Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Why should I join the debating
society (MUDS)?
There are several reasons. Maybe you're the type of person who's done debating for years. You probably enjoy arguing, and would like to keep on doing it. MUDS is the place for you. We attend 3 major intervarsities per year, compete in invitational tournaments, and have a great social calendar.
Or, maybe you're the
type of person who hasn't done debating before, but thinks it would be a great
idea. You might be someone who shies away from public speaking, and would like
to overcome your nerves. Perfect. MUDS can help you become a terrific speaker,
while having a blast at the same time.
But then again, you
might be somewhere in-between. You might have done debating before, but you
think you're pretty mediocre. Fret not, MUDS will come to the rescue. We
provide a great environment for enhancing your communication skills (something
*every* employer is looking for), and an opportunity to make some great friends
from around uni, Australia and the world.
If none of the above
applies, then consider that debating provides the opportunity to see the world...
In 2007 alone we'll be travelling to Malaysia and Thailand. In 2008, The
Phillippines and Ireland are the destinations of choice!
2. How do I join MUDS?
Joining is easy. The best time is
probably during orientation week - the first week back at uni (March 5
onwards). We have a stall with people ready to join you up. For a measly $5 you
get a show bag packed with info, stationary and some nibblies.
If you miss this
opportunity to join, relax. Simply pop a note in box 82 in the Student’s
Council, or send an email to muds@mbox.com.au and we'll have someone contact
you so you can join up.
Remember, it’s never
to late to join, and you can come along to internals any Monday, W5C, at 6pm,
both semesters.
3. What happens after I join?
The first thing to do is to
consult your copy of MUDS’ orientation booklet (in your show bag). It explains
our calendar of events, including our annual "exhibition debate"
during week one. You should definitely come to this event - a great chance to
meet everyone, and see what's happening.
MUDS will keep in
close contact during the year. We'll be sending email reminding everyone of
what's happening, with regular updates on this web site.
4. Does MUDS have regular meetings?
Yes. We meet every Monday night
at 6pm at W5C for “internals”. We normally head to the “Epping Club” afterwards
for a beverage. Further, we normally send a group of debaters to “regionals” at
the University of Sydney each Wednesday, which starts at 6pm. You are more than
welcome to attend both!
5. What the hell does "intervarsity" mean?
Intervarsity (abbreviated
"IV") is generally used to refer to "inter-university"
gatherings. So an "intervarsity tournament (or championship)" means a
debating (in our case) tournament with lots of different uni's attending. Intervarsities
are held at a predetermined location (a bidding process is used to determine
the "host" of the intervarsity), and are A LOT of fun. We have three
major intervarsities each year - easters, australs & worlds. We have other
ones too, but they generally don't involve sleeping at the host uni. This year,
easters and australs will be held at Melbourne uni and Monash respectively,
while worlds will be held in Glasgow.
6. What the hell is an "easters",
"australs" or "worlds"?
Please head here for an explanation of
tournaments.
7. What if I don't want to/can't debate at an intervarsity?
No worries. If you don't feel
confident enough to try out (or you didn't make a team), going as a trainee
adjudicator is a great idea. The experience (debating or otherwise) will be
invaluable and you'll have an absolute blast.
8. I'm not a law student, won't I just be out of place?
Definitely not! MUDS has members
from all over campus, and we encourage an interdisciplinary approach to
debating. Fun fact: not a single debater representing MUDS at worlds in 1999
was a law student. Our "A" team made the semi-finals.
9. I'm still not convinced. I'm a student, why should I give
you $5?
Like everyone will probably tell
you, your years at uni will probably be the best of your life. Uni is there to
make sure you have fun, participate and enjoy. Debating is one way to maximize
your time at uni. But, we can only tell you so much... ask someone who's done
debating with MUDS and you'll soon see what a great idea this all is. Above
all, remember that we are here to help - and not just with debating. Give an
exec member a call; check out our o-week stall let it all happen...
10. I heard Macquarie Uni were world champions, is this
true?
Absolutely. MUDS won worlds in
1996 (that's right, we flogged the arse of Harvard, Oxford, Yale,
Cambridge...), made
the Semi-finals in 1999 and made the Octo-finals at the start of 2000. In
fact, Macquarie University is in the top 40 universities for debating in the
WORLD!
Enough said! Any more questions - email:
muds@mbox.com.au or grab an exec member...