Dear Pi Kappa Delta Members and NCT Attendees,

It is with heavy hearts that we write to let you know of the cancellation of the 2020 NCT. After evaluating the covid-19 situation on their campus, San Diego State University has made the decision to transition their classes online and limit campus operations to prohibit large group gatherings. We appreciate SDSU’s willingness to host us initially as well as their prudent response to this situation.

Although we have explored our options for transitioning the NCT to a virtual experience, given the comprehensive nature of the tournament - offering 10 formats of debate and 14 individual events - it is simply not feasible to create a similar experience online. We still have two events available for participation online. Our Persuasion Works initiatives - Student Scholarship and Oral History - will go forward as planned. For more information, contact Ryan Louis (ryan.louis@ottawa.edu).

We recognize how hard people have worked; we know the dedication each team and member has expended. The PKD National Council will continue to look for ways to both honor and support those efforts.

Regarding Tabroom:

You do not need to do anything on your end in response to this announcement. Schools will be cleared from the tournament by the Tournament Director.

Regarding Fees:

-Schools will not be held responsible for their Tournament entry fees and Drop fees.

-Schools will only be held responsible for their PKD membership fee and individual student membership fees, most of which have already been paid when renewing the chapter. Please email Phil Voight (pvoight@gac.edu) if you have questions regarding your membership status.

-Should schools participate in the online Oral History event (hosting an on-campus debate or deliberation as outlined in the tournament invite) our partners at Net Impact will still make a donation to PKD. Such funds would greatly offset costs already incurred by the organization.

Regarding Next Year:

-To keep plans for future meetings intact, PKD 2021 will remain a biennial convention. The next National Comprehensive Tournament will take place as planned in Spring 2022.

Sincerely,

The Pi Kappa Delta National Council