The third goal of the UMBC Parliamentary Debate Society is to help any who wish learn or better their skills in the area of public speaking. Membership All members of the UMBC community, to include resident and commuting students, faculty, and staff are eligible for membership. Membership may not be denied on the grounds of race, color, age, gender, ethnic background, religion, sexual orientation, handicap, political affiliation, or criminal record. To retain membership in the UMBC Parliamentary Debate Society the individual must not be under judicial sanctions by state or university. Individuals officially become members of the UMBC Parliamentary Debate Society after they attend their first debate tournament.
Membership requires attendance at a minimum of one tournament per every two semesters on the team.
In order for attendance at a tournament to count for membership purposes, the person must be officially registered with the hosting university by the officer officially in charge of tournament registration. Attendance at the annual UMBC debate tournament will not count under any circumstances for either obtaining or retaining membership on this team. All members of the of the UMBC Parliamentary Debate Society who are full time, degree seeking students at UMBC and who have been a member of the UMBC Parliamentary Debate Society for one year are eligible to become officers. The officers of the UMBC Parliamentary Debate Society shall be the President, Team Captain, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and student advisors. Officers shall be elected in April by a plurality general vote by at least two thirds of all eligible members.