They take no longer than 5 minutes and the debates are very straightforward. The better opinion wins. Staff and students are equal in that sense. Staff earns more money, though. Approximately every other day there is a seminar somewhere on the campus where I go to listen.
Famous people come here to talk.
For example, on February 15 Noam Chomsky will be here to talk. Subjects range from general issues to very technical talks. I love both. The speed with which these people handle their issues is crushing. You can't let your full attention slip away for a moment or you will be lost for the rest of the talk.