News

MUDS Update: Week 4!
Monday 15 August, 2011

Hi all,

 

This is a long update. I'm sorry, I wish I could make it shorter for you, but I can't. Don't worry though, because it's filled with EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES for you all! Please read with pen and paper in hand :)

 

1. Weekly meeting, Tuesday 16th August 5:30 pm, OLD GEOLOGY BUILDING, THEATRE 1!!!

 

Please note the venue change for this week, we will be in the Old Geology Building, Theatre 1. I have attached a very poorly made map of the location. Apologies for my awful paint skills!

 

This week will be the final round of the Pro/Am Novice Comp, following training on how to make good extensions by Steph D'Souza! Once again, could those who aren't in a team, especially older MUDSians, please make an effort to come along to adjudicate!

 

As usual, please arrive on time so we can get started straight away!

 

2. Calendar for the semester

 

Here is the most up-to-date Calendar of events for the rest of the semester. This information can also be found on the website. Changes may be made to the calendar, but don't worry we'll keep you informed!

 

NB: the Public Debate has been changed and is no longer on Tuesday 23rd August! Details will follow when speakers have been confirmed!

 

Tuesday the 16th Aug: Training (Steph D'Souza: Extensions) - Final Rd Novice Competition

Thursday the 18th Aug: Women's Night! Detail will be announced on Tuesday night and emailed out!

Tuesday the 23rd Aug: Training & Round 1 of Hamish Malcolm Cup (Internals competition).

Friday the 26th Aug: MUDS Annual Dinner!

Tuesday the 30th Aug: Training & Round 2 of HMC

 

Tuesday the 6th Sept: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & Round 3 of HMC

Sunday the 11th Sept: MUDS BP Training Day - details to follow!

Tuesday the 13th Sept: Training & Round 4 of HMC

MID-SEMESTER BREAK.

Sunday the 2nd Oct: MUDS Worlds Trials - details to follow!

 

Tuesday the 4th Oct: Internals Round 5 & Semi-Final (we have the room booking until 9:30)

Tuesday 11th Oct: Internals Grand Final

Tuesday 18th Oct: Rounds 1 & 2 Open Competition

Tuesday 25th Oct: Round 3 & Final Open Comp.

 

3. Hamish Malcolm Cup (Internal Competition)

 

The Hamish Malcolm Cup is our annual semester 2 BP tournament. We highly encourage all MUDSians to get involved by forming a team to debate in this comp. Each member of a team will be required to adjudicate at least once during the tournament, so teams should be no less than 3 people, and probably more to make up for people not being able to come every week. More info will come on Tuesday and a form will go up on the website so you can register your team!

 

4. MUDS Annual General Meeting 2011 - Tuesday 6th September, 5:30 pm

 

At the AGM we will be electing a new committee to run the club in 2012. The committee is made of current MUDS members who will continue to be MUDS members in 2012. More information will come closer to the day, including descriptions of the committee positions available and a copy of the constitution.

 

For now, we are seeking a Returning Officer, who will run the AGM, manage applications for the committee positions and count votes. They are not able to run for a committee position or vote during the AGM. If you are interested in being the Returning Officer, please email muds@mudsonline.net.

 

Please think about whether you're interested in joining the committee next year! Being on committee is a great opportunity to learn about MUDS and become fully involved, as well as learning plenty of skills that will fatten up your resume! You can find see what positions there are on committee, read the constitution and email relevant committee members about what their role involves via the website: www.mudsonline.net. You can also speak to current committee members at MUDS meetings if you're interested in their position.

 

5. Melbourne Mini Committee Applications: CLOSING THIS FRIDAY 5PM

 

Melbourne Mini is a British Parliamentary tournament hosted by the Melbourne University Debating Society. It is usually held on the first weekend after the end of the November exam period. This top-quality tournament provides fantastic practice for debaters and adjudicators from across Australasia in the lead up to Worlds, and an opportunity for those not attending Worlds to improve their BP skills in the company of friends. MUDS is now seeking applications for positions on the MM2011 Organising Committee, so if you've ever dreamt of organising a world-class debating tournament, this is your chance! The following positions are available:

 

2x Convenor: pretty much run the show, keeping the budget sweet and ensuring the rest of the committee is getting on with it as well as keeping everything running smoothly during the tournament. Have the power to delegate tasks!

 

Tournament Director: run the tab (who debates who, where etc.) during the tournament. Works closely with the Adj Core.

 

Registrations Officer: Manages team and adjudicator registrations for the tournament.

 

2x Logistics Officers: Plan, organise and serve breaky, snacks and lunch during the tournament. Main aim is to ensure there is plenty of food at a low cost so everyone is happy!

 

Socials Officer: Plans and runs social events, most importantly the Championship Dinner.

 

There is no specific experience required for any of these positions, however in your application you should include any past experience that you think is relevant. We do not want a copy of your resume, simply a short explanation of why you would like to/should do the job. You are welcome to apply for multiple positions if you please; if so, please only send in one application but list the positions you would be interested in, in order of preference.

 

Send applications to: committee@mudsonline.net.

 

Applications due: 5pm, Friday 19th August.

 

6. Upcoming Tournaments:

 

There are plenty of tournaments coming up at which you can develop your BP skills and have lots and lots of fun!

 

Tournaments to which MUDS will send a contingent:

 

Australian Women's Debating Championships

 

Each year MUDS sends a contingent of women to the AWDC, a Pro/Am tournament geared towards the development of young female debaters. This year it is to be conveniently held at Monash University. MUDS will be seeking interest from our women soon, so have a think about whether you'd like to come along to debate or adjudicate, and who you might like to debate with (each team must have one 'pro' and one 'am'). Keep your eyes peeled for more information soon, but in the meantime check out the website (http://monashdebaters.com/womens/tournament-information) and the facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=144045925616798).

 

We will have a form on our website soon for you to express interest in attending! We'll update you on Tuesday about this!

 

Tournaments for which you must arrange your own teams (with absolutely anyone, MUDSian or not) and register individually, or register as an adjudicator!

 

(NB: many MUDSians attend these tournaments each year, they are casual and lots of fun. Speak to older MUDSians and committee members about their experiences and to find out who will be attending this year!):

 

UNSW IV:

 

UNSW IV is an Open Motion BP tournament and is running this coming weekend from the 19th to the 21st August. Apologies for the late notice, but if you're keen to go you can register up until midnight on Tuesday! More information about the tournament and a link to the registration can be found on the facebook page:

 

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?cropsuccess&id=565516598#!/event.php?eid=119541991466767

 

DAV President's Cup:

 

President's Cup, the DAV's premier debating tournament, is happening again this year! The tournament will run on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st of August from 9-5pm each day at Wesley College's St Kilda Road campus. There is a separate draw for novice and experienced teams, with food provided throughout the day and a Championship dinner on the Saturday evening. The format is 3-on-3 with POIs and our Chief Adjudicator is the talented Ravi Dutta, whose achievements include being a World's Grand Finalist and an Australs Semi-finalist. More information can be found at the facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=196909540367790
Registration is due WEDNESDAY 17th AUGUST and can be completed here: http://www.dav.com.au/adults/pres_cup.php
The cost for debaters is $40 and $25 for adjudicators. ($10 discount applies for first years, teachers and debaters from interstate).

 

ANU Spring Mini:

 

ANU Spring is a very well-attended and enjoyable tournament held in our country's capital! You will see top quality debates at this tournament, where debaters from across Australia get a chance to debate with whomsoever they please! Many MUDSians have been in the past and many will be attending this year so have a chat at MUDS to find out who's going and think about who you'd like to go with. MUDS often coordinates accommodation so you can all stay together as a 'contingent', and you can plan flights so that you're not all alone :) For more info, check out the facebook page:

 

7. Mudslinger is seeking submissions!

 

The MUDS newsletter Mudslinger is now accepting article submissions. You can write about anything debating related or something not debating related if you wish! You could also draw or be otherwise creative. If you have something to submit, or would like to ask a question, please email Steph at publications@mudsonline.net!

 

8. The Australian Voices

 

We have been asked to let you all know about this great opportunity, so here we go:

 

Do you like singing? Do you want to travel and sing? The Australian Voices are seeking high achievers for upcoming tours to Asia, Europe, USA and around Australia. Australian Voices alumni include graduates of Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge and currently work for companies like Google, Opera Australia and the federal government. They are doctors, lawyers, engineers, musicians and more! Being a member of The Australian Voices adds real depth to your CV – a clear demonstration of leadership and excellence.

 

Find out more here: http://www.theaustralianvoices.com/audition

 

 

THANKS FOR MAKING IT TO THE END! MUDS LOVES YOU!

 

See you Tuesday,

 

Emma Browne
MUDS Secretary.