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Communication & Journalism Department
A Tradition of Excellence
SPEECH AND DEBATE
The Wyoming Speech and Debate Union, AKA UW Debate, is a co-curricular activity sponsored by the Department of Communication and Journalism and the College of Arts and Sciences. Participation is open to any undergraduate student. The team travels nationally to from fifteen to twenty intercollegiate tournaments each academic year. UW is a member of the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA), The National Debate Tournament (NDT), the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) and the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence (NPTE). Team members compete in two-person debates in policy (CEDA/NDT) and parliamentary (NPDA/NPTE) debate formats. The team also hosts on-campus events including public debates, intercollegiate tournaments, and high school and college summer workshops.
The University of Wyoming's Speech and Debate tradition began around 1912, with the formulation of a triangular debate league with teams in Colorado. The Cowboys were the first regional team to demand successfully the inclusion of women in debate competition, and UW has been a dominant national presence in intercollegiate debate for the past eight decades.
UW Debate 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. Be mindful 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.
QUESTIONS?
E-mail Travis Cram at mailto:tcram@uwyo.edu or call UW Debate at (307) 766-6690.
Contact Information
Communication & Journalism Dept.
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3904
Laramie, Wyo. 82071
Phone: (307) 766-3122/6277
FAX: (307) 766-3812
cojoofc@uwyo.edu
Dr. Ken Smith, department chair
428 Ross Hall