Oakland University President Gary D. Russi announced Monday that the campus will be location of a Republican presidential debate that is to be televised on CNBC. He sent an email en masse to the entire campus community. The text is below. This story will be updated as further details emerge.

Colleagues,

I’d like to share some positive news with you. Once again, Oakland University has been thrust upon the national stage. It was announced today that we will host a national Republican presidential debate on our campus on Wednesday, Nov. 9. The debate will be broadcast exclusively from 8-10 p.m. EST on CNBC.  The event will also stream live on CNBC.com. The debate is co-sponsored by CNBC and the Michigan Republican Party.

As an institution of higher learning, Oakland University supports activities that allow American citizens to make educated decisions about the political candidates vying to represent them. We’re pleased to host a Republican national debate as a critical part of the broader democratic process that will determine who will be elected president in the 2012 election.

More details about the event will emerge in the weeks ahead. I urge you to check our website for updates and further information.

Oakland University’s reputation as one of the finest universities in the region went a long way toward us being chosen to host this important national event. We can all share a great sense of pride that our public profile has increased to the point that we are a first-choice venue to host an event  that showcases our university to the entire nation.

I will share more information with you as it becomes available.

Gary