The Appalachian State University Forensic Union & Debate Team is dedicated to critical thinking and open discussion of social and political issues. The Forensic Union is one of the oldest organizations on the App State campus. Intercollegiate competition has been supported by the university since 1963. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the debate team placed first in the following categories at the PKD National Tournament: NPDA Novice National Champions, NPDA JV National Champions, LD Novice National Champion, and Spanish Poetry Interpretation National Champion. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the debate team placed second in the Debate Sweepstakes at the PKD National Tournament.
The nationally competitive debate team participates in cross-examination style debate, which is policy-centered, research-focused, and highly specialized. Competitions are held through university sponsored tournaments, where over 200 universities participate throughout an academic year. One topic is selected by the policy debate community each academic year and then thoroughly researched and debated throughout that year. The debate team meets Tuesdays at 5pm in Walker 107.
As a service to the campus and the community, the Forensic Union is available to assist campus and community non-profit groups in organizing and moderating public forums about controversial events.
Faculty Advisor:
Mark Bentley
828-262-8371
bentleyml1@appstate.edu