What is Model United Nations?

In its most basic form, Model UN is debating as a country. You are assigned a particular nation and are then expected to portray its policies as closely as possible. As you might imagine, there will be much debate as the 189 countries of the UN rarely have the same opinion on how to solve a problem.

There are a couple of ways you debate. First, there is a formal speakers list. You raise your placard to get your country on the list and then you are able to address the committee when it is your turn. Second, there is informal debate, where there is no list and anyone can be called on by simply raising his or her hand. Lastly, probably the most frequently chosen, is a caucus. During this time, there are no rules, and you are able to move freely about the room, discuss items with your allies, try to persuade your foes, or just use the restroom.

The moderators of your committee judge you usually based on three areas: accurate portrayal of country, resolution writing, and debating skills. The top delegates will then receive awards at the conference's closing ceremonies. There are typically several excellent or honorable awards given out and only one or perhaps two superior or best delegate awards. While awards give Model UNers something to strive for, there are many elements of subjectivity and luck that go into their handing out, and, as such, they are not the main reason CWRUMUN attends conferences.
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Why Should I Join Model UN?

Of course, the club's activities look good on any resume for those heading to graduate school or the real world. It hones such skills as public speaking, clear writing, persuasion, and international knowledge on a wide range of topics. On the other hand, Model UN is also a lot of fun. You will get to meet other students from all over the country, some from South America and Canada as well, and see some of the most exciting American cities, all while traveling for free.
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How do I get on the Club Mailing Lists?

Currently, just email Mondo, the listmaster, who will add you to our general discussion list: casemun@case.edu.

Do I Need Any Kind of Knowledge to Participate?

Other than some research you might want to do on your own country and the topics, you do not have to be a political science major to be in Model UN. In fact, the club only has a few such members. The UN has numerous committees that address nearly every conceivable topic, from health concerns in Africa to women's rights in Afghanistan, so you will likely be able to find a committee and topics that appeal to your interests.
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How Much Time Will I Need to Devote?

This decision is entirely up to you. We hold weekly meetings, during which we will keep you updated on the happenings of the club and even hold mock debates sometimes to help members prepare. These only last an hour at the most, and the minutes are emailed to the Model UN mailing list in case you miss one. The Executive Board holds additional weekly meetings for the club's logistics, but attendance is not necessary.

Besides this, the bulk of your time will be devoted to a conference, if you choose to attend one. These begin on Thursday night and end on Sunday. Rest assured, though, you will know well in advance the exact dates so that you can make the proper arrangements with your classes. While much of the four days will be spent in committee, there will be a fair amount of free time during which you can travel the city or do schoolwork.
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How Do I Deal With Missed Classwork?

Model UN Conferences usually run from Thursday night until Sunday afternoon. As a result, students attending a conference will miss Friday's classes and sometimes part of Thursday's due to travel. Since you will know the exact dates of the conference well in advance several things can be done beforehand to deal with your missed classwork:

What is the Model UN Class?

What Conferences does CWRU Model United Nations Attend?

The CWRU Model UN Club attends and typically performs well at several conferences throughout the academic year. In the fall, we attend a local one, the Lake Erie Model UN Conference in Ashtabula, Ohio. As the competition is not as intense as at other conferences, this conference is a great opportunity to learn the ropes of Model UN while still competiting against skillful delegates. A month later, in November, we host our own conference, the CWRU Model United Nations High School Conference (CWRUMUN-HS), which gives you a chance to be involved in the behind the scenes work it takes to make a conference successful. We also hold the Cleveland National Model UN, which is a college level conference. CNMUN usually draws around 150-200 students and 10-15 schools from the Midwest area.

The spring semester is conference season for us. In early January, we attend the McGill Model UN Conference in Montreal, Canada. It is a large conference, with over 2000 delegates from throughout North America. In mid February, we will go to the Harvard National Model UN Conference in Boston. It too is a large conference with an international gathering of students. This is our most competitive conference, and we usually have an application process to assemble the most competitive team. Lastly, at the end of March, we send a team to the University of Chicago Model UN Conference, which is a bit smaller with only a few hundred students. The schools that attend these spring confereces, CWRU included, are among the best Model UN clubs in the country; such universities as Yale, Georgetown, Northwestern, Stanford, West Point, and Harvard. There is no need to feel overwhelmed, though, as the club will help you prepare more than enough to perform well at all conferences.
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What are the Costs of Model UN?

While attending conferences, you will only have to pay for your meals. The university pays for the hotel and flight arrangements. The club does have a $50 membership fee, but that is only if you attend more than one conference. You are invited to try your first one out for free. Returning members must pay the $50 before they are allowed to attend any conferences. All members face the risk of paying a late fee of $10, but that is only if the dues are turned in towards the end of the school year. This is a rare circumstance.
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