Debate Team
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Rhetoric for Social Justice
Developing leaders through experiential education, competitive and non-competitive activities, and civic engagement.
- Become a part of a team of outstanding students and compete in intercollegiate debate against the top University programs in the nation.
- Engage in advocacy about social justice, government policy, philosophy, socio-economics, and much more.
- Take Rhetoric 298, “Practicum in Debate,” and earn up to 16 units towards your degree.
- Travel to locations steeped in history and tied to event topics and themes.
- Lead dynamic campus events.
- Collaborate with diverse individuals and become a thought leader.
- Develop empathy, worldliness, and eloquence as you grow as a scholar and speaker.
- Be inspired by an extracurricular that law and grad schools look for.
No experience required!
Contact: Robert R. Boller, Ed.D. Director of Debate - boller@usfca.edu
Events
Debate has traditionally been a leading progressive community in promoting diversity and inclusion. At USF, this tradition persists and is reflected in our activities.
Competitive events:
- Civic Debate Conference
- Northern California Forensics Association
- World Universities Debating Championship (British Parliamentary)
- National Parliamentary Debate
On Campus:
- St. Ignatius Dialogues Civic Debate Tournament
- Diversity in Campus Policing Forum
- Open campus debates
Upcoming Events
Our Values
Discernment
Discernment is at the heart of Ignatian spirituality. Discernment is when you are pondering a difficult choice and there is a vacillation between reason and emotion, between logos and pathos. Calm and respectful debate, free from hostility and ego, is akin to discernment. We reject the “debate as war” metaphor. We believe debate is a collaborative public dance of discernment.
Cura Personalis
Cura Personalis is defined as: “Care for the whole person.” Our talents, health, hearts, faith, and minds are all equally worthy of care and attention. USF Debate is where we integrate these qualities and learn how to argue for the values that complement the intellect. We seek to develop the whole person through competitiveness and cooperation, so we can be advocates for change.
Eloquentia Perfecta
We strive to be eloquent when communicating our values to change the world to be more just, inclusive, and supportive in the constructive clash of diverse points of view. We seek to “Change the World From Here.”
Press
State Senator Comes to Campus to Discuss His AI Bill with Students -
April 25, 2024
USF Convenes Debate Tournament With a Twist - Oct 5, 2023
USF Debate Team Newsletter 2022-2023 Volume 1
Success on the Beach - Feb 24-26, 2023
USF Debate Team Earns Top Speaker Awards - Feb 3, 2023
USF Debate Team Proposes Election Reforms in Nashville - Nov 15, 2022
USF Debate Team Wins Jesuit Cup at LMU - Oct 31, 2022
SF Foghorn - USF Mascot Discourse
SF Foghorn - This New Team's Potential Isn't Up for Debate
Diversity in Campus Policing Forum Event Recording
SF Foghorn - Inviting Open Dialogue on Diversity in Campus Policing
Testimonials
We’re a team of open-minded individuals that encourage diverse opinions” - Nandika Murugavel, Business
My experience with the USF debate team has been nothing short of transformative. It has served as a treasured catalyst, significantly amplifying my commitment to compassionate, logical discourse, on a diverse range of pressing issues." - Peter Perry, Computer Science
Joining the debate team has been deeply rewarding. I am growing personally and forming a community with teammates that care about social justice. I am developing useful logical and communicative skills that will give me an edge in my academic and professional career. I'm also having a ton of fun." - Kendrick Lacerda, Philosophy
USF Debate offers a platform to diverse perspectives in an inclusive environment to create modern solutions towards a more equitable world” - Alana Beltran-Balagso, Politics