Student Organizations
Forensics/Debate Squad
The internationally known Louisiana College Debate Squad travels extensively
through the South and Midwest. The students have completed successfully
against some of the major schools in the nation. The squad is open to
anyone interested in developing skills in public speaking, argument development,
general knowledge, and critical thinking. Scholarship aid is available.
Purpose
Academic credit may be earned by participating on the Louisiana
College Debate Squad, but enrolling in CA 115/315 is not a requirement
to participate. Students wishing to receive academic credit may receive
a maximum of four (4) hours credit for CA 115 and four (4) hours credit
for CA 315, but no more than one credit per semester may be earned. Admission
to the squad requires permission of the Director of Forensics.
Requirements
Students will be given the opportunity to attend intercollegiate
debate tournaments. Louisiana College attends five to six tournaments
per semester. Most of the tournaments, with the exception of national
tournaments, are Friday through Sunday tournaments. National tournaments
usually include weekdays other than Friday. No other course is required
to participate on the Debate Squad.
Since attending an intercollegiate debate tournament is representing
Louisiana College, any classes missed will be officially excused by the
Vice President for Academic Affairs and the student will be allowed to
make up any work missed. However, it is the student's responsibility to
talk with his/her instructors prior to the absences.
Louisiana College pays for tournament expenses such as travel, lodging,
and tournament fees. Other occasional fees will be paid such as banquet
tickets, etc.
Format
Louisiana College participates in tournaments sanctioned by the
National Parliamentary Debate Association, the largest collegiate forensic
organization in the nation. This format also allows LC to participate
in international tournaments. Louisiana College became the first college
or university in Louisiana to participate in an international tournament
when they traveled to the Pacific Cup Tournament in Vancouver, B.C.
Limited scholarship funds
are available from various forensics endowments. Available funds are awarded
by the Director of Forensics. Should a student resign from the Debate
Squad or be ordered off during the semester, any scholarship funds awarded
for that semester must be repaid to Louisiana College.
Awards
The Louisiana College Debate Squad dates back to the founding of the college
and is the oldest student organization on campus. In 1989, it was awarded
the Brady Garrison Award by the Cross Examination Debate Association.
In 1989, the Louisiana College novice debate team won third place at the
National Parliamentary Debate Association's National Championship Tournament.
Press Releases
2008-2009 Debate Squad Schedule of Events
To come...
Contact Information
By phone....318.487.7594
By email....loyd@lacollege.edu
In person....Martin Performing Arts Center, Rm. 202, LC campus