Service/Talent Scholarship and/or Robert Newman Debate Scholarship Application
Truman State University Forensics
Service/Talent Scholarships in Forensics are awarded in variable amounts, in consultation
with the Office of Admissions at Truman State University. In order to be eligible for
these scholarships students must exhibit demonstrable talent in interscholastic speech and
debate activities, outstanding academic potential as a university student, and dedication to
a competitive career in intercollegiate forensics.
Students interested in receiving this scholarship should submit the following materials
prior to March 18th, 2015.
1. Application Form-Please fill out the attached application form.
2. Letter of Interest-Please write a letter of interest in joining the Truman Forensic
program.
3. Competitive Resume-Please provide a resume of awards/honors won in speech,
debate, theater, mock trial, model UNI, or similar activities.
4. Letter of Recommendation- Your high school forensic coach/advisor should
provide a letter of recommendation, sent independently of your materials. If you
are currently not competing in a forensic program, a letter from a language arts or
social studies instructor should be submitted.
These materials may be sent by US mail or as electronic attachments to an e-mail sent to
coutzen@truman.edu. They can also be faxed to 660-785-7101. Teachers or coaches may
direct their letters to either address independently of your application materials.
Send Materials To:
Christopher Outzen, Director of Forensics
Department of Communication
Truman State University
100 E. Normal Ave.
Kirksville, MO 63501
FAX: 660-785-7101
coutzen@truman.edu
Personal Information
Name
Home Address
Phone
E-Mail
Academic Information
High School GPA
First Major Preference
ACT or SAT Score
Second Major Preference
Tryout Information
The following information will help us plan your participation in the scholarship tryout process.
While attendance is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration, if significant conflicts
exist, recordings of a student’s performance or a Skype session may be used in lieu of
attendance.
I cannot attend the tryouts. I will send a recording. (Check here if you cannot attend)
I would like to set up a Skype session interview and to perform my chosen events
(check here)
Will your parents be accompanying you to the tryouts? (Y/N)
Please indicate your parents’ names below if they are attending.
For purposes of arranging meals, do you or your parents have any special dietary needs? Please
indicate this below.
As part of the tryout process, we would like every student to perform in one event or debate
format. For students participating in debate, we will provide you with articles for a starter 1AC to
be read. We will also be asking you to provide a rebuttal to another applicant’s 1AC. For students
who are primarily interested in individual events, we will ask students to perform an event they
are currently participating in at high school competitions, an event that they performed in the
past, OR a new event that they craft for the tryout. Please select your preferred tryout event
below:
Extemporaneous Speaking *
Dramatic Interpretation
Original Oratory / Persuasion
Storytelling
After Dinner / Special Occasion Speaking
Informative / Expository Speaking
Prose Interpretation
Impromptu Speaking
Poetry Interpretation
Broadcasting / Radio
Humorous Interpretation
Other Event (Please List Below)
Duo can be done, if your partner is trying out too
Truman’s extemp files can be provided for reference, please let us know if you will be using them.
If you plan on auditioning in debate, but also compete in individual events, please indicate all the formats
you compete in, or have previously competed in here:
Questions may be addressed to Christopher Outzen at coutzen@truman.edu or 660-7854065.