Hastings College Forensics (Speech)
The Hastings College Forensics (speech) team is a co-curricular activity grounded in education. Our coaching staff focuses on providing the resources and feedback needed to become an accomplished speaker, believing that competitive success is a natural byproduct of a strong educational philosophy — all within a fun, supportive atmosphere.
Our long-standing tradition of success in forensics is recognized throughout the district and nation. In fact, on June 9, 1920, Hastings College became one of the first colleges in the nation to become a member of Pi Kappa Delta, the national forensics fraternity!
Scholarships and How to Apply
We offer talent scholarships starting at $7,000 and up for competing on the HC Speech Team. Scholarships are renewable for up to four academic years, and you do not need to major in a specific field or have prior high school experience to join!
How to audition:
- Complete our Talent Scholarship Interest Form.
- Audition during a campus visit or email a recorded 3- to 10-minute presentation/performance to Dr. C. Austin McDonald at cmcdonald@hastings.edu.
- For best consideration, apply by February 15.
Scholarship expectations:
- Attend weekly team meetings and peer coaching.
- Attend weekly 1-on-1 coaching sessions (typically 1 hour/week for first-year competitors; 1.5 hours/week for returners).
- Compete in at least 5 tournaments per year (minimum 3 fall, 2 spring). First-year competitors perform in two events to travel and compete.
What to Expect at College Tournaments
If you competed in high school, you’ll find that college forensics is a whole new experience!
Culture & Community: College tournaments are warm, energetic and supportive. Competitors and judges actively root for one another — there’s no “stonefacing” for a competitive edge. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone can grow and have a great time.
Events: We focus primarily on individual speech events. While there are many similarities to high school speech, college events offer unique opportunities to expand your range. You can check out the full list of College Speech Event Descriptions.
Season & Travel
The regular season runs from late September to late February, followed by the postseason in March and April.
Covered Costs: All regular-season expenses are covered by the program, including transportation, lodging, meals and entry fees. The only out-of-pocket cost is your tournament attire.
Travel Destinations: We regularly travel to tournaments across Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas and Illinois, competing against at least six other institutions per invitation. We also host our own tournament on campus every November!
State & Postseason: We aim to take every team member to the Nebraska State Tournament.
Qualifying for AFA Nationals & Recent Success
We are frequently end the season in the top 20 and top 10 at the American Forensics Association (AFA) National Speech Tournament, and we have produced more All-Americans than any other school of any size in the country! Check out our history and nationals page.
How AFA Nationals Works: Unlike high school qualifying tournaments, college nationals use a cumulative bid system throughout the season. Students can qualify up to 6 events for nationals (first-year students typically qualify 1 to 3 events).
National Stage: Held during the first weekend of April, AFA Nationals features more than 60 colleges and universities from across the nation. Recent locations include Oregon, California, Wisconsin and North Carolina.
Our Mission
To continue the traditions of Hastings College Forensics by producing accomplished speakers who enrich communities using their voices.
Contact & Visit Us
The Hastings College Forensics team is based in the Gray Center on campus. Stop by and see us, or contact Dr. C. Austin McDonald, director of forensics, at cmcdonald@hastings.edu.