Collegiate Ethics Case Competition

The Collegiate Ethics Case Competition (CECC) brings students together from around the world, challenging their moral reasoning in thought-provoking team competition. Faced with a real-world business ethics case, students analyze the case and present to a panel of judges. The 24th Annual Undergraduate Collegiate Ethics Case Competition will be held in-person at McClelland Hall in Tucson, Arizona. The schedule is Thursday night round one and all day Friday round two and final round.

What is a Ethics Case Competition?

During this two-day competition, student teams from 20 colleges and universities will come together to collaboratively analyze, present, and respond to a thought-provoking business ethics case. This case is carefully crafted to mirror the ethical dilemmas professionals may encounter in their future careers, making it a valuable learning experience for all participants.

The annual Collegiate Ethics Case Competition CECC serves as a platform for students to engage in rigorous ethical analysis within a competitive setting. Participants are presented with complex, real-world business ethics cases that require them to apply moral reasoning, ethical theories, and practical considerations to navigate ethical dilemmas effectively.

Teams are tasked with thoroughly analyzing the case, identifying key ethical issues, considering various stakeholders' perspectives, and proposing well-reasoned solutions or courses of action. Presentations are often expected to be comprehensive, coherent, and persuasive, as they are delivered to a panel of judges who assess teams' understanding of ethical principles, their ability to apply them to practical situations, and the clarity and persuasiveness of their arguments.

The competition not only tests participants' understanding of ethical theories and frameworks but also their ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively within a team, and think critically under pressure. 

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Thank you to all the participating schools. 

Key Competition Dates (2026)

Registration & Pricing. Secure your team’s spot early to take advantage of discounted rates:

• Payment link will be available April 1st  (interested teams fill out the "save my spot" form to be on our priority list) or check back here for the link
• Early Bird Registration: $400 (by June 30, 2026)
• Standard Registration: $500 (final deadline September 4, 2026)
• Teams that register will be sent a separate form for team member names/dietary restrictions - submit that form by September 4, 2026
• Monday, Sept. 28: Ethics case and instructions emailed to teams.
• Monday, Oct. 5 (10:00 AM): All competition materials must be submitted to ContactCLE@eller.arizona.edu.

Competition Schedule

Note: The agenda is subject to change.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

• 3:30 PM | Check-in & Welcome Dinner: Estes Atrium, Eller College of Management.
  • Note: Brackets and presentation times for Rounds One and Two will be announced during dinner via random selection.
• Evening | Round One: 10-minute judge Q&A session. 

Friday, October 16, 2026

• Morning | Round Two: 20-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A.
• Afternoon | Lunch & Final Round: Finalist presentations (10 mins) and Q&A (5 mins). Livestreamed via YouTube.
• Evening | Closing Reception: Winner announcement and celebration. 

Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Corporate Excursion

• South32 Hermosa Mine Tour: Visit a next-generation, sustainable underground mine.
• Cost: FREE (Includes transportation and lunch).
• Note: Seating is strictly limited to 50 participants. Register early to secure your seat. 

Tips for Success

Our judges evaluate teams based on these core pillars:

1. Depth of Analysis: Go beyond the surface. Apply ethical theories to the practical complexities of the case.
2. Persuasive Delivery: Communication matters. Present your case with confidence and clarity.
3. Creative Problem Solving: Look for innovative ways to resolve ethical friction.
4. Agile Q&A: Be prepared to defend your recommendations with logic and poise during the judge's inquiry. 

Participant Checklist

• Required Materials: Executive Summary and PowerPoint/Prezi presentation.
• Technical: Bring your final presentation on a USB flash drive for on-site upload.
• Attire: Business Professional (Thurs/Fri); Casual/Outdoor with closed-toe shoes (Sat). 

Interested in 2026? 

Save my spot