What you need to know

• In preparation for this seminar, you need to study the two readings above. We suggest that you read both twice, and take notes on the text.
• Seminars are best when each speaker responds the to the ideas of the previous speaker, rather than ignoring them in order to advertise one’s own ideas.
• Bear in mind as well that the best contributions are made by those who listen and consider the discussion, and then speak their own thoughts. Neither total silence nor an insistence on dominating the conversation yield much fruit.

Speech Prompt:

Assertion—The fall of Adam and Eve (Gen 2-3) or the Jephthah story from the book of Judges does not fulfill Cowan’s full definition of a tragedy. 

Take a position for or against the assertion.  

While you will have some time to prepare for your speech while on campus, you should write it before arriving for the Competition. It should be 5 minutes long (+/- 30 seconds). You may bring a single 3×5 in. index card with notes on front and back; no other paper or notes are allowed when delivering your speech. You will be judged by several faculty members based upon content (speech development, effectiveness, value), delivery (physical, voice, manner), and language (appropriateness, correctness).

The essay:  Participants will write the essay on Saturday morning.  The goal of the exercise is to see how competitors write under a time limit and spontaneously, so the prompt will be announced on Saturday morning. Once you start the essay, you will have two hours to complete it.

Dress Code

Classroom Attire – To be observed in class and at daily Mass. Men should wear a collared shirt, neat slacks or dress jeans* with appropriate belt and with shirt tucked in, and non-sports shoes (cowboy boots and leather shoes are acceptable). Women should wear a dress, a skirt or formal slacks/modest dress jeans* and blouse, and non-sports shoes. 

*Dress Jeans: In Wyoming, “dress jeans” are accepted as khakis as a business casual level of dress. Dress jeans are very dark blue (or black) in color, with no holes, patches, fringe or fading, and with a tailored, relaxed fit.

Formal Attire – For the competition on Saturday, the Vigil Mass, and the formal dinner. Men should wear jacket and tie, dress slacks, and dress shoes or cowboy boots. Women should wear a modest dress or skirt and blouse. Sleeves are required, as are dress shoes or cowboy boots.

Casual Attire – The minimum standard that may be observed outside of the residence halls at all other times. Modest clothing is always required, and students should dress neatly and in accord with Christian dignity.

Outdoor Attire – This type of attire can overlap with Casual Attire, it is more specifically designed for performance and comfort while participating in the outdoor adventure.  Students are advised to bring trail shoes or light hiking boots.  Caving will be the outdoor adventure this year (weather permitting.)(Bring a headlamp!)

Packing List

•  Please bring an outfit for each type of dress code described above.
• Bring footwear appropriate for formal settings, outdoor activities, and possible rain or snow.
• Any medicine or hygiene items you require.
• We recommend a backpack over messenger bags for the competition.
• At least one water bottle.
• Layers appropriate for temperatures from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Hat and gloves
• Pens and pencils
• Headlamp for caving

Times and locations are subject to change.

Thursday

12:30 pm                     Depart Denver International Airport for Lander

5:00 pm                       Early arrivals campus tour starting from Baldwin Building, 306 Main St.

6:30 pm                       Dinner at Frassati Hall

8:30 pm                       Compline

10:30 pm                     Curfew

Friday

 7:00-8:00 am           Breakfast at Frassati Hall

7:45 am                       Orientation

8:00 am                      Mass or Divine Liturgy (Optional)

8:30-9:50 am            Audit classes with current students (see schedule; no prep necessary)

10:00-11:20 am        Audit classes with current students (see schedule; no prep necessary)

11:35 am                     Mass

12:15 pm                     Lunch

1:30 pm                       Seminar class (Competitors only)

3:00 pm                      Conversations with faculty (Competitors only)

6:00 pm                       Dinner at Frassati Hall

7:00-9:30 pm             Social Hour at the Pequod

10:30 pm                     (Recommended) Curfew for competitors

Saturday

 7:15 am                       Breakfast in Frassati Hall

8:00 am                      Essay writing begins at Augur (Competitors Only)

10:00 am                    Essay writing finishes

10:15 am                     Speeches begin at Augur (Competitors only)

12:15 pm                     Lunch in Frassati Hall

12:45 pm – 4:45 pm      Outdoor adventure (Competitors Only)

6:00 pm                       Vigil Mass at Holy Rosary Parish

7:15 pm                       Close of Competition/Formal Dinner (Middle Fork Cafe, Main St.)

8:30 pm                      Dance put on by WCC student body (Frassati)

12:00 am                     Curfew (Unless at dance)

Sunday

5:30 am                       Depart Lander for Denver International Airport

The shuttle will depart from Denver International Airport after the last passengers arrive on Thursday of the competition weekend. Please schedule your flight to arrive before noon on Thursday. A college representative will await all incoming competitors at Baggage Carousel 12, Jeppesen Terminal West. If you have trouble finding us, or your flight/baggage is delayed, please call Ms. Madeleine Trull at 314-438-7585. Shuttles will depart for Denver International Airport on Sunday no later than 5:30 am, so be ready at your dormitory at 5:00 am.

For those arriving to the College in their own vehicle, please check in the at the College’s main entrance at 306 Main St. in Lander.  There you will receive your reading packet and other orientation materials.  Please check in between 5:30 and 6:00 pm on Thursday evening.

Those arriving by air but not taking the Denver shuttle will be met by College representatives and directed on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions, please contact Eastlyn Ullmann at 307-349-5684, or add notes to the travel information form below.

The College will reimburse competitors or their families up to $300 for travel expenses.  To request a voucher, please submit flight, lodging, and ground transportation receipts to eastlyn.ullmann@wyomingcatholic.edu. Photos of paper receipts or forwarded emails are both acceptable.  Please also include an address to which the check may be sent.

If you have not already signed and returned a risk waiver to WCC, either for this competition or a previous stay such as PEAK program, you can fill it out here.