CSI Forensics
Thank you for your interest in the national award winning College of Southern Idaho Speech and Debate Team. Competitive speech and debate has provided thousands of students with invaluable experience with critical thinking skills, research, public speaking, and competitive interaction. It truly is an educational experience second-to-none. Take a few moments to look around our site and learn more about the exciting educational and competitive opportunities available at the College of Southern Idaho!
Andrew Orr
Associate Professor, Communication and Forensics
Email: aorr@csi.edu
Phone: 208-732-6776
Office: Hepworth 170
Frequently Asked Questions
What is forensics?
Forensics, or the art of competitive speech and debate, has been practiced in the United States since the early 20th century and has roots going back more than 2500 years to ancient Greece. Forensics has evolved from a form of educating citizens in the art of persuasion as democracies were beginning to form in Greece and Rome, to a competitive activity that is enjoyed by thousands of high school and college students every year. The scope of training has also grown to include a variety of speaking techniques, oral interpretation, policy and value debate, as well as training in formal persuasion.
Why compete in forensics?
Participation in forensics allows you to put all realms of your education to active use. It sharpens your ability to critically analyze issues, to express your thoughts clearly and fluently, and to have a better understanding of the world in which you live. Many professional people, including executives, lawyers, teachers, public relations officers, radio and television personalities, and prominent public figures testify that their participation in forensics was a major element of their education. In short, forensics competition helps you learn to research, to think, and to communicate your ideas.
What is forensics like at CSI?
The College of Southern Idaho has a rich tradition in forensics dating back 50 years to the late 1960s. Those fifty years have been distinguished by more than 100's of regional awards and more than 50 trophies for competition at national tournaments. CSI travels to approximately seven tournaments per year throughout the Northwest and often attends the Phi Rho Pi and/or Pi Kappa Delta Regional and National Tournaments. In addition to competitive opportunities, students participating in forensics at CSI earn academic credit by registering for COMM 105 each semester.
CSI belongs to three major forensics organizations. The first, Phi Rho Pi , is a national association of up to 150 community colleges with active forensics programs. Each year, Phi Rho Pi hosts the largest national tournament in the nation, with more than 80 schools and 500 competitors in attendance on average.
The second organization , Pi Kappa Delta , is a national association of four-year colleges and universities that just recently accepted community colleges into its organization. CSI also actively participates in the National Public Debate Association.
CSI is also an active member of the Northwest Forensics Conference. This association of almost 40 colleges and universities from Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Alaska holds three regional tournaments each year and crowns a regional champion in both a university and a community college division.
CSI belongs to three major forensics organizations. The first, Phi Rho Pi , is a national association of up to 150 community colleges with active forensics programs. Each year, Phi Rho Pi hosts the largest national tournament in the nation, with more than 80 schools and 500 competitors in attendance on average.
The second organization , Pi Kappa Delta , is a national association of four-year colleges and universities that just recently accepted community colleges into its organization. CSI also actively participates in the National Public Debate Association.
CSI is also an active member of the Northwest Forensics Conference. This association of almost 40 colleges and universities from Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Alaska holds three regional tournaments each year and crowns a regional champion in both a university and a community college division.
Who can compete in forensics?
Competition in forensics is open to any CSI student enrolled in more than 9 credits and with a GPA above 2.5. The class, Communication 105, is worth 3 credits and may be repeated for four semesters. Experience is not required, but students who have shown extraordinary ability may be eligible for scholarship assistance for participation.
Interested in competing?
Where do I sign up?
To join the Forensics Team all you have to do is sign up for COMM 105 when you register...it's that easy. However, before beginning an endeavor of this sort we suggest that you come by and talk to us to find out more about the program and to get some advice. Because we believe in a program that is both educationally and competitively successful we hold team members to some high expectations and it's best if you find out about these beforehand. By getting in touch with us we can get you on the right track to a successful collegiate career. At the same time, we can let you take a look at a syllabus for next semester and make you aware of the behavior expectations that we have for traveling team members. After all, you are not only a representative of yourself and our team, but most of all of the College of Southern Idaho and we have an esteemed reputation that we plan on protecting.
Do I have to go to all of the tournaments?
Well, that depends. If you accept a scholarship to compete for us (see below) then you are obligated to travel to all tournaments with a few rare exceptions. If you are joining us to see what we are all about or if you are a communication major looking to fulfill graduation requirements you are only required to attend one tournament. However, you will most likely be invited to and want to attend more. Because we feel that classes should always come before tournaments, we try to build our travel schedule in a fashion that allows us to miss as few classes as possible. When we do have to miss class, we will let you know well ahead of time and will instruct you to get in contact with your professors to allow you to keep up in classes.
Does it cost me money to go to tournaments?
For the most part, no. The College of Southern Idaho is committed to providing students with a world-class forensics program. With that in mind, the College generously covers registration, transportation and lodging fees for all competitors. Students are also provided with a modest food stipend for tournaments. So, by and large, it costs you nothing. However, with this investment comes an expectation that students will make the most of their opportunity.
Can I get a scholarship to compete?
YES! There are a variety of ways you can actually get paid to compete in forensics. First, if you are coming out of high school and are looking at CSI as an option we encourage you to follow this link to our scholarship office. By filling out the General Scholarship Application you will be eligible for a wide variety of general scholarships at CSI. Next, apply for a forensics scholarship. Each year we give away thousands of dollars to talented, hard-working high school and college students who have demonstrated the potential to be successful collegiate competitors. Just click this link to fill out the forensics scholarship form.