“Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students perform an ambassador role while debating topics such as security issues, gender equality, global health, and more.”
Dr. Richard R. Moeller, Director
The MSU Denver Model United Nations Program began in 1999 after Dr. Moeller joined the Political Science Department as a faculty member. The program establishes annual teams of students who attend a conference representing various countries in order to replicate the United Nations and its activities through delegate endeavor. Students act as representatives of designated state actors within the framework of the conference. While not always the case, most MSU Denver MUN Teams attend the Model United Nations of the Far West Conference held annually in San Francisco California.
The MUN Program is primarily established through participation in the department’s course entitled International Organizations (PSC 3330), although many students over the decades have come from outside the course either by returning participation or expressed interest with Dr. Moeller. While students are not restricted by major or course registration, the MUN Team must abide by the university’s Student Travel requirements. The Student Travel Program is a student fee funded program that provides travel grants for MSU Denver students. These grants help fund the cost of transportation, registration and lodging for qualified individuals or student groups wishing to attend regional, national, or international professional development events/meetings.
Commitment
Students selected and who commit to conference participation become the MUN Team. Depending on the country, there are a number of committee assignments. Countries at the MUNFW (along with the actual UN) have varying levels of committee activity. Some years, our students participate with one country … other years it’s three. No matter the country selection, funding through Student Travel compels us to present a proposal for funding in groups of four or so. For this reason, students will present a funding proposal with Dr. Moeller to the university and upon approval funding is provided. Total number of students is limited to 10. Most years registration, flights and hotel are covered by the university. Food, drink and ancillary costs are covered by the students. Lead students are typically returning students. Notably and greatfully, both Alaura Ward and Paul Bowen have been lead students for three years during their respective time at the university.
Student Eligibility
Students must follow the Student Code of Conduct and meet the requirements laid out by MSU Denver.
The following forms must be completed by the lead student:
- Student Travel Consultation Request Form
- Student Travel Proposal
- Student Travel Waiver, Responsibilities and Conduct Form
The following forms must be completed by each additional student traveling:
Funding Preparation
With the country or countries selected, students have little time to make the deadline for Student Travel funding. Therefore, within the first two weeks of the Spring semester, students are tasked with:
- Contacting Student Travel
- Meeting with Student Travel regarding requirements
- Setting a date/time for the funding presentation
- Presenting the travel opportunity in Power Point or similar
- Following up on the post-travel results
“Each individual, pair or group awarded funding through the Student Travel Program is required to meet with the Program Manager of the Student Travel Program to finalize travel arrangements and to discuss their obligations and responsibilities as a part of their travel award. Upon return, students and the advisor are required to complete an evaluation Form (sent via email for completion within two weeks of return from travel).” *MSU Denver Student Travel
Conference Preparation
From January to March, students are required to produce three separate documents (for upload) in order to be considered for an award at the conference.
- Country Profile (MUNFW Delegate Preparation Guide)
- Policy Statement related to topics in committee (Sample MUNFW Policy Statement)
- Draft Resolution (Tips for Drafting Effective Resolutions)
Thereafter, students are prepared for the conference and may participate fully. (MUNFW-Short-Rules)
Please see the guide: MUNFW Delegate Preparation Guide
Students with interest may fill out the form below between Summer and January.
NB: Dates
October: Conference and Country Selection
January: Announcement of Conference and Team Selection
February: Team Presentations for Funding
March: Documents Created and Uploaded by Students
April: Travel and Conference Participation
Students wishing to consult with Dr. Moeller regarding country selection should see him during office hours in early Autumn.