Speech & Debate Team

The Jefferson State Community College Speech and Debate Team travels to colleges and universities throughout the country and competes in IPDA (International Public Debate Association) debate.  A limited number of scholarships are available each year for qualified students.

• For more Information on IPDA
• More Information about Individual Events
• Event Photos
• Team Member Resources

Scholarship Auditions

Students interested in auditioning for a full tuition/fee scholarship should schedule an audition with Dr. Janice Ralya.  If scholarships are available, the student will be asked to write and present a 5-minute researched persuasive speech.  The student may use brief notes, but is expected to speak without reading from a manuscript.  Students should focus on the elements of organization, research, argumentation and delivery.

Students should bring a copy of their high school or college transcript with them to the audition.  Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA to be eligible for a scholarship.  Scholarships may be renewed each semester for up to a total of 6 semesters.

Team Meetings

The Speech & Debate Team meets every Monday night on the Shelby Campus in the General Studies Building at 5 pm.  Meeting room numbers can vary from semester to semester, so contact Dr. Ralya for more information.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Janice Ralya
[email protected]