FAQs

What types of Committees are featured in mun?

General Assembly

General Assemblies are the most direct and formal types of committees which resemble the structure of an actual United Nations agency that focuses on an international topic that impacts many member countries. These are typically the largest-sized committees, ranging from 50-150 delegates in most conferences (some can have more or less but this is a general size).

Crisis

A typical crisis structure entails a fast-paced committee that requires delegates to truly step into the shoes of their assigned roles and characters. Ad-Hoc, a specific type of crisis committee, is a type of committee in which the topic, background guide, and characters will not be revealed until a few days before or the day of the conference (hints will usually be provided about the topic ;).

Specialized

Specialized committees will usually step away from the basic structure of a GA committee and are a little more specific in regard to the topic or body involved. These vary in size and can be either a hybrid (mix of GA and Crisis) or mimic an entirely different style of debate (U.S. Senate, Arab League, and NATO are a few prominent examples).

How should I prepare for my committee?

General Preparation:

A delegate’s individual preparation will vary with the type of committee you are going to. All delegates should definitely read their background guides to understand their topic and begin outside research on their topics. They should also understand their own country’s/character’s previous experience, problems, and solutions regarding the topic and start preparing comprehensive solutions to address these multifaceted issues. Make sure your research does not just reiterate previously used solutions or background history on the topic, but rather, adapts to the specific circumstances of the committee topic and addresses each aspect of the problem in great depth. Quality is much more important than quantity, however, it is important to have abundant research as committees are very long and become extremely nuanced as time goes on, so make sure to have both.

General Assembly:

In a General Assembly (GA), delegates will be expected to come into their committees with solid research, innovative solutions, and completed position papers, which will be due at the beginning of the first session of our committee. Considering GA committees simulate actual UN bodies, there are specific rules that must be followed when a delegate chooses how to speak. If you are unfamiliar with Parliamentary Procedure, then you should definitely read over the guide we have provided so you thoroughly understand the communication system followed during committee sessions. Another important aspect of Model UN that is and is paramount for delegates to understand is clause writing. Clauses are essentially a specific format in which delegates will be drafting their solutions into working papers and resolutions. There is a guide available if you are not familiar with this format that you should definitely review and be able to apply by the time of the conference.

Crisis:

Crisis committees follow the structure of a “real-world simulation” of the selected topic you are doing. For Ad-Hoc crisis committees, the preparation of individual crisis arcs and background research won’t really happen until you have figured out the topic using the hints or when the topic is released just prior to/during the start of the conference. Delegates should be prepared to give off-the-cuff speeches regarding various issues, so being flexible is essential. For most crisis committees, position papers will not be required. Even though crisis committees are faster-paced compared to the other committees, they offer a nuanced perspective on problems and value creative problem-solving. If you still are unsure about aspects such as clause writing and how to give speeches, please refer to the guides provided!

Specialized:

Specialized committees will include aspects of both GA and Crisis committees, so it would be beneficial to brush up on things such as proper clause writing, crisis arcs, and parliamentary procedure. Depending on the specific topic, your dais may also adopt an entirely different type of body to resemble your committees like the British House of Commons or the US Senate (both of which have very different guidelines and protocols), so make sure that you read the background guide and see what format the committee will be taking upon during this conference.

How does a MUN conference typically work?

As a beginner, MUN conferences may seem scary. However, on the most basic level, they function similarly to any other debate with small technicalities that make it different from a general debate. Some of these include the different types of committees, which we discuss above that vary in difficulty, size, topics covered, and formality. Additionally, the rules and procedures that must be followed in MUN are a new aspect of debating and adds a level of etiquette and decorum to committees. Parliamentary procedure, clause writing, and position papers will be heavily involved in your committees so you must be prepared to use these conventions. If you are unfamiliar with any of these, please refer to the attached guides or reach out to the officer board/veterans to better understand the processes.

What if I can't make it to a part of my Committee?

First and foremost, we do ask that you do your best to attend the entirety of the conference for the best experience and to have the best chance of awarding and being recognized for all of your hard work! However, we do understand if you have another serious commitment that conflicts with the conference schedule. If you are unable to attend for the whole duration of your committee, you should definitely let your chairs know as soon as possible so they can make arrangements accordingly and be aware of your circumstances.

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