College Public Forum Debate

 

 

Starting in 2022, UMW Debate began offering an opportunity for students to supplement their Debate Team experience with participation in the newly formed Collegiate Public Forum Debate League. This format of debate has students debating semester-long topics in pairs. There are three tournaments each semester, including both Fall and Season championship tournaments. Students may compete in Novice or Open divisions based on eligibility criteria and experience levels. Each tournament will consist of 4-5 preliminary competition rounds. Many tournaments are Saturday only, with 3-5 preliminary rounds, followed by elimination rounds. All competition will be online, using the National Speech and Debate Association’s Campus tournament platform.

 

Outstanding Accomplishments – 2022-2023

2022 CPFL Fall Champions, Nick Remish & Claire Cullather

2022 CPFL Season Opener Champions, Andrew Hudgins & Claire Cullather

Fall 2022 Topic:

Resolved: The United States should impose term limits on Supreme Court Justices.

 

Spring 2023 Topic:

Resolved: Nations should adopt a carbon tax.

 

Resources:

There are numerous resources available, including a Topic Starter Evidence Kit for the Fall Topic and classes offered to introduce folks to the format and topic (classes start in February).

 

2022-2023 Tournament Schedule:

Fall 2022

Season Opener —– October 8-9, 2022

Fall Invitational —– October 29-30, 2022

Fall Championship —– November 19-20, 2022

Spring 2023

Spring Opener —– February 11-12, 2023

March Invitational —– March18-19, 2023

National Championship —– April 22-23, 2023