MavFORENSICS
MavFORENSICS
Who We Are & What We Do
MavFORENSICS is UNO's nationally-ranked competitive speech team. We are dedicated to expanding the co-curricular experiences and outlooks of undergraduates through public speech and performance arts.
Students in this activity spend their time developing research, critical thinking, public speaking and performance skills. They travel to colleges and universities throughout the country to compete in diverse speaking forms including informative, persuasive, after dinner, extemporaneous and impromptu; as well as performing oral interpretations of literature, including poetry, drama and prose.
We believe in giving students the opportunity to speak about the issues most important to them. Participation in forensics fosters students’ ability to consider issues critically from multiple perspectives, communicate their thoughts clearly to others, and advocate for what they think is right. These are vital skills not only for academic and personal growth but also for active civic participation.
MavForensics is one of the top teams in the country, earning a sixth-place ranking at the American Forensics Association (AFA) national tournament in April 2017. This designates us as one of the best competitive speech teams in the country. This is the third year in a row that MavForensics was the top-ranked program in the state of Nebraska at the national tournament.
This is the eighth consecutive yearUNOO has made it in the Top 10, which makesUNOO one of the most historically successful among all collegiate forensics programs who have competed in theAFAA tournament during its 40-plus-year history.
MavFORENSICS has swept the Nebraska Intercollegiate Forensics Association tournament for three years in a row. The state of Nebraska has a reputation for competitive speech, and MavForensics is proud to feature prominently in continuing this tradition.
Our Coaches
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Abbie Syrek Lecturer, Director of Forensics ASH 105E Tel: 402.554.3952 Email: abbie.syrek@gmail.com |
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Cameron Logsdon Instructor, Assistant Director of Forensics ASH 105O Tel: 402.554.4178 cslogsdon@unomaha.edu |
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Kristina Medero Graduate Teaching Assistant kmedero@gmav.unomaha.edu |
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Abby Suprenant Graduate Teaching Assistant asurprenant@gmav.unomaha.edu |
Who Can Join?
While the forensics program is housed in the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media's School of Communication, it serves all university students. Forensics competitors have had a range of academic majors, including biotechnology, communication studies, computer science, mathematics, political science, business and education. Regardless of major, experience, or expertise, MavFORENSICS welcomes all students to join our unique, academically-centered team!
Although team auditions are typically held the summer before the season begins, we are always looking for new members. If you'd like more information about the team or how to join, please contact any member of our coaching staff.
Support our Students
UNO Forensics Development Fund
All gifts directed toward this fund will be used to cover the expenses needed to travel, register students for competition, host tournaments at UNO, and purchase supplies. The high cost of these operational expenses limit the number of students that we can welcome to our program. With your help, we can reach more students on campus and provide them with the life-changing experiences that forensics offers.
UNO Forensics Scholarship Fund
With an ever-increasing number of students needing financial assistance, your gift to this fund will decrease the financial burden on students and allow them to spend more time on academics, extra-curricular activities and community service.