The vice-presidential debate at Washington University this fall will be a traditional one-on-one forum, organizers said today.

The Commission on Presidential Debates held a media briefing at the school today, going over coverage logistics that will apply mostly to the broadcast outlets.

There was this tidbit of news: Unlike the “town hall” style presidential debate at the school in 2004, the battle of No. 2s will pit the contenders against each other on stage. Questions from the audience will not be part of the event.

The candidates will be seated at a table together, with both domestic and foreign policy issues on the agenda. The debate will divided into eight 10-minute session, with candidates given the opportunity to question their opponent directly. Each contender will also be allowed closing remarks.

A moderator — a “national figure,” perhaps from print or one of the networks — will be chosen by the end of the month. (Paging Jim Lehrer.)

This will be the fourth debate held at Washington University since 1992. But if you’re hoping to get a seat in the audience, better enroll at Wash U. or get involved with one of the campaigns: Seating will be limited to political types and students, who will only get their tickets via a lottery.

The debate will once again be hosted at the school’s Field House, with the notorious “spin alley” in one of the gymnasiums.