Step One: Join the Mailing List
This is our main way to share monthly schedules, travel notes, and updates. Joining the list is the fastest way to plug in.
New to Debate? New to APDA?
Start here for a friendly primer on formats, roles, timing, and how to get comfortable fast.
Step Two: Check the Calendar
All dates and info for meetings, tournament weekends, and workshops are publicly available.
Subscribe to our club calendar for real-time updates.
Meetings (Monthly View)
Mondays meet in John Paulson Center Room 243. Wednesdays meet in Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life 284.
Monday - Lesson Meeting
- Lecture: Focused skill-building.
- Engagement: Short activities to check understanding.
- Practice Rounds: Try when you’re ready - no pressure.
Wednesday - Training Meeting
- Practice Round: Full scrim(s) with feedback.
- Workshopping: Case-building with senior members and the board.
- Feedback: Real-time notes from Education & Leadership.
Attendance (for tournaments & voting)
- Tournament eligibility (rolling 3 weeks):
- At least 1 Monday Lesson Meeting
- At least 2 Wednesday Training Meetings
- Voting: Attend at least 60% of meetings in the semester.
- Check-in: Tap in at the tablet when you arrive.
Month at a Glance
February
- Weekly meetings continue
- Workshop dates posted soon
- Travel updates coming soon
March
- Skill-building sessions
- Travel schedule to be announced
- Stay tuned for updates
April
- Practice rounds & feedback
- Additional tournaments TBD
- Stay tuned for announcements
May
- End-of-semester wrap-up
- Final meeting updates posted soon
- Stay tuned for next steps
These are placeholders - update the bullets monthly (no weekly upkeep needed).
Partners & Assignments
There’s no formal permanent matching process. Partners are requested or assigned in person on a per-tournament basis.
- Have a preferred partner? Tell us at meetings - we’ll try to honor it based on availability and roster size.
- Flexible or new? We’ll pair you with someone compatible (schedule, goals, experience).
- Not a fit? Partnerships can change between events - it’s normal.
Costs & Support (Myth Busters)
Cost?
$0 to compete. PDU covers travel, registration, and lodging.
Travel?
Club-backed trips across the East Coast throughout the semester.
Experience?
None required. Start Monday lessons; try Wednesday scrims when ready.
Time?
Meetings are Mon/Wed 7–9 PM ET (Mon: John Paulson Center Room 243; Wed: Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life 284). Join when you can - move at your own pace. Travel is optional.
Gear?
Bring a laptop or notebook if you like - nothing special required.
Accessibility & culture?
Tell us your access needs (pace, seating, breaks) - we’ll work with you. We debate ideas, not identities. Read our Equity policy →