The 2024 Gonzaga Debate Institute
Welcome to the home of the 2024 Gonzaga Debate Institute (GDI)! We are excited you stopped by, and whether you’re here to apply or to just learn more about what we’re about, we encourage you to explore the site and get a sense of our programs, curriculum, and faculty. For over 50 years students from across the United States, and from around the world, have attended the GDI to advance their understanding of the theory and practice of competitive policy debate. They are drawn by our award-winning faculty, track record of success, our focus on skills-based learning, and our beautiful location. The Gonzaga campus is located in the inland northwest, on the banks of the Spokane River in Spokane, Washington. Whether you are a novice and brand new to debate, a rising sophomore, or an accomplished junior or senior, we invite you to explore the site and consider joining us for another outstanding summer program.
Nearly all our programs are in-person, and for those unable to join us in-person we offer one of the best online labs in the nation. Students attending in-person will live in historic Desmet Hall, one of the most historic buildings on campus. The majority of student meals will be served in the COG in the GU student center, The Hemmingson Center. Students will participate in labs, attend lectures, and debate primarily in classroom spaces located in Jepson Center and College Hall.
Our curriculum focuses on a more skills-based curriculum which provides students the opportunity for daily interaction with a cohort of their peers, as they learn from among the most experienced debate faculties in the world. We believe debaters best learn about debate by debating. To that end each student will get a LOT of practice debates, including judge feedback and numerous opportunities to learn around that experience. The institute concludes with the GDI Tournament where students will have the opportunity to compete against the field while being critiqued by some of the most preferred and experienced college and high school debate judges in the country.
Debaters seeking a challenging, rewarding, and competitive summer should consider joining us for what promises to be another outstanding GDI experience.
Our application is available here and we encourage you to apply early!
Programs and Dates (Visit our Programs Page for Descriptions)
Five Week Sophomores Policy Program — Sunday, June 23 – Saturday, July 27
Five Week Juniors/Seniors Policy Program — Sunday, June 23 – Saturday, July 27
Two Week Policy Program — Sunday, July 14 – Saturday, July 27
Two Week Online Policy Program (Varsity, JV, Beginner) — Sunday, July 14 – Saturday, July 27
Two Week Lincoln Douglas Program – Sunday, July 14 – Saturday, July 27
Check out our daily schedule here!