The John R. Park Debate Society (the University of Utah Speech and Debate Team) is sponsored and housed in the Department of Communication in the College of Humanities. The team focuses on three main activities: sponsoring public debate events, high school outreach, and hosting and competing in intercollegiate competitions. The University of Utah Speech & Debate Team is one of the oldest in the western United States and has a long tradition of competitive success.
There are 3 ways to join the John R. Park Debate Society
Email: Contact the Director of Forensics, Dr. Duncan Stewart (duncan.stewart@utah.edu).
Enroll in Forensics Practicum: Enroll in COMM 3270 (fall) or COMM 4270 (spring) which runs concurrently with weekly
team practice. These courses often fulfill Upper-Division CW and/or CEL credit requirements.
See the most current schedule of classes for confirmation.
Attend Practice: Practices are open to all students enrolled at the University. We meet on Mondays
and Wednesdays from 6:00pm until 9:00pm in the Utah Forensics Squad Room, LNCO 2890.
Reasons to Join:
1. Research & Writing Skills
- Develop and support sound claims, as well as to hone critical reasoning skills.
- Develop and deliver ideas and arguments in concise ways.
- Learn effective research practices.
- Learn to "think on your feet" and present ideas with confidence.
2. Organizational Skills
- Organize large quantities of information for effective retrieval and use.
- Learn effective organizational skills through opportunities to judge and help administrate tournaments.
- Learn effective research practices.
- Learn to organize team efforts effectively to maximize team productivity.
3. Relationships
- Opportunity to develop close advising relationships with faculty and instructors in the Department of Communication.
- Opportunity to travel and develop relationships with students at other campuses in the state and nation.
- Fosters a sense of camaraderie among teammates that is rare in most college settings.