Overview of the Program
The Wayne State Debate team offers beginning as well as experienced debaters the opportunity to travel around the country and compete in several college tournaments each semester. Debaters are expected to read information on the topic, work with coaches and be available for practice rounds each week. Debaters are also expected to debate both sides of the resolution, meaning each team member is responsible for finding information that supports and refutes parts of the resolution. Debate helps sharpen critical thinking skills and many debaters go on to have successful careers in law and politics.

WSU Debate
Department of Communication
531 Manoogian Hall
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 577-2946

Coaching Staff
Members of the coaching staff are available for individual attention as well as team consultation. To talk to a coach about team membership, contact a member of the coaching staff at (313) 577-2946.

Team Members
Meet the current debate team.

Debate Resolutions
Each year, debate teams nationwide engage in vigorous debate on the selected topic area.  Different resolutions are proposed for each academic year on a wide range of topics and teams research and argue both the positive and negative sides to the issue.  Click on this link to read the current topic resolution and browse those used in recent years.

Debate Camp
Each summer the WSU debate team retreats to debate camp where they research and prepare for the upcoming season. Click here for camp info and pictures!

Press Releases
Regular press releases follow the progress of the debate season.  Keep track of the travel and success of WSU's debate team.

Motor City Invitational College Tournament
WSU hosts an annual college debate tournament each fall.  Click on the link above for registration information.  Contact the debate office for more information: (313) 577-2946.

Scholarship Information
Members of the debate team are eligible for university talent scholarships. Other scholarships available to debaters.  Find out more information and download an application here.

Delta Sigma Rho - Tau Kappa Alpha
Members of the WSU forensics squad are eligible for membership in DSR-TKA, the forensics honorary society.

DSR-TKA Annual Forensics Banquet
Each spring the debate and the individual events teams celebrate their successful seasons with a banquet and awards ceremony. Family, friends, colleagues and alumni join together to support the students and to recognize special achievements. 

Debate Team History
The WSU debate team began in 1918.  Two scholars have written about the history of the team.  Read their papers here.

High School Debate
Each year Wayne State University hosts high school debate tournaments, clinics, institutes and other events, including the McMonagle Debate Clinic, the Pappas High School Tournament and the Detroit Urban Debate League.  Contact the debate office for more information: (313) 577-2946.

Donate to Debate

The Wayne State Debate Program relies heavily on donations from generous contributors, like you.  Please consider making a donation to the WSU Debate program.  All donations benefit student scholarships and help to cover the costs of materials, equipment and team travel.

You can follow this link to the University's Development donation page http://www.alumni.wayne.edu/app.php?sec=11 or you can contact the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts Dean's Office and speak with the college's Development Officer to arrange a donation.  They can be reached at 313-577-5342.