The Tryout Process

In an effort to make Columbia Debate Society a more inclusive and accessible club, we have eliminated our selective tryout process for the 2021-2022 academic year.

In the past, CDS fostered an environment that was elitist and problematic; this is not compatible with our team’s goals for the club as a space for people of all backgrounds to feel welcome. We are no longer requiring a tryout based on demonstration of skills to get in, which historically only reflected past experience rather than future potential. Instead, we will be accepting anyone who shows a minimum level of interest at our informational meetings. This is the first time we are implementing an interest-only acceptance process and we are sure that there will be modifications in the years to come to further improve Columbia Debate. We hope that we are taking a step in the right direction to make debate, and clubs at Columbia in general, more accessible.

Our interest-based tryout process aims to accept everyone who meets the minimum level of demonstrated interest during the time period in which we would normally hold tryouts. To remain a member in good standing throughout the year, there will be expectations to participate in mandatory equity training and to assist with tournaments. These requirements will be flexible and communicated to members frequently.

We will host two informational events per week during the three weeks that follow the club fair. To get on the team, we will require the following level of demonstrated interest:

Sign up for the CDS email list at the club fair
Attend one of the two events in the first week of the recruitment period
Attend one of the two events in the second week of the recruitment period
Confirm your desire to join the team via google form, which will be sent out by email to everyone who signs up at the club fair

As we get closer to the date of the club fair we will send out a schedule of events and a way to communicate with board any conflicts, concerns, or other barriers to entry. Please keep checking our social media and our website as we finalize our criteria for membership for the 2021-2022 academic year.

In the meantime, feel free to email us at columbiadebate@gmail.com, DM us on instagram @columbiadebatesociety, or message us on Facebook @columbiadebate with any questions or concerns. We look forward to welcoming you all!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the team?

We encourage students from all Columbia schools, regardless of debate experience, to join! Our new members come from all sorts of debate backgrounds, ranging from no experience at all to former high school champion debaters. Many of our most successful debaters have come onto the team with no prior experience.

Do I need prior debate experience?

Absolutely not! Some of our most accomplished debaters have been students who had no public speaking experience whatsoever. We encourage students of all experience levels to join the team. The most important thing is having an open mind and an intellectual curiosity.

What kind of debate does cds do?

We compete in parliamentary debate formats, specifically American and British Parliamentary. We compete in competitions at schools along the East Coast, across the country, and internationally. Our team also hosts public debates open to the Columbia community during the year. Parliamentary debate values off-the-cuff thinking and extemporaneous speaking, rather than prior research and sourcing. These formats feature a diverse spectrum of topics, including questions on domestic politics, social justice, economics, international relations, and philosophy. American Parliamentary debate also allows students to create their own debate cases about any topic that interests them, from popular culture to technology ethics to historical events. Read more about our debate formats here.

What is the time commitment?

To remain in good standing, team members must assist in staffing our tournaments and attend semesterly equity trainings. Specific requirements will be released as we finalize our plans for the upcoming school year.

Besides that, it is up to the individual! We host two non-mandatory practices a week, one specifically for new members and another geared towards our Varsity members but open to the whole team. These practices are approximately 2 hours long, including practice rounds. Tournaments are generally on Fridays and Saturdays. We also hold weekly study groups and team dinners after practices that are open to all members.

How much does it cost to be a member of the team?

There are no fees or material costs associated with joining the team! CDS covers all registration fees, travel costs, and hotel rates when applicable for the vast majority of tournaments. In rare cases, students who are financially able may be asked to cover half the cost of airfare for particularly expensive journeys. Students who are in need of financial aid for similar opportunities will be completely covered and financial need will never factor into our selection process for competitive tournaments.