Graduate Assistant - Forensics Speech & Debate Team

Position Overview:

West Chester University's Forensics Speech & Debate Team is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Graduate Assistant to support the day-to-day operations, competitive programming, and growth of our collegiate forensics program. This is a full-time graduate assistantship designed for an individual who is passionate about the power of communication, whether through competitive debate, persuasive oratory, or rhetorical inquiry.

This position offers a unique opportunity to develop coaching, leadership, and program management skills while working directly with undergraduate student competitors in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Coach and mentor undergraduate students in a variety of collegiate speech and debate events, providing individualized feedback and preparation support
• Learn and apply the rules, formats, and judging criteria for multiple competitive forensics events (e.g., Prose, Program of Interest, IPDA Debate, Parliamentary Debate, and other Individual Speech Events)
• Assist with logistics and coordination of tournament travel, including planning transportation, accommodations, and scheduling
• Pass a university-required driving test to operate a 15-passenger van for transporting students to off-campus tournaments
• Transport the team on at least two select weekends to regional tournaments
• Help plan and execute team fundraising initiatives, community volunteering opportunities, and recruitment events
• Assist the head coach with budgetary communications and reporting to the Student Government Association (SGA) and Student Success Initiatives (SSI)
• Support general team administration, including maintaining records, coordinating practice schedules, and communicating with tournament hosts
• Serve as a positive role model and advocate for the WCU Forensics program on and off campus

Qualifications: 

Required

• Enrollment (or accepted enrollment) in a WCU graduate degree program
• Strong interest in public speaking, debate, rhetoric, persuasion, or communication studies
• Willingness to learn the rules and formats of various collegiate forensics events
• Ability to pass a university van operator driving test (including a valid driver's license)
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Collaborative, team-oriented attitude with a genuine commitment to student success

Preferred

• Prior experience in high school or collegiate competitive speech and/or debate
• Background or coursework in communication, rhetoric, political science, English, or a related field
• Experience with coaching, tutoring, mentoring, or student leadership
• Familiarity with tournament management software (e.g., Tabroom.com)

Compensation & Benefits: 

This graduate assistantship provides:

• Full tuition waiver (as applicable per university GA policy)
• 9 credit hours per semester – 15 hours per week
• Hands-on professional development in coaching, program management, and event coordination
• Travel opportunities to regional and national forensics tournaments

How to Apply: 

Interested applicants should submit a resume, a brief cover letter outlining their interest in forensics and relevant experience, and contact information for two professional or academic references. Applications should be submitted to the attention of the WCU Forensics program director. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.