Who We Are
The Parliamentary Debate Union (PDU) at New York University is a student-run club devoted to competitive debate, intellectual growth, and team camaraderie.
We represent NYU on the American Parliamentary Debate Association (APDA) circuit, a collegiate league of debate teams from universities across the East Coast and beyond.
Each weekend, we send teams to tournaments at colleges across the region, fully funded and supported. PDU covers all travel expenses for competing members, including transportation, registration, and lodging.
Beyond competition, PDU offers weekly training workshops, practice debates, and mentorship. We welcome everyone from seasoned debaters to complete beginners and provide the tools, strategies, and community to help every member succeed.
Debate with us, grow with us, and find your voice at NYU.
What is APDA?
APDA (the American Parliamentary Debate Association) is a collegiate debate league across the East Coast and beyond. Teams compete in British Parliamentary–style extemporaneous rounds judged on clarity, analysis, organization, and persuasion. Tournaments typically run Friday–Saturday with several preliminary rounds followed by elimination rounds.
Meetings & Attendance
Schedule
Monday - Lesson Meeting
- Lecture: Focused lesson on a debate skill or technique.
- Engagement: Short activities to check understanding.
- Practice Rounds: Full simulated debates to apply the lesson.
Wednesday - Training Meeting
- Practice Round: A full simulated debate round.
- Workshopping: Case-building with senior members and the board.
- Feedback: Real-time notes from Education and Leadership.
Attendance Policy
Attendance isn’t mandatory, but participation matters - especially for limited spots.
- Tournament eligibility (last 3 weeks before interest form):
- At least 1 Monday Lesson Meeting
- At least 2 Wednesday Training Meetings
- Voting eligibility: Attend at least 60% of meetings in the semester.
- Tracking: Check in at each meeting on the tablet. Disputes to Operations Director.
Tournaments
We travel most weekends during the semester to APDA-hosted events across the East Coast. PDU covers travel, registration, and lodging for competing members. Learn about sign-ups, selection, logistics, and how rounds work.
Judging
Great rounds need great judges. Judging grows your analysis, helps newer teams get clear feedback, and keeps tournaments running smoothly. If you’re curious, you’re qualified - we’ll show you how.
- Before round: Read the case statement, track protected time, and note content warnings (CWs).
- During round: Flow main claims and responses, watch for POOs, and focus on warranting and weighing.
- After round: Deliver a concise Reason for Decision and fair speaks; point teams to concrete improvements.
Equity
We debate ideas, not identities. PDU is committed to a respectful, inclusive competitive space at meetings, tournaments, and in all team channels.