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. 

Competition Schedule

Monday, October 12, 2026

• 12:00 PM | Teams Return Materials & optional essay to ContactCLE@eller.arizona.edu 

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.
• 6:00 PM | Round One: 10-minute judge Q&A session. 

Friday, October 16, 2026

• 9:00 AM | Round Two: 20-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A.
• 2:00 PM | Final Round: Finalist presentations (10 mins) and Q&A (5 mins). Livestreamed via YouTube.
• 3:30 PM | 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.
• During the visit, participants will tour a cutting-edge underground operation designed to set a new standard for sustainable mining. You will learn how advancements in technology are reducing environmental impact through an all-electric fleet, renewable energy integration, low water use, and dry-stack tailings. The tour will also highlight the critical minerals essential to the global energy transition.

Note: The agenda is subject to change.

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).