June 17- August 4, 2012
If you are looking for the most comprehensive and challenging summer workshop experience, the Michigan Seven Week Program is for you. These labs offer the only cohesive, continuous Seven Week summer program for high school debaters. The Seven Week Program offers a student to faculty ratio of 10 to 1 or better a better ratio than any major lab in the country. In addition, the 2011 Seven Week Program participated in dozens of practice debates, attended dozens of lectures, and turned out arguably the best evidence set in the country. The Seven Week Program is available for rising Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores.
The Seven Week Program is our most exclusive camp. ONLY THE TOP Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores WILL BE ADMITTED TO THE SEVEN WEEK PROGRAM. The only applicants who are eligible are students who will be a Senior, Junior, or Sophomore entering the 2012-2013 debate year. The Seven Week Program combines technological innovation (video taped debates, paperless debate, etc.) with the best debate instructors in the country and our incredible University of Michigan research facilities to make the most comprehensive camp experience available in the United States.
Seven Week Program Instructors:
Seven Week Seniors Lab #1 Instructors
Dr. Jarrod Atchison, Wake Forest University
Jenny Heidt, Westminster Schools
Calum Matheson, Glenbrook South High School and Harvard University
Seven Week Seniors Lab #2 Instructors
Brett Bricker, The University of Kansas and Carrollton Sacred Heart
Melanie Johnson, Iowa City West High School
Brian Rubaie, Glenbrook North High School and the University of Texas at Dallas
Seven Week Juniors Lab #1 Instructors
David Heidt, The University of Michigan and Westminster
Elli Kuenzel, Emory University and Westminster
Jason Peterson, St. Mark's and Berkeley
Seven Week Juniors Lab #2 Instructors
Josh Clark, Juan Diego Catholic High School
Eric Forslund, Greenhill School
Sheila Peterson, Edina High School
Seven Week Juniors Lab #3 Instructors
Michael Greenstein, Glenbrook North High School
Shunta Jordan, Pace Academy
Scott Phillips, The Meadows School
Seven Week Sophomores Lab Instructors
Tim Alderete, The Meadows School
Maria Liu, the University of Michigan and The Harker School
Sara Sanchez, Lexington High School
A list of the qualifications of these teachers is provided in our faculty section.
Dr. Jarrod Atchison, Wake Forest University
Jenny Heidt, Westminster Schools
Calum Matheson, Glenbrook South High School and Harvard University
Seven Week Seniors Lab #2 Instructors
Brett Bricker, The University of Kansas and Carrollton Sacred Heart
Melanie Johnson, Iowa City West High School
Brian Rubaie, Glenbrook North High School and the University of Texas at Dallas
Seven Week Juniors Lab #1 Instructors
David Heidt, The University of Michigan and Westminster
Elli Kuenzel, Emory University and Westminster
Jason Peterson, St. Mark's and Berkeley
Seven Week Juniors Lab #2 Instructors
Josh Clark, Juan Diego Catholic High School
Eric Forslund, Greenhill School
Sheila Peterson, Edina High School
Seven Week Juniors Lab #3 Instructors
Michael Greenstein, Glenbrook North High School
Shunta Jordan, Pace Academy
Scott Phillips, The Meadows School
Seven Week Sophomores Lab Instructors
Tim Alderete, The Meadows School
Maria Liu, the University of Michigan and The Harker School
Sara Sanchez, Lexington High School
The unique format of the Seven Week Program ensures that students receive an intensive, comprehensive and non-duplicative curriculum. This year's program will split the Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores into separate labs. The Seven Week Lab Leaders will split up the research assignments so that no assignments will be duplicative and every single student will receive every bit of evidence the five Seven Week Labs produce. The Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores labs will make practice round schedules together so you still have exposure to all of the Seven Week Faculty and teams. This program therefore offers unparalleled opportunities for in-depth instruction and learning, and extensive analysis of the new national debate resolution.
We believe that the structure of the Seven Week Program is entirely unique and cannot be duplicated in any other camp environment in the country. If you want to elevate every aspect of your debate ability in an intensive Seven Week environment this is the camp for you!
What did the 2011 students think of the experience:
Would you recommend the Michigan Debate Institutes to friends and teammates?- 97% yes
Would you recommend the Michigan Seniors Program to friends and teammates?- 100% yes
Would you recommend the Michigan Juniors Program to friends and teammates?- 96% yes
"Choosing to come to the Michigan 7 week program was the best choice I could have made this summer. Not only were all the lab leaders exceptional, the competition and amount of practice debates/ evidence could not have better prepared me for the upcoming season. The campus is beautiful and there is so much fun stuff to do in Ann Arbor that I'd regard it as one of the best summer experiences anyone could have. Thanks for the camp experience!"
Rishee Batra, St. Mark's (TX), Second Speaker at the 2011 University of Southern California Tournament, 8/22/11
"The intensity of competition at Michigan is unmatched. Not only was I given the opportunity for countless practice debates, but the quality of these debates made all the difference. Getting to debate the best and the brightest over the summer was the most effective way to prepare for the beginning of the season. The feedback from lab leaders was highly detailed and insightful, helping me improve all aspects of my skills as a debater."
Mary Grace Darmody, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart (FL), Semifinalist at the 2011 University of Michigan Tournament, 10/20/11
"Three things distinguish the University of Michigan 7 week program from all others. The first is the commitment and expertise of all of the lab leaders and guest lecturers. The second is level of competition that prepares you for the rest of the year in the numerous practice debates and the end of camp tournament. The third is the dedication to building better research skills and access to one of the best libraries in the United States."
Jeffrey Ding, Iowa City West High School (IA), Winner of the 2011 University of Michigan Tournament and Top Speaker at the 2011 Glenbrooks Tournament, Attended the 2011, 2010, and 2009 Michigan Debate Institutes, 8/21/11
"Although seven weeks may seem like a long time, the Michigan Seven Week Juniors Program was the best way I could have chosen to spend my summer. The lab leaders and lecturers were some of the best in the country and the number of high-level, competitive practice debates was invaluable. The extensive research and high quality files fully prepare you for a successful year."
Jordan Epstein, Pace Academy (GA), Quarterfinalist at the 2011 Glenbrooks Tournament, 10/19/11
"Returning to the Michigan 7 Week program for a second year was a fantastic decision. The seniors lab was one of the best experiences I've had as a debater and helped me improve in every aspect of the game. From participating in one-on-one discussions with the top debate coaches in the country, to producing a research base spanning the full breadth of the topic, everything we did this summer was invaluable both for preparing for competitive success during the year and for developing the long term skills necessary to grow as a debater. However, if none of that were true, Michigan would still have been the right choice - the friends I made and experiences I had will last a lifetime, even after I am no longer debating. Finally, Ann Arbor is simply too awesome to pass up."
David Herman, Georgetown Day School (DC), Winner of the 2011 Greenhill Tournament and Round Robin, Attended the 2011 and 2010 Michigan Debate Institutes, 9/1/11
"The results are unquestionable. Whether you're new to the game or already successful, you will leave Ann Arbor dramatically improved at debate. The Michigan 7 week program is unrivaled in its combination of brilliant lab leaders, engaging lectures, and top-notch competition. I would not trade the skills I gained and friends I made for anything, and there's no question in my mind that my experience at Michigan was worth every second."
Andrew Jones, Stratford Academy (GA), Semifinalist at the 2011 St. Mark's Tournament, 10/20/11
"The decision to spend my senior year summer in Ann Arbor for the 7 Week Seniors program was definitely the right one. Michigan assembled the best lab leaders, lecturers, debaters, and resources all in one really awesome city which made for an amazing camp experience. Through multiple practice debates watched by some of the nation's top judges, the production of tons of high quality files, and excellent lectures, Michigan gave me the skills and experience that will be necessary for success my senior year."
Evan McCarty, Mountain Brook High School (AL), Second Speaker at the 2011 St. Mark's and Wake Forest University Tournaments, 8/20/11
"From the emphasis on research, to the exceptional lab leaders and challenging practice debates, the Seven Week Juniors program was undoubtedly the best way I could have spent my summer. Although seven weeks may seem like a long time, it is a fantastic resource for any debater looking for competitive success. Couple that with a ton of new friends and an exciting town to explore, and the University of Michigan is a fantastic place to spend your summer."
Hemanth Sanjeev, Stratford Academy (GA), Semifinalist at the 2011 St. Mark's Tournament, 11/28/11
"Seven Week Seniors was an even better experience than last year at the Juniors camp. With excellent lectures from lab leaders who are committed to being the best possible educators and awesome debaters who make practice debates insanely productive and fun, I left camp with a better understanding of all aspects of debate."
Mimi Sergent-Leventhal, Edina High School, 8/21/11
"My time in Michigan was very well spent. Working with some of the most dedicated and talented lab leaders, having tons of practice debates with useful feedback, and putting out and practicing with many different kinds of arguments have all challenged and improved me as a debater and researcher. Spending the summer in Ann Arbor is also really fun, and I'm glad I chose Michigan for all three years of debate camp."
Erin Sielaff, Edina High School (MN), Semifinalist at the 2011 Greenhill Tournament and Quarterfinalist at the 2011 St. Mark's, University of Michigan, and Glenbrooks Tournaments, 8/26/11
"If you want a competitive edge going into the debate year, UMich 7 weeks is the place to get it. Whether you are a rising junior or senior, the tools provided by the camp cannot be beat. Apart from amazing research resources, the lab leaders, practice debates, and lectures provide all the necessary means for one to excel in debate. Seven weeks may sound like a long time, but it was the most fun way I could have chosen to spend my summer. Ann Arbor was extremely diverse and navigable. I made more friends than I could have possibly imagined. I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything."
Jason Sigalos, Woodward Academy (GA), Winner and Top Speaker at the 2011 St. Mark's Tournament, Attended the 2011 and 2010 Michigan Debate Institutes, 8/20/11
"Choosing to attend the Seven Weeks Junior Debate Program at Michigan was the best decision I could have made for the summer. The lab leaders were extremely helpful, and genuinely interested in doing everything to make me a better debater, yet they also made their labs interesting and fun. Not only are the lab leaders great, but the sheer amount of practice debates, resources, and lectures are hellping me reach my goals in debate. Michigan's campus is beautiful, and you will meet so many new and interesting people that you will wish the seven weeks were seventeen. I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything else, and would highly recommend it to any debater!"
Victor Skenderi, Pace Academy (GA), Quarterfinalist at the 2011 Glenbrooks Tournament, 10/20/11
"Deciding where to go to camp before your senior year is tough, no question about it. But Michigan was ultimately a great choice. You couldn't ask for a better college town in which to spend the summer than Ann Arbor. The caliber of the lab leaders, the intensity of competition, the quality of evidence, and the utility of lectures all make Michigan an incredible place to go to debate camp."
Isaac Stanley-Becker, Georgetown Day School (DC), Winner of the 2011 Greenhill Tournament and Round Robin, Attended the 2011 and 2010 Michigan Debate Institutes, 8/20/11
"With access to incredible university resources, expert lecturers, and detailed feedback, Umich 7 week allowed me to become an effective researcher. Participating in full-length, competitive practice debates in front of the nation's top judges allowed me to use the skills that I had learned from the fun and informative lectures. The Seven Week Juniors program is definitely the right choice for those looking to become top-notch competitors in a fun environment like Ann Arbor."
Fran Swanson, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart (FL), Semifinalist at the 2011 University of Michigan Tournament, 10/19/11
Fees
Would you recommend the Michigan Seniors Program to friends and teammates?- 100% yes
Would you recommend the Michigan Juniors Program to friends and teammates?- 96% yes
"Choosing to come to the Michigan 7 week program was the best choice I could have made this summer. Not only were all the lab leaders exceptional, the competition and amount of practice debates/ evidence could not have better prepared me for the upcoming season. The campus is beautiful and there is so much fun stuff to do in Ann Arbor that I'd regard it as one of the best summer experiences anyone could have. Thanks for the camp experience!"
Rishee Batra, St. Mark's (TX), Second Speaker at the 2011 University of Southern California Tournament, 8/22/11
"The intensity of competition at Michigan is unmatched. Not only was I given the opportunity for countless practice debates, but the quality of these debates made all the difference. Getting to debate the best and the brightest over the summer was the most effective way to prepare for the beginning of the season. The feedback from lab leaders was highly detailed and insightful, helping me improve all aspects of my skills as a debater."
Mary Grace Darmody, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart (FL), Semifinalist at the 2011 University of Michigan Tournament, 10/20/11
"Three things distinguish the University of Michigan 7 week program from all others. The first is the commitment and expertise of all of the lab leaders and guest lecturers. The second is level of competition that prepares you for the rest of the year in the numerous practice debates and the end of camp tournament. The third is the dedication to building better research skills and access to one of the best libraries in the United States."
Jeffrey Ding, Iowa City West High School (IA), Winner of the 2011 University of Michigan Tournament and Top Speaker at the 2011 Glenbrooks Tournament, Attended the 2011, 2010, and 2009 Michigan Debate Institutes, 8/21/11
"Although seven weeks may seem like a long time, the Michigan Seven Week Juniors Program was the best way I could have chosen to spend my summer. The lab leaders and lecturers were some of the best in the country and the number of high-level, competitive practice debates was invaluable. The extensive research and high quality files fully prepare you for a successful year."
Jordan Epstein, Pace Academy (GA), Quarterfinalist at the 2011 Glenbrooks Tournament, 10/19/11
"Returning to the Michigan 7 Week program for a second year was a fantastic decision. The seniors lab was one of the best experiences I've had as a debater and helped me improve in every aspect of the game. From participating in one-on-one discussions with the top debate coaches in the country, to producing a research base spanning the full breadth of the topic, everything we did this summer was invaluable both for preparing for competitive success during the year and for developing the long term skills necessary to grow as a debater. However, if none of that were true, Michigan would still have been the right choice - the friends I made and experiences I had will last a lifetime, even after I am no longer debating. Finally, Ann Arbor is simply too awesome to pass up."
David Herman, Georgetown Day School (DC), Winner of the 2011 Greenhill Tournament and Round Robin, Attended the 2011 and 2010 Michigan Debate Institutes, 9/1/11
"The results are unquestionable. Whether you're new to the game or already successful, you will leave Ann Arbor dramatically improved at debate. The Michigan 7 week program is unrivaled in its combination of brilliant lab leaders, engaging lectures, and top-notch competition. I would not trade the skills I gained and friends I made for anything, and there's no question in my mind that my experience at Michigan was worth every second."
Andrew Jones, Stratford Academy (GA), Semifinalist at the 2011 St. Mark's Tournament, 10/20/11
"The decision to spend my senior year summer in Ann Arbor for the 7 Week Seniors program was definitely the right one. Michigan assembled the best lab leaders, lecturers, debaters, and resources all in one really awesome city which made for an amazing camp experience. Through multiple practice debates watched by some of the nation's top judges, the production of tons of high quality files, and excellent lectures, Michigan gave me the skills and experience that will be necessary for success my senior year."
Evan McCarty, Mountain Brook High School (AL), Second Speaker at the 2011 St. Mark's and Wake Forest University Tournaments, 8/20/11
"From the emphasis on research, to the exceptional lab leaders and challenging practice debates, the Seven Week Juniors program was undoubtedly the best way I could have spent my summer. Although seven weeks may seem like a long time, it is a fantastic resource for any debater looking for competitive success. Couple that with a ton of new friends and an exciting town to explore, and the University of Michigan is a fantastic place to spend your summer."
Hemanth Sanjeev, Stratford Academy (GA), Semifinalist at the 2011 St. Mark's Tournament, 11/28/11
"Seven Week Seniors was an even better experience than last year at the Juniors camp. With excellent lectures from lab leaders who are committed to being the best possible educators and awesome debaters who make practice debates insanely productive and fun, I left camp with a better understanding of all aspects of debate."
Mimi Sergent-Leventhal, Edina High School, 8/21/11
"My time in Michigan was very well spent. Working with some of the most dedicated and talented lab leaders, having tons of practice debates with useful feedback, and putting out and practicing with many different kinds of arguments have all challenged and improved me as a debater and researcher. Spending the summer in Ann Arbor is also really fun, and I'm glad I chose Michigan for all three years of debate camp."
Erin Sielaff, Edina High School (MN), Semifinalist at the 2011 Greenhill Tournament and Quarterfinalist at the 2011 St. Mark's, University of Michigan, and Glenbrooks Tournaments, 8/26/11
"If you want a competitive edge going into the debate year, UMich 7 weeks is the place to get it. Whether you are a rising junior or senior, the tools provided by the camp cannot be beat. Apart from amazing research resources, the lab leaders, practice debates, and lectures provide all the necessary means for one to excel in debate. Seven weeks may sound like a long time, but it was the most fun way I could have chosen to spend my summer. Ann Arbor was extremely diverse and navigable. I made more friends than I could have possibly imagined. I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything."
Jason Sigalos, Woodward Academy (GA), Winner and Top Speaker at the 2011 St. Mark's Tournament, Attended the 2011 and 2010 Michigan Debate Institutes, 8/20/11
"Choosing to attend the Seven Weeks Junior Debate Program at Michigan was the best decision I could have made for the summer. The lab leaders were extremely helpful, and genuinely interested in doing everything to make me a better debater, yet they also made their labs interesting and fun. Not only are the lab leaders great, but the sheer amount of practice debates, resources, and lectures are hellping me reach my goals in debate. Michigan's campus is beautiful, and you will meet so many new and interesting people that you will wish the seven weeks were seventeen. I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything else, and would highly recommend it to any debater!"
Victor Skenderi, Pace Academy (GA), Quarterfinalist at the 2011 Glenbrooks Tournament, 10/20/11
"Deciding where to go to camp before your senior year is tough, no question about it. But Michigan was ultimately a great choice. You couldn't ask for a better college town in which to spend the summer than Ann Arbor. The caliber of the lab leaders, the intensity of competition, the quality of evidence, and the utility of lectures all make Michigan an incredible place to go to debate camp."
Isaac Stanley-Becker, Georgetown Day School (DC), Winner of the 2011 Greenhill Tournament and Round Robin, Attended the 2011 and 2010 Michigan Debate Institutes, 8/20/11
"With access to incredible university resources, expert lecturers, and detailed feedback, Umich 7 week allowed me to become an effective researcher. Participating in full-length, competitive practice debates in front of the nation's top judges allowed me to use the skills that I had learned from the fun and informative lectures. The Seven Week Juniors program is definitely the right choice for those looking to become top-notch competitors in a fun environment like Ann Arbor."
Fran Swanson, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart (FL), Semifinalist at the 2011 University of Michigan Tournament, 10/19/11
The cost of participating in a Seven Week Lab is $5650 plus a $60 Application Fee. Students who are admitted will be required to submit a non-refundable $1000 deposit shortly after receiving their acceptance. Payment of the balance must take place no later than June 1. Please check the "specials" section to see ways that you can save money while attending the Seven Week Program!
Detailed Fee Payment Schedule - payments_7week.php
Application and Admission
Students who wish to apply to the Seven Week Program must submit a completed application by no later than April 1 and a $60 non-refundable application fee. Students will be notified of their admission status no later than April 15. Students attending must confirm via a non-refundable deposit shortly after their acceptance. Please do not call to inquire about admission status unless you have not heard from us by April 15 as there will be a wait list.
