To identify and interpret some of the attitudes toward and levels of support for competitive forensic activities on college campuses, a study surveyed the chief administrative officer at every institution identified in the Speech Communication Association's 1988 Directory (339 of the 1,100 surveys mailed were completed). Questions concerned past and current funding of debate and individual events teams, perceived barriers to and benefits of forensic programs, and personal assessments over the value of forensics. Analysis suggested that the number of debate and individual events programs has declined. Although the majority of administrators indicated that having forensic teams was important, data were not conclusive as to whether these personal feelings of value translated into faculty positions or funding. A large "no response" rate for questions requesting information about faculty positions and budget sources and levels restricted the analysis of this area. (Eight tables of data are included.) (MM)