Debaters are also part of a broader community. The Barkley Forum is guided by an appreciation for the support of those who make the debate experience possible and by a commitment to bring debate out into the broader civil society. As a department within the Division of Campus Life, The Barkley Forum supports a student's whole education by requiring strong academic performance for travel, by expecting debaters to support various forms of community outreach, and by encouraging students to be involved in other campus activities. Back to Top Barkley Forum students maintain a strong academic tradition. Students cannot travel with less than a B average.
Most debaters substantially exceed that standard.
The Barkley Forum also contributes to academic programs in the University. Debaters periodically perform exhibition debates for college classrooms. Debaters serve as teaching assistants in some departments. The professional staff of the Barkley Forum periodically lectures in classes, advises professors on establishing debates in their classrooms and serve as adjunct and visiting faculty. Director Melissa Wade, an adjunct professor in Educational Studies at Emory University, offers several classes in teaching forensics.