Hofstra pushes front-line learning with presidential debate

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) — About 500 Hofstra University students are working as volunteers as the suburban New York campus plays host to this year's first presidential debate.

Hofstra officials say they are getting an extraordinarily unique educational experience.

Some will be helping in the media center while others are handing out credentials, shuttling VIPs, serving as network production assistants or working as debate hall ushers.

This is the third consecutive presidential election cycle that the Long Island university is playing host. It stepped in this summer after Wright State University, in Ohio, backed out.

Hofstra has also welcomed pundits, politicians, authors and others to speak with students about the election.