The Jefferson Literary and Debating Society

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Charlottesville, VA
The Jefferson Literary and Debating Society

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The Jefferson Literary and Debating Society fosters friendship and lively conversation among students

The Jefferson Society strives to provide UVA students a chance to engage in debate and discourse on a range of pertinent issues, honing their public speaking and literary skills and developing their ability to sustain an argument in debate. Additionally, the Society continues to provide the University and Charlottesville community with its prestigious Speakers Series, a collection of diverse and engaging presentations on a host of topics that offer students, faculty and guests alike the opportunity to both learn from and engage with a variety of interesting figures from a wide array of backgrounds. Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.

10/12/2026

The Jefferson Society’s 64th Annual Restoration Ball in collaboration with the Honor Committee & IRO will be this Saturday, October 17th @ Ellie’s Country Club from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.! All proceeds this year will benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank! Link to buy a ticket can be found in our bio.

09/16/2026

Come to our speaker series event this Friday in the Rotunda at 7:29 p.m.!

08/26/2026

Our back to school social is this Friday From 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.! Come join us for snacks, music, good vibes, and/or to meet and talk to some members!!! The interview card for interview week is linked up above!

08/25/2026

COME INTERVIEW FOR JEFFSOC‼️‼️

08/24/2026

Interested in learning about The Jefferson Society?

The Jefferson Literary and Debating Society is the oldest student-run organization at the University of Virginia. The Jefferson Society is a club where speech, literature, and topics of interest are discussed in good company and with lively spirit. We believe we learn and grow best when our opinions are challenged in open discussion with members of other ideologies and backgrounds.

Undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of school or study, are invited to join the Society. The Jefferson Society has served as an intellectual home for a future U.S. president, several Senators, a Nobel Laureate, world-famous poets, journalists, and countless more. We gather on Friday nights at 7:29pm in Hotel C, West Range to deliver speeches on our favorite topics, debate pressing matters, discuss literature, and have a good time with friends old and new.

We are a lot more than our Friday meetings. Each semester, you can find us hosting formals, competing in Field Days against other student organizations, grabbing dinner on the Corner, and much more. There are many ways to experience the Society during your time at the University, and we welcome you to interview with us at the beginning of each semester and attend our frequent public events.

04/10/2026

This past weekend, Jeffsoc had its annual Founder’s Day banquet! We enjoyed a speech from Mr. Denver Riggleman and the lovely company of our members and guests. Thanks to everyone who came!

03/23/2026

What does the Declaration of Independence Mean to You? Since the U.S is approaching its 250th anniversary, now is the perfect time to answer (or think about) this question! Join us tomorrow, March 24th in 1515 at 6:00 PM for a discussion with faculty and postdocs about the Declaration of Independence!

03/13/2026

Where was Jeffsoc last Friday? From Ireland to Puerto Rico, to Alabama, our members went all around the globe during spring break! While we all had fun last week, we’re excited to be back in the Hall for the rest of the semester!

01/21/2026

TIME CHANGE. Thursday and Friday interviews will now begin at 9:00 am.

01/20/2026

The Jefferson Society is pleased and proud to present our Spring 2026 Executive Committee!

Address

Charlottesville, VA

Website

https://jeffersonsociety.org/

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