What makes UM Debate unique?
A tradition of excellence as old as the University
Competition in evidence based team policy debate at the highest levels
A demonstrated commitment to diversity
Travel to national and regional tournaments
Membership and participation in CEDA, NDT and ADA
Debate participation open to all undergraduate students, from very experienced varsity debaters to walk-on novices
Community service and advocacy opportunities, including the Miami Dade Urban Debate League
Host of high school tournaments and workshops, and college tournaments
Public Debate Programs
A dedication to academic excellence: UM Debaters graduate on time or early with top grades and highest honors, and excel in multiple activities including debate
Successful and involved alumni
Quality facilities and resources
Outstanding coaching
Debaters are challenged to explore cutting edge and innovative argumentation and debate styles, and given the freedom to find their own voice in debate
Overview
The University of Miami Debate Team is a co-curricular activity sponsored by the School of Communication. Participation is open to any undergraduate student. The team travels nationally to from fifteen to twenty intercollegiate tournaments each academic year. UM is a member of the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA), The National Debate Tournament (NDT), the American Debate Association (ADA) and Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha national forensics honorary (DSR-TKA). Team members compete in two-person team topic debate in Championship and Novice competitions. The team also hosts on-campus events including public debates, intercollegiate tournaments, and a high school summer workshop, and hosts the Miami Dade Urban Debate League.
The Debate Team has a long and respected tradition and consistently brings national recognition to the University. UM debaters have won National Championships (1953 and 1996), have participated in the elimination rounds at 18 of 22 CEDA National Championship Tournaments, and have qualified for the National Debate Tournament eighteen times including three times since the NDT/CEDA "merger". UM debaters have received national recognition as members of the CEDA All-American Debate Team every year that award has been offered.
The U.M. Debate Team is currently staffed by Director of Debate, David L. Steinberg and Assistant Coaches Johnny Prieur and Nicole Richter. Students are carefully guided through the preparation, practice and tournament process. Research and preparation continue year-round, although the travel season is from September to April.
The U.M. Debate Team operates under the premise that intercollegiate debate is a uniquely rewarding educational experience, enhanced by competitive success and ethical conduct. Commitment and excellence are the foundation of a quality program. Debate is an activity designed to enhance the student's academic experience and to complement the curriculum. It is always remembered that academic coursework is the highest priority for the college student. To be eligible for team travel, the student must maintain a 2.5 grade point average and be in good standing in all coursework.
Course Credit and scholarships are available for debate participation. High School team debate and/or Lincoln-Douglas experience is helpful, but not essential for prospective debaters. There are no "try-outs" for the debate team. Students earn the privileges of coaching time and team travel NOT by the awards they win, but by the work and commitment they dedicate to team activities.
Philosophy
It is the philosophy of the UM Debate Team that excellence is achieved through intensity of work effort and commitment, and that competitive success follows naturally from the achievement of excellence. Debate should help develop and promote citizenship, advocacy, and activism. We value and promote diversity in team composition, argument style and selection, team activities, and all decision making.
Mission Statement
Debate is a co-curricular activity, provided for the educational benefits of its students. It is the mission of the debate program at UM to provide participating students a valuable educational activity with a primary emphasis on intercollegiate debate competition. Public debate experience and community service to middle school, high school and developing college programs are important secondary components of the mission of the UM debate team. Educational objectives include but are not limited to skill improvement in critical thinking, research, ethical argumentation, advocacy, analysis, persuasion, oral presentation, listening, organization, teamwork, group problem solving, citizenship, and leadership. Debaters should learn to demonstrate discipline, maturity, responsibility, and professionalism.