Stanford National Forensic Institute

The Stanford National Forensic Institute Core Program is a unique national-caliber program that offers a balanced approach to debate conducted by excellent instructors at a very reasonable price. Varying levels of instruction from novice to advanced are offered to ensure that all students receive a challenging and academically appropriate experience. One of the finest summer debate programs in the nation, the SNFI teaches students fundamental and advanced techniques in a rigorous, carefully structured environment.

The SNFI curriculum balances improving students debate technique through expertly critiqued practice rounds with in-depth discussion of debate theory and the topic for the year, as well as providing detailed instruction through the SNFI lecture and seminar series. Students will also work with each other and the faculty on research and argument construction to create a full set of evidence available to all SNFI students. Staff student ratios are guaranteed to be at least 12:1.

Core Program participants receive a disc of all evidence produced at the camp, and a “core set” of evidence on paper. This “core set” includes the affirmative case worked on by the student, negative files on each affirmative produced at the camp and a negative strategy package sufficient to participate in debates at the camp. An additional paper set of affirmative and negative evidence of nearly two thousand pages is made available at a cost of about $95. The resident plan includes tuition, housing and three meals a day on most days of the program. The commuter plan includes tuition and lunch and dinner on most days of the program.