"We, the members of Adamson University Debate Society, bounded by the shared aspiration to establish an Organization dedicated to promoting the practice of debate and providing a venue to serve the oratorical interests of our fellow students, do hereby promulgate this constitution to govern our organization's affairs and to uphold its principles."

Section 1. Name

The name of the Organization shall be the Adamson University Debate Society, herein referred to as "Adamson University Debate Society" or "AUDS".

Section 2. Logo

The Adamson University Debate Society logo features a heraldic emblem adorned in blue and white, the University's official colors. The emblem has four squares: with the top left square featuring a sigil of a falcon soaring with its wings spread-out, the top right and the bottom left containing shades of blue, and the bottom right square featuring a weighing scale, representing fair adjudication.

Section 3. Profile

The Adamson University Debate Society is a university-wide, socio-civic organization primarily composed of undergraduate students from Adamson University, herein referred to as the University. It is a recognized student organization under the Languages Department of the College of Education and Liberal Arts.

Section 4. Mission

The Adamson University Debate Society aims to foster a culture of academic discourse and intellectual exchange through the power of reasoned argumentation and dialogue, and to nurture the holistic growth and development of its members. Hence, it organizes programs and projects that assist in the pursuit of higher scholastic achievements and prepares its members for competitive careers in the debate community. The Organization also serves as a safe space for the exchange of ideas and interests, inculcating camaraderie among the University students.

Section 5. Vision

The Adamson University Debate Society shall be recognized as among the premier student organizations of the University in terms of academic excellence, holistic growth, professionalism, and social advocacy. As such, the Organization shall continuously produce highly competent and competitive debaters, provide service and honor to the University and the country, and provide its members with various opportunities with the highest possible professional, academic and socio-civic standards.

Section 6. Core Values

The Adamson University Debate Society instills in its members' the core values of Discipline, Excellence, Legacy, Integrity, Valiance, Empowerment, Respect, and Service, collectively known as DELIVERS.

• Discipline: The members of the AUDS shall practice discipline at all times and at all situations. To practice self-control and temperance. To follow the rules and regulations. To prioritize objectives. To take responsibility for one's actions.
• Excellence: The members of the AUDS shall strive for excellence at all times. To have a relentless pursuit for improvement. To have an unyielding commitment for growth and development.
• Legacy: The members of the AUDS shall uphold the commitment of building a legacy for the future generation of debaters. To leave significant contributions to the university and to its succeeding members.
• Integrity: The members of the AUDS shall uphold their integrity at all times. To stand by what is right. To be firm on their values and principles in spite of temptations.
• Valiance: The members of the AUDS shall showcase fortitude in pursuit of noble goals. To have the courage to stand in defense of what they believe is right.
• Empowerment: The members of the AUDS shall bring into service their skills to empower underrepresented voices. To make use of one's platform to empower the weak.
• Respect: The members of the AUDS shall, at all times, keep, promote, and showcase respect to one another. To value and respect one another's perspectives.
• Service: The members of the AUDS shall execute tangible solutions and propositions to address social concerns manifesting the organization's Mission and Vision.

Section 1. Principles

The Adamson University Debate Society promises to uphold the following principles:

• The Adamson University Debate Society shall put forth significance in molding its members in accordance to the core values encapsulated in DELIVERS.
• The Adamson University Debate Society shall value and respect the diversity of opinions, backgrounds, and experiences among its members.
• The Adamson University Debate Society shall uphold the principles of freedom of expression and academic freedom within the Organization.
• The Adamson University Debate Society shall promote fairness and equality of opportunity in all aspects of debate activities.
• The Adamson University Debate Society shall be committed to transparency and accountability in its governance and decision-making processes.
• The Adamson University Debate Society shall value the legacy of the Organization and strive to build its achievements for future generations.

Section 2. Objectives

The Adamson University Debate Society aims to:

• Launch the Adamson Debate Initiative (ADI) strategic plan to provide comprehensive training and skill development opportunities for members.
• Assemble a team of students capable of competing in both on-campus and off-campus debate tournaments and speak in public forums to represent Adamson University.
• Organize and sponsor on-campus intercollegiate debate tournaments, public forums, and advocacy-focused events.
• Host regular meetings and practice sessions on campus to foster a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Provide opportunities for members to develop leadership skills through roles within the Organization's executive board, committees, and event organizing teams.
• Encourage members to pursue research and scholarship in areas related to debate, argumentation, and public speaking.
• Expand the society's reach beyond the campus by engaging with local communities, schools, and organizations.
• Establish partnerships and collaborations with other student organizations, academic departments, and external stakeholders.

Section 1. Membership Types

Members of the Organization shall be classified as follows:

• Resident Members: These are members who have passed the application process and renewed such membership at the start of every semester.
• Varsity Members: These are members who compete in off-campus tournaments and have renewed such membership at the start of every semester. These members are not official athletes of the University until further notice and are still considered resident members.

Section 2. Qualification of a Member

Any bonafide student of Adamson University, both undergraduate or graduate, shall be entitled to apply for membership in the Adamson University Debate Society upon proper compliance with all the requirements set by the Human Resources Committee, provided that such requirements have been approved by the Executive Board.

Section 3. Application Period

Application for membership in the Organization shall be open every semester, unless the Executive Board may deem it not necessary to do so. For the first two years of the Organization, membership shall adopt an 'open house' policy for the rest of the academic year.

Section 4. Oath-Taking

Upon completion of the application process, the new members of the Organization shall formally take the following oath before the Human Resources committee:

"I, (Name of the Applicant), having complied with all the requirements of the Adamson University Debate Society, do hereby pledge to serve and support the organization, to uphold its Constitution and its By-Laws, and to work with its officers and members in the fulfillment of its goals and objectives to the best of my ability. So help me God."

This constitution shall be effective upon ratification of at least two-thirds of the votes of the entire membership and upon approval of the Office for Student Affairs.