Speech and Debate (Forensics) Team
Our Nationally Ranked Team Makes its Mark
For over seven decades, the University of the Pacific has competed with distinction in intercollegiate speech and debate (forensics). The Pacific teams are regulars in national championship competition and have compiled enviable records at both the regional and national levels.
The Speech and Debate Team travels around the country to compete in a variety of events, and it hosts tournaments on the Stockton campus, including the High School Forensics Invitational.
Students from all schools and departments in the University are eligible to participate. If you are interested in trying out or want to learn more, please contact Dr. Marlin Bates, Director of Forensics, by 
Email or 209.926.3049.
Forensics Scholarships
University of the Pacific offers forensics scholarships to students who have demonstrated a high level of performance proficiency. These are primarily merit-based scholarships. Anyone meeting the qualifications as a highly-skilled speaker and debater may apply.
Pacific Speech and Debate Highlights
Since 2004, the team has been directed by Dr. Marlin Bates. In that time, Pacific's Speech and Debate Team has continued its long tradition (since 1854!) of making its mark regionally and nationally.
Pacific's first debate and oratory society was formed in 1854 to “mutually [aid] each other in the acquirement of an easy, graceful, and impressive manner of speaking, as well as skill in the use of language."