West Virginia University President-elect Mike Garrison is participating in a series of informal forums hosted by WVU moderators beginning today on the main campus.

The open topic discussions are a way for faculty, staff, students and others tojoin the conversationand take an active part in the transition by discussing specific questions, real issues and challenges WVU faces, said Garrison, who will take office as WVU president Sept. 1.

The first few forums will take place in Morgantown:

• Wednesday, July 18, 1 p.m.Mountainlair Vandalia Lounge, Downtown Campus Moderator: Robert Wells, WVU Board of Governors vice chair and Baltimore attorney

• Thursday, July 19, 10 a.m.Erickson Alumni Center Durrett Hall, Evansdale Campus Moderator: Sharon Ryan, chair of the Department of Philosophy and creator ofTHE QUESTION ,a nationally recognized WVU project that was launched in 2005 to introduce critical thinking and reasoning to local children. Since its inception, hundreds, including Garrison, have offered their answersto a variety of philosophical inquiries such asWhat is a friend?andDoes God exist?

Other forums are being planned on campus and around the state. Those who cannot attend one of these discussions are invited to join an online discussion and follow a blog by the president-elect on the transition Web site (http://transition.wvu.edu).The site will be updated regularly as new events are added to the schedule.

The goal is to get people engaged �€talking about what they believe in, making WVU a better place and changing lives for the better, Garrison said.