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Applications are now open for the ����TV����’ sixth annual Regents’ Cup, a tri-university speech and debate competition celebrating free speech.

Any student from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University or University of Arizona may apply to represent their university at Regents’ Cup. Students compete in either Oxford debate or persuasive storytelling, sharing true stories from personal experiences. Previous debate experience is not required.

The board awards generous scholarships to first, second and third place winners - $15,000, $12,000 and $5,000 respectively. All other team members receive a $500 scholarship. The funds can be used at student’s discretion to support and advance their education. Students are also eligible to receive internship or course credit for their work.

Regents’ Cup honors participants for articulating different points of view in an environment where competitors remain civil and respectful. This year’s competition — centered around the theme The Government and the People: The Social Contract — will take place on April 12, 2025, at NAU. 

“As a result of my participation in Regents’ Cup, I have a new perspective and deepened appreciation for civil discourse and freedom of speech in the United States,” said Omar Aljubouriy, a senior at ASU and the 2024 Regents Cup Storytelling first-place winner.  “It gave me a platform to share the story of my community as well as an opportunity to learn from my peers and their views on what freedom means to them.” In his winning story, Aljubouriy shared about his upbringing in Iraq before moving to the United States, and war, terrorism and suffering of Iraqis he witnessed. “The Regents’ Cup also profoundly enhanced my college experience, helping me gain more confidence as a public speaker and motivating me to become a better student.” 

University teams are selected in November and on-campus coaches prepare students for the competition in April.

"The Regents’ Cup offers students a unique opportunity to engage in an experience that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional journeys," said Regent Doug Goodyear, who serves as the regent advisor for the event. "From developing public speaking skills to learning how to discuss diverse opinions and ideas with peers and colleagues, students gain invaluable experience, network with leaders who serve as judges, and have the chance to earn scholarships. It's a winning opportunity for any student!"

Arizona’s public universities are champions of free speech, and the universities are campus-wide, free-speech zones. ASU, NAU and U of A are all recognized with the highest free speech rating by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.   

The application deadline is October 30. Find more information about Regents’ Cup and the application here. 

WATCH Omar’s winning storytelling speech .