off of Prarie Street and Darby Avenue. Parking attendants will direct guests to the nearest parking lot. Parking costs $4.

California State University, Northridge has 33,000 full- and part-time students and offers 61 bachelor's and 42 master's degrees as well as 28 education credential programs. Founded in 1958, it is the only four-year university in the San Fernando Valley and the fourth largest in the 23-campus CSU system. The university serves as the intellectual, economic and cultural heart of the Valley and beyond.