Academic, Literary, Speech & Debate Society -- Monmouth College


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We know the college search is a difficult one. After all, every school wants to send you lots of information about why they're the best one for you.

With so many choices, why choose Monmouth? If you're looking a school where you'll be an individual, where you can comfortably make the transition from high school or from another college, this is the place to do it! Monmouth is a college where students from a variety of backgrounds and locations around the country and world come to live and learn together. But, unlike some schools where you may have to contend with graduate students or take a number to see your professors, that's not the way it works here! You will receive a personalized college education that will set you on the path to a successful future.

One advantage is that unlike a lot of incoming students, you'll already belong to an organization on your first day as a student!

Scotspeak! was founded in the Fall of 2002, by four students interested in starting a debate and speech organization at the college. After just two months, Scotspeak! underwent a transformation from a debate club, to an organization consisting of several activity components. This increased our membership to over eighty students by the end of our first semester on campus, making us one of the largest recognized student organizations on campus.

The name SCOTSPEAK! is based on our school mascot (Fighting Scots) and our penchant for speaking! Our component activities are Parliamentary Debate, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Model Illinois Government, Academic Quiz Bowl and Individual speaking Events. Scotspeak! and its setup is the most ambitious of any peer organization of its kind in the nation. We are a unique group and we're student run, giving you the leadership opportunities that our peers at other institutions never dream of. And while sometimes it gets to be difficult work, the fruits of our labor are more worthwhile because of it.

We are active members in all areas of the campus including athletics, social organizations like fraternities and sororities, fine arts (music, theatre), student government and more! The Society was named Monmouth College's 2003 Student Organization of the Year, the highest honor to bestowed upon a student organization at the College. With over seventy student organizations on campus, we have proven our worth in just our first year. Future years will be even better!

How can I get a job if I don't go to a "name" school? What about graduate school?

If the only people who got rich and successful in America only went to "name" schools, we'd be a pretty poor country. Even though you may not have heard of Monmouth before now, we're making quite a name for ourselves. If you're worried about getting a job, stop your worrying! 99% of last year's

Monmouth graduates had job or were enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. Our Wackerle Career & Leadership Center works with you from Day One to help get you on the road to taking charge of your own future. After all, they realize that college is only four years. They are here to help you get on the road to success. If you're unemployed, there are no alumni to beg for money!

If you're interested in graduate school, you are looking at a school that has sent students to some of the very best schools in the nation. We have a host of majors for you to choose from and if that's not enough,

you can design your own topical major with the help of an advisor. Study abroad and other opportunity abound as well. Our professors are first rate and programs are among the best (if not, most underrated) in the Midwest. The majority of classes are under twenty students and you'll never have to worry about huge lecture halls. Your professors will know who you are and help you on your way. Motivated students will have close, working relationships with their professors and even the top schools in the nation can't guarantee you that! Scotspeak also has one of the highest GPAs of any organization on campus. Talk about positive influences!

In our short history, we have laid the fo

undation for a success program in many of our activities. Our signature program is Forensics. MC Speech & Debate has a long and successful history and in the 1950s was among the top debate programs in the nation. In the modern era, we have qualified for elimination rounds, continue to win speaker awards and more. Our other activities are working hard and should follow the path to success. Come on board and be part of a winning tradition!

Well, we're not really in the boonies. There are plenty of stores and places to get anything you need right here in Monmouth. There are chain restaurants and a mall about ten minutes away. And major cities Peoria (well, okay..sorta major) is 45 minutes, Chicago and St.

Louis are about 2 1/2 hours away. However, last year Scotspeak traveled to Chicago, New Orleans, Indiana and Tennessee. While that might not excite you, next year we have plans to go west including Colorado and will travel to six to eight tournaments during the year. You'll be gone - a lot.

There are over seventy student organizations on campus (including us!). Greek Life is also a big thing here and many of these organizations are active in scholarship and community service too. Athletic opportunities and various study and religious organizations also round out campus life. Unlike a larger school, you'll have opportunities to get involved and become active. Want to play sports? We've got you covered there too. Monmouth has 11 varsity sports and unlike other schools, students are encouraged to join teams.

For a school of our size, we have a campus that impresses. In the Fall of 2003, we're opening a new $21 million dollar Huff Athletic Center. It's a recreation facility complete with swimming pool, tennis courts and

lots of other nice stuff that doesn't necessarily entice people who aren't athletes. Good thing is, it's for anyone that wants to use it. Here's a great excuse to get in shape without going to YMCA!

Our living facilities are quite nice as well. The crowning jewel is Bowers Hall, a dorm with central air and suite style living arrangements is on the corner of the campus. There are about six computer labs on campus and you'll have no problem getting access to them. There are plenty of niceties and you can always find something to do on campus. (Especially once you join us!) Our dining facility tops any college dining facility in this area and the management is very receptive to student input.

Very good question! Monmouth's financial aid office is a hard working bunch of folks who want to help you make it possible to come to college without breaking the bank. With The Monmouth Plan, a combination of awards and scholarships provided through alumni gifts and traditional financial assistance, the cost of attending Monmouth, a private, liberal arts college becomes comparable to the cost of attending your state's flagship university.

Merit and Fine Arts scholarships are also available for up to $5,000. Not to mention, you'll have the opportunity to meet with members of Scotspeak! during your visit. If you have questions, contact the financial aid office for more information.

If you're a transfer student and are interested in our program, GREAT!. Some of the most active leaders in Scotspeak are transfer students and your experience will be valued immensely. Each prospective student is assigned to current Scotspeak! member to help answer your questions about Monmouth, without any sugar coated goo. We'll give you the straight stuff!

If you're already at Monmouth, don't wait! Email us now! Let us know that you are interested and we'll have someone talk with you online or give you a call.