Simulation Overview
On behalf of the Department of Political Science and the KU Model United Nations club, I am inviting high schools in and around the Berks and Lehigh counties to our up-and-coming High School Model United Nations conference at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania on January 15, 2005.
The purpose of the conference is to provide an opportunity for schools that may be new to Model UN competitions to “get their feet wet,” while simultaneously offering a venue for the experienced teams to sharpen their skills for national competitions. Most importantly, we hope to offer a first rate opportunity for all the students to further their knowledge of international affairs and diplomacy while having a great deal of fun here at KU.
As noted above, the conference will be held on January 15, 2005 and check-in time for the delegation teams will be held between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. After a very brief welcoming ceremony, students will participate in a both a procedural and crisis simulation. Small school delegations will either spend the morning working in the procedural or crisis simulation and switch after lunch. Large school delegations will be divided into half with each group participating in either the crisis or procedural simulation and switching after lunch. During the procedural simulation, students will represent an assigned country in either: the United Nations General Assembly Second Committee Economic and Financial (GA 2nd ECOFIN), the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), or the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Background guides designed to give high school students a brief overview of the issue and rules of parliamentary procedure governing the committees are available on our website and will be mailed to you once you register for the conference.
Unlike the procedural simulation that stresses diplomacy in a more formal environment, the crisis simulation will introduce students to the high-stakes game of crisis management. An unexpected crisis, which will not be given to the students in advance, will challenge them to defend their national interests as various actors seek to exploit the situation. More urgent decision making, time sensitive negotiation, and an added sense of excitement will be the themes of the afternoon and will make this simulation one of the more enjoyable experiences your students will take part in. In addition, the crisis simulation will expose students to various international organizations such as NATO and the Arab League, and even non-governmental actors, including the news media that will record every step!
To reserve your team's spot please complete and return the registration form by October 30, 2004. We will consider registration after October 30, 2004 on a rolling basis. Each school is welcome to bring as many students as they like, and will be assigned one to three countries depending on the size of their delegation. We are requiring a school participation fee of $5 per delegate with a maximum school fee of $55 that can be paid the day of the conference. For example, if you bring 8 students the school fee will be $40. However, if you bring 20 students, the school fee will be $55. We will be providing light refreshments for the students as well as lunch for the faculty members.
As the conference draws closer, we will be contacting you with additional instructions on the particulars of the conference, (e.g. directions to the campus), and a more detailed itinerary. However, if you have any questions or simply would like to discuss the competition, please do not hesitate to contact me at 610-689-9088 or email (riley@kutztown.edu). Additionally our student liaison, Kristin Gushue, at 215-990-9856 or gush8780@kutztown.edu, is available to answer your questions and attempt to meet any special needs you might have.
Sincerely,
John Riley, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Political Science