The process for determining the CEDA topic takes place in two stages.

First, the Topic Selection Committee and community are surveyed to determine potential controversies that might be valuable to serve as the debate topic. The goal of this stage of the process is to develop papers that outline the 'problem areas' involved with a public policy controversy and provide some guidance as to how such a topic might develop. Open meetings will be held throughout the season at tournaments and conferences to allow discussion of potential controversies or problem areas.