2009 National Debate ChampionshipsMount Holyoke College American Parliamentary Debate Association

Co-Tournament Directors: Aviva Elzufon, Mariko Koyamatsu and Mariam SabriOn Behalf of the Mount Holyoke Debating Society • April 10-12, 20099096 Blanchard Campus Center •50 College Street • South Hadley, MA 01075

Mount Holyoke Debating Society • email: mhdebate@gmail.com • April 2008 1

2008-2009 National Debate Championships At Mount Holyoke CollegeAmerican Parliamentary Debate Association

PROPOSAL

Location and Transportation

Located in the heart of New England, Mount Holyoke College is the idyllic place for Nationals.

Ranked by Princeton Review in 2008 as the 5th Most Beautiful College Campus, the springtime

at Mount Holyoke is particularly scenic. All buildings are easily accessible and centrally located,

so walking to rounds should be an easy stroll. South Hadley is approximately a two-hour drive

from Boston and a three-hour drive from New York, and is accessible by active bus and train sys-

tems. There is also free access to a bus which runs between the 5 College Consortium in Am-

herst and Northampton, MA. For those flying in from further distances, Bradley International

Airport is a short drive away from Hartford, CT, and transportation

from the Airport is readily available. The first 40 dinos to contact

the Mount Holyoke Debating Society regarding transportation are

eligible for a transportation subsidy up to $50 (this amount will be

negotiable for individuals traveling from further distances, such as

D.C.). Transportation to and from and housing will be arranged

by Mount Holyoke Athletics in professional vans.

Mount Holyoke Debating Society • email: mhdebate@gmail.com • April 2008 2

Tabulation and Judging

There will be two rounds of debate on Friday Evening, fol-

lowed by four rounds on Saturday. The tournament will break

to Octofinals on Sunday.

Mount Holyoke has managed to secure Adam Groce (MIT

‘07), Michael Baer (Stanford ‘08), Allen Ewalt (Harvard ’07),

Marisa Maleck (Amherst ‘07), Michael Mayernick (Johns Hop-

kins ’06), and Robbie Pratt (William & Mary ’06) for tabula-

tion and judging. We have made a conscious effort to ensure

an equal regional representation of all APDA certified schools.

A committee will be formed in order to ensure proper video documentation of all outrounds, ex-

ceptions will be made for personal preferences. In addition to current resources, cameras will be

provided by Mount Holyoke Library and Information Technology Services (LITS). Any individu-

als interested in being a part of this committee should contact Mount Holyoke.

Housing

Housing will be provided at the Holiday Inn Springfield

Holyoke, which is approximately 15 minutes from Mount

Holyoke College. The hotel was recently renovated in

2007, so the interior is furnished with new fixtures, furni-

ture, and decorations. Standard housing for debaters will

be quads in queen doubles. Standard housing for dinos will

be in queen doubles. Upgrades will available for additional

charges ranging from $5 to $40. Free Internet access will

be available through the hotel. There is also a Friendly’s

close by, in case anyone has the urge for some late-night snacking.

Housing in Mount Holyoke dormitories will be available on a limited basis, please let the tour-

nament staff know if you prefer to stay on campus and we will make the appropriate arrange-

ments. Registration discounts will be provided for those who prefer to stay on campus.

Mount Holyoke Debating Society • email: mhdebate@gmail.com • April 2008 3

Entertainment

The Holiday Inn also has the largest swimming

pool in the pioneer valley, a fully equipped

weight room and a gaming arcade.

On Friday night, a variety of entertainment op-

tions will be provided, including poker and kar-

aoke, along with an open bar. On Saturday

night, a formal cocktail party will take place in

the hotel atrium, proceeded by a fully catered banquet in the grand ballroom.

Funding and Registration Fees

Registration fees for the tournament will be $260 per

two-person team, and $130 for any additional judges.

Registration Breaks will be offered on a individual basis--

if you have funding concerns, please contact Mount Ho-

lyoke as soon as possible.

Food

On Friday night, food will be provided by Thai Garden, one of the

Pioneer Valley’s most renowned restaurants. Breakfast will be pro-

vided by the Holiday Inn Springfield Holyoke on both Saturday and

Sunday. Lunch on Saturday will consist of Antonio’s Pizza from

Amherst (their unique pizzas are always a treat). Lunch on Sunday

will consist of sandwiches from Atkins Farms, who recently catered

Mount Holyoke’s tournament in December 2007. Vegetarian and

kosher/halal options will be available for all meals. Since the week-

end of Nationals will fall on Passover and Easter (as it often occurs),

and we will make proper provisions for those observing special die-

tary restrictions as well as religious services at Abbey Chapel at

Mount Holyoke College.

Mount Holyoke Debating Society • email: mhdebate@gmail.com • April 2008 4

The Mount Holyoke Debating Society

The first historical records indicate that the Mount Holyoke Debating

Society has been active since 1898. Pioneering the first all-women’s inter-

collegiate debates with Vassar and Wellesley, and the first co-ed debates

with Dartmouth, Mount Holyoke has had a long legacy of female debat-

ers. Currently, our team is small but mighty--we have consistently shown

up to tournaments in the past two years, and are excited at the prospect of

holding the 2009 American Parliamentary Debate Association National

Championship Tournament.

Mount Holyoke Debating Society • email: mhdebate@gmail.com • April 2008 5