Join the team!
Covid-19 Update (Fall 2021)
The IU debate team succesfully competed in all digital tournaments during the 2020-2021 season. As campuses open during the academic 2021-2022 season, the community is expecting a mixture of digital and in-person travel tournaments. We look forward to seeing our friends in-person this year!
Regardless of experience and degree program ALL IU undergraduate students are welcome to participate in the debate team! To learn more please fill out the google form at the bottom of the page.
We have several levels of membership: Competitive team membership and public debate team members.
Competitive team
Competitive team members are invited to attend tournaments hosted by programs around the country. Tournaments are comprised of teams of students from peer institutions divided into three divisions: Novice, Junior Varsity and Varsity. In order to travel, team members are expected to attend weekly meetings that will be available in a social distancing in-person format as well as a synchronous online format. Students must turn in substantive research assignments and participate in practice debate rounds. Student travel schedule depends on experience level, work level, and availability.
Public Debate Team
IU debate is committed to increasing debate opportunities for students who may not have the time or desire to take part of our competitive debate team. Public debate team members are invited to participate in our Intra-IU debate competition, where students debate fellow Indiana University undergraduates for a chance to be crowned campus champion. Members are also invited to take part in public debates about significant controversies. As a service to the university our students will also be tasked with helping to expand the opportunities and educational impact that debate can bring to students in the region.