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Model United Nations Program

About the Model UN Program

The Model United Nations Program is anchored in the POLS 138 UN Simulation courses and is open to any student regardless of major. The program offers students a unique opportunity to learn about international relations while role-playing as a United Nations delegate. At the end of the program, students will have a deeper understanding of the mandate of the United nations and the global issues that are addressed by the United Nations. The course requires a two-semester commitment (fall and spring) to prepare for and then participate in the week-long Model United Nations Conference in New York City.

Students are recommended to take POLS 130, POLS 131, POLS 136, and POLS 140 prior to, or in conjunction with, this program.

Fall Semester

During the fall semester, students will:

  • define the overall structure and general functions of the United Nations System and selected committees.
  • discuss assigned the governments or organizational structure of Member States/Non-Governmental Organizations that they may represent at the Spring Conference
  • analyze the significance of assigned topical problems in global governments
  • conduct research on three assigned global problems and develop appropriate policy solutions

Spring Semester

During the spring semester, students will:

  • deliver effective agenda-setting and persuasive speeches.
  • submit a position paper on assigned topics demonstrating knowledge of assigned Member State/Non-Government Organization and IR topics
  • practice effective use of NMUN Rules and Procedures
  • participate in a Model United Nations simulation.
  • practice building community to support a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment.

How to Apply/Enroll

Students who participate in the Model United Nations program will develop leadership skills and applicable skills in the job market including research, writing, public speaking, and negotiation skills.

Join one of our information sessions, sign-up here: https://forms.office.com/r/M1LDxAKzgM

Application cycle is in the Spring Semester. Applications are accepted starting on April 1 and closes on April 30. Submit your applications here: National Model UN Class Application

Decisions will be emailed to applicants in early May. Accepted students are enrolled into the class by Political Science Department staff.

Past Conferences and Awards

Recent Awards from Past Conferences:

2024 New York

Outstanding Delegation Award representing Oxfam International:

Ramon Arrieta, Joshua Boben, Jenn Galinato, Mai Lam, Angela Lee, Julian Mendez, Natalie Place, Anthonie Riccitiello, Niko Santana, Valentina Suarez, Chandler Witthaus

Best Position Paper Awards:

Commission on Social Development - Ramon Arrietta and Natalie Place
Commission on the Status of Women - Mai Lam and Angela Lee
Human Rights Council - Joshua Boben and Anthonie Riccitiello
UN Development Programme - Chandler Witthaus
UNHCR, The Refugee Agency - Juliam Mendez and Valentina Suarez

Outstanding Delegate Award in Committee

Economic Social Council - Niko Santana

2023 NMUN Erfurt, Germany

Outstanding Position Paper Award representing Japan
General Assembly - Chandler Witthaus

Honorable Mention Delegation Award representing Malaysia
Jenn Galinato (General Assembly),Elizabeth Schloezer (HRC), Erik Venegas-Leon (UNEA)

2023 New York

Distinguished Delegation Award representing Human Rights Watch:

Burooj Akram, Bashaar Allathkani, Jenn Galinato, Emilie Jocson, Taylor LeNay, Elizabeth Schloezer, Arsema Tekeste, Erik Venegas-Leon, and Chandler Witthaus

Best Position Paper Awards:

Human Rights Council - Elizabeth Schloezer and Chandler Witthaus
Commission on the Status of Women - Burooj Akram
Commission on Crime Prevention and Justice - Bashaar Allathkani and Emilie Jocson
ECOSOC Plenary (Taylor LeNay)

2022 NMUN Kobe, Japan

Outstanding Position Paper Representing Ukraine
Megha Bhatt and Ciara Garcia, Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference

2022 New York

Overall Distinguished Delegation Award:

Sophia Adeleke, Jennifer Bautista, Megha Bhatt, Brandon Fischer, Ciara Garcia, Marlies Moore, Melissa Ortez, Javier Pacheco, Dahvia Rodriguez, Conner Slayton, Baba Traore

Best Position Paper Awards Representing Amesty Internation:

Human Rights Council - Conner Slayton
UN-Women - Sophia Adeleke and Jennifer Bautista
UN Relief Works Agency - Megha Bhatt and Ciara Garcia

Outstanding Delegate Award:

Human Rights Council - Conner Slayton

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