Return To: AMUN Rules and Procedures 2018
AMUN Rules and Procedures 2018 General Information
Chapter 1 – General Information
This chapter provides representatives with the logistical information needed to attend the American Model United Nations (AMUN) International Conference. Questions about this information should be directed to the AMUN Executive Office at the mail@amun.org or 773.777.AMUN (2686).
2018 Conference Simulations 2018 Conference Simulations
In 2018, AMUN will simulate the General Assembly (GA) Plenary, four Main GA Committees, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), Committee for Development Policy Expert Group (CDPEG), the World Health Organization Executive Board (WHO), the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the United Nations Security Council and the International Court of Justice(ICJ). AMUN also simulates three historical bodies: the Historical Security Council of 1948 (HSC48), the Historical Security Council of 1993 (HSC93) and the Historical Commission of Inquiry of 2005 (COI05). Finally, AMUN features a simulation of the International Press Delegation (IPD), which produces the Conference newspaper, maintains AMUN Twitter during Conference and covers all simulations’ work
The General Assembly First (Disarmament & International Security), Second (Economic & Financial), Third (Social, Humanitarian & Cultural) and Sixth (Legal) Committees, the Concurrent General Assembly Plenary, World Health Organization Executive Board and United Nations Environment Assembly will meet for the first three and a half days of the Conference (i.e., from Saturday evening to Tuesday morning). These six committees will then come together for a plenary session of the General Assembly during the afternoon session on Tuesday. Up to four representatives may be seated at the country’s placard for the combined plenary session, and students may change out as required.
The purpose of the General Assembly combined plenary session will be twofold. First, for the General Assembly Main Committees (GA1, GA2, GA3, GA6), the plenary body will consider and vote on one of the body’s resolutions; the purpose here is to build consensus among Member States and to ratify the work of the General Assembly Main Committees. While a small amount of additional debate is typical, it is expected that the work done by each Committee will be respected. It is rare for significant changes to be made or for a resolution to fail in the Plenary session after passing in Committee. Second, for the remaining bodies, whose resolutions are not sent to the General Assembly Plenary for further consideration, the plenary session will hear the reports of and take questions on the work of these bodies. Each of these committees will have an opportunity to present their work and answer questions in front of the larger group, but no vote will be taken.
The Commission on Population and Development and Committee for Development Policy Expert Group will meet for the first three and a half days of the Conference (i.e., from Saturday evening to Tuesday morning). The purpose of these two committees is to build consensus and to write and ratify reports submitted to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These two committees, along with the 54 Member States of the Economic and Social Council will convene for a plenary session on Tuesday afternoon.
The purpose of the Economic and Social Council plenary session will be to hear the reports of and take questions on the two subsidiary bodies submitting a final report to the Economic and Social Council. The Members of the Economic and Social Council will receive the reports of its commissions and will vote on resolutions that recognize the bodies for their work and accept the work of their commissions. It is expected that the Members of Economic and Social Council will ask questions and read a short abstract about the commissions’ work and then will generally pass a resolution adopting these reports with consensus or at least overwhelming support. While a small amount of additional debate is typical, it is expected that the work done by each commission over the first three days of the Conference will be respected.
The Contemporary Security Council will be responsible for dealing with international peace and security issues as they stand at the opening of the Conference. A tentative list of topics will be provided for preparation, but representatives should be prepared to discuss any and all security issues that might arise. The Historical Security Councils (1948 and 1993) will simulate the events of those years; they will use contemporary rules of procedure but will roleplay the viewpoint of their delegation at the time of the simulation. The Security Council and the Historical Security Councils will meet all four days of the Conference, including an emergency session on Monday night and a debrief on Tuesday afternoon.
The International Press Delegation (IPD), the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Historical Commission of Inquiry of 2005 (COI 05) are unique simulations that will meet all four days of the Conference. Individuals must apply for positions on these simulations on the AMUN website. The International Press Delegation will provide journalistic cover for the Conference, producing at least one newspaper each day. The International Court of Justice will hear cases brought to the Court by Member States. The Historical Commission of Inquiry of 2005 will simulate a fact-finding investigation of two international incidents as requested by the Security Council
Safety at AMUN Safety at AMUN
AMUN places extreme importance on the safety of our participants and guests. We hope that you have an excellent and fun learning experience while at the Conference but encourage everyone to consider safety issues in and around the Conference hotel. Safety should always be more important than avoiding minor embarrassment to you or another person.
We suggest that you follow several common-sense rules to keep all participants safe during the Conference, including the following guidelines:
- As a general rule, do not leave the hotel grounds without letting your group know how to find you.
- Always let one of the leaders of your group (faculty, club officer, etc.) know where you are going prior to leaving the area around the hotel (to visit local friends or relatives, etc.).
- Never leave any hotel alone after dark, and always travel with at least one person that you know.
- Always remove your credentials prior to leaving the hotel so as not to advertise yourself as a tourist.
- Help other participants to be safe by encouraging them to not travel outside of the hotel alone.
- Inform one of the leaders of your group or an AMUN Secretariat Member immediately if you have a safety concern, or if any emergency situation occurs to you or another participant, regardless of the time.
AMUN encourages all faculty advisors and other group leaders to take time before the Conference to reinforce these and any other relevant safety instructions based on the rules of your schools. In case of an emergency, hotel security may be reached by dialing 0 on any hotel phone and requesting the security office. Also, please feel free to contact the AMUN Secretariat at any time during the Conference, day or night, if any emergency event occurs in which we can be of assistance.
Conference Policies Conference Policies
Minimum and Maximum Delegation Counts Minimum and Maximum Delegation Counts
AMUN strongly recommends delegations place two representatives on the following committees: the Security Council, the Historical Security Council of 1948 and the Historical Security Council of 1993. Each delegation may place one or two representatives on the following committees: General Assembly Concurrent Plenary, General Assembly First, General Assembly Second, General Assembly Third, General Assembly Sixth, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), the Committee for Development Policy Expert Group (CDPEG) and the World Health Organization Executive Board (WHO). Each delegation may place only one representative on the Special Committee, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). Seats on the International Court of Justice, International Press Delegation and the Historical Commission of Inquiry of 2005 (COI05) are assigned by application. Generally, only one person from a school can be assigned to each of these simulations.
Delegations may also designate a floating permanent representative to assist with coordination across the delegation. Representatives may also have part-time assignments at Conference as an advocate for the International Court of Justice, as a party to the dispute in the Security Council or a Historical Security Council or as a witness to the Historical Commission of Inquiry simulation.
Schools may register up to four faculty advisors.
Dress Code Dress Code
The appearance of AMUN participants provides the first impressions of their delegation to other representatives. Attention to proper appearance sets an expectation for professionalism and competence. In order to demonstrate respect to fellow representatives, Secretariat members and distinguished guests of the Conference, AMUN requires conservative Western business attire for all representatives and Secretariat during all formal sessions, including the final sessions on Tuesday.
Western business attire is a business jacket or suit, dress slacks or skirt, dress shirt (with a tie for men), and dress shoes. Attire should follow the rule of being appropriate for visiting an embassy. Revealing dress shirts that expose excessive bare skin are not appropriate. Sweaters or leggings are generally considered too casual for Western business attire. Clothing that reveals undergarments in any way, including being too tight, is not appropriate. AMUN will not consider any manner of dress appropriate which includes T-shirts, jeans, shorts, hats, athletic shoes or any form of commercial advertising.
Participants shall not wear the traditional or religious garb of any State or organization. The only exception to this is required traditional or religious garb of a student’s personal religion or culture. Additionally, participants should not affect the mannerisms, linguistic characteristics or any other perceived traits of a State or culture that they are representing. These affectations are inappropriate and may be seen as offensive by other students, or by natives of that State or culture. Small lapel pins representing the delegation’s flag or other national symbols are appropriate.
Please be aware that representatives who are not appropriately attired or who do not follow these rules may not be recognized during formal debate in any AMUN simulation. Further, AMUN reserves the right to refuse admittance to the Conference floor to any representative who is inappropriately attired or who violates the above provisions. Decisions about appropriate attire and professional behavior are at the discretion of the AMUN Secretariat.
Conduct Conduct
Representatives are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting international diplomats. This means that every courtesy, both in speech and behavior, should be extended to all representatives, faculty members, hotel staff members, guests and AMUN Secretariat members at the Conference. AMUN expects the same level of diplomatic courtesy in written communications, including notes passed during formal session and posts to social media sites. AMUN reserves the right to expel any representative not acting in a courteous and professional fashion. Please refer to Rule 2.2, Diplomatic Courtesy, for more information.
To provide all participants, including representatives, Faculty Advisors, exhibitors, hotel staff, and AMUN Secretariat, the opportunity to benefit from Conference, AMUN is committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, language, physical appearance, race or ethnicity, religion or other group identity. AMUN seeks to provide a conference environment in which diverse participants may learn and enjoy an environment of mutual human respect. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and foster that environment for the benefit of all. Some behaviors are, therefore, specifically prohibited. Examples of such behavior include, but are not limited to:
- Harassment or intimidation based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, language, physical appearance, race or ethnicity, religion or other group identity.
- Sexual harassment or intimidation, including persistent and unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact.
- Yelling at or threatening others (verbally or physically).
Speakers are asked to frame discussions as openly and inclusively as possible and to be aware of how language or images may be perceived by others. All participants are expected to observe these rules and behaviors in all conference venues, including online. Participants asked to stop one of the aforementioned behaviors are expected to comply immediately. Any final rulings on violations of the Code of Conduct are subject to determination by the Executive Office with consultation as needed with the Board of Directors.
If anything happens throughout the conference that makes you feel unsafe, or that prohibits you from fully participating in the AMUN experience, please let us know so that we can help you understand your options and decide what steps need to be taken to address the issue. You can contact us anytime by stopping by the Ohio Room, asking to speak to a member of the Executive Office at Conference Services, emailing, calling, or sending a message through the Guidebook app.
Accessibility and Accommodation Accessibility and Accommodation
AMUN makes every effort to ensure that all attendees are able to fully participate in their respective roles. If you or any member of your delegation requires any accommodations or modifications to get the most out of the AMUN experience, please contact Shannon Dunn, the Executive Director, at mail@amun.org as soon as possible, so we can discuss appropriate arrangements. Should you realize once Conference starts that you need an additional accommodation or modification, please visit the Ohio Room on the office level and a member of the AMUN Secretariat will be happy to assist you.
Use of Electronic Devices Use of Electronic Devices
The use of electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, e-readers and cell phones, is permitted in committee rooms provided they are silenced. All electronic devices must be set up and powered in a manner which does not create a safety hazard for other representatives. During formal session, groups may not congregate around said devices; all caucusing must take place outside committee rooms. Any use of electronic devices in committee rooms should relate to the purposes of the Conference and must comply with the expectation of Diplomatic Courtesy as outlined in Rule 2.2. All representatives are expected to comply with the directions of the AMUN Secretariat regarding the use of electronic devices.
Plagiarism Plagiarism
AMUN strives to create a simulation of the United Nations which is as realistic as possible while still allowing for the fulfillment of our participants’ and the organization’s educational goals. As such, the AMUN policy regarding plagiarism focuses on an educational rather than a punitive goal. At AMUN, plagiarism involves the substantial, verbatim or near-verbatim copying of language, without attribution, in published or unpublished texts, speeches or documents. Representatives should adhere to their country’s policies at all times, but this does not give license to plagiarize existing materials. Thus, parts of speeches or position papers may be derived or paraphrased from previous speeches or papers, but should not be copied verbatim. Additionally, representatives should not copy and represent as their own the work of another representative or group of representatives. Collaboration and consensus-building is encouraged and appropriate, but representatives should take care that the authors of resolutions, reports and other documents are fully represented in the discussion of the body’s work. Collaborative work remains the work of the collaboration even when not all representatives are able to sign on to the final product.
Similarly, AMUN expects that all representatives are familiar with past resolutions at the United Nations, but the work of the United Nations should be expanded on in representatives’ work, not copied verbatim. There are some exceptions: for example, representatives are not necessarily expected to expand upon a phrase that is often or always used when a country gives a formal speech or a clause that is repeated verbatim through several years of resolutions on a topic. Generally, it is not necessary to explicitly credit such sources, although if substantial language is quoted, it should be acknowledged and cited. Final determinations on plagiarism and its consequences are at the discretion of the AMUN Secretariat.
The goal of any Model UN conference is to work toward the resolution of a problem facing the world. The documents created to this end are inevitably the work of a collaborative process; without that collaboration, consensus would never be achievable. The goal of a Model UN conference is not and should never be to be the Member State that submitted or sponsored a draft document. The collaborative process that results in the drafting and submission of draft documents is always expected to be conducted with the utmost level of respect and diplomatic courtesy.
Credentials Credentials
Name badges act as representatives’ credentials for the Conference. Credentials will list a representative’s name, country and the Committee to which they are assigned. Credentials for permanent representatives will state “Permanent Representative” regardless of whether they are assigned to a particular simulation. Representatives, faculty advisors and Conference guests will be required to wear their assigned credentials at all times while in the Conference area. This includes social events after normal Conference hours. No one will be admitted to any Conference area, including social events, without approved credentials.
Representatives must also wear their credentials at all times while in the common areas of the hotel. This will allow representatives to be easily recognized by both Conference and hotel staff and will help to alleviate any potential problems that may arise within the hotel. Representatives should always remove their credentials immediately before leaving the hotel. A convention badge worn on the streets of a large city advertises you as a tourist and is an open invitation to potential trouble. Please exercise caution in this area.
Seating and Placards Seating and Placards
A placard with the name of each delegation will be placed at that delegation’s seat in each Committee. These are the property of AMUN; the placard should not be defaced or removed from the location assigned by the Secretariat or removed from the room. Placards of Member States are always placed in alphabetical order, but the exact position of the placards changes at the beginning of each session to ensure equality in seating delegations. Observer States are always seated at the end of the Member States, but will also rotate positions when the room is re-set. Exceptions to this rule are made to accommodate differently abled representatives. Representatives are welcome to take their placard with them as a souvenir after their committee has convened for the last time (for delegations in report-writing bodies, after the ECOSOC Plenary session.)
Lost and Found Lost and Found
Any found unclaimed property can be turned in to the Lost and Found located at Conference Services. Items will be held until the end of the closing session, at which time they will be turned over to hotel security.
- The Conference Services staff will make every attempt to contact the owner if an email, phone number, country name or address is located on the item.
- In order to claim a lost item from the Lost and Found, the owner must describe as closely as possible the lost item.
- A log book is available to customers with missing items. They may list the lost item along with their name, email or phone number and they will be contacted if their item is turned in.
- Conference Services’ hours are listed in the Conference Program.
Post-Conference Surveys Post-Conference Surveys
The AMUN Secretariat works year-round to prepare and run a premiere Model UN Conference. With your feedback we are able to improve the educational and administrative experience for our participants. Please take a moment to complete a post conference survey. Your feedback is invaluable to us as we plan for an even more successful Conference the following year. Surveys can be completed online.
Special Conference Events Special Conference Events
Keynote Speaker Keynote Speaker
American Model United Nations International strives to bring quality keynote speakers to the Conference. AMUN keynote speakers are usually individuals with extensive background in international affairs and have included ambassadors, United Nations employees, speakers from NGOs and notable personalities. The date and time of a keynote speaker will be dependent on the speaker’s schedule, and the conference agenda will be adjusted accordingly to accommodate the speaker and to maximize representatives’ time in committee. Biographical information on the keynote speaker will be made available in the Conference Program. If you have a suggestion for (and, ideally, a connection to) a keynote speaker at AMUN, please email the Executive Office at mail@amun.org.
After-hours caucusing space After-hours caucusing space
One of the draws of any Model UN conference is the after-hours informal caucusing. An informal meeting area is available in the River rooms of the Conference hotel, which representatives will be encouraged to use after hours. Gatherings in hotel sleeping areas are strongly discouraged; these could very easily disturb other guests in the hotel, reflecting poorly on both participating schools and on the Conference.
Representative Dance Representative Dance
AMUN encourages all participants to attend our representative dance on Monday evening of the Conference. The dance theme will be revealed on AMUN’s website and publications in the fall. Attire matching the dance theme is encouraged, although not required.
As the dance is hosted by AMUN, only representatives wearing appropriate attire and their current conference credentials will be allowed to enter the dance. Due to security and safety concerns, NO bags, glassware, bottles, or other containers will be allowed on the level of the dance. Representatives bringing any of these items will be asked to take them to their rooms. Representatives participating in the overnight crisis session for the Security Council or Historical Security Councils simulations will be provided storage space, which they can access at the start of the emergency session. AMUN is not able to provide storage space for other personal belongings. This policy requires planning and special attention, especially for representatives staying at area hotels rather than at the Sheraton. While attending the dance, representatives are guests of the Sheraton hotel and must remain in approved areas of the hotel at all times. Representatives must remain diplomatically courteous during and after the dance. AMUN and hotel security reserve the right to expel any participant acting in a discourteous or disruptive manner.
Security Council Emergency Session Security Council Emergency Session
Representatives in each Security Council will work to resolve a simulated crisis during the Conference. This unique simulation occurs late Monday evening, during and after the representative dance. It is strongly encouraged that all members of the Security Council stay at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Hotel during their participation at AMUN. Attendance at the emergency session by each Member of the Council is mandatory per the rules of procedure. Attendance at crisis sessions is limited to Security Council and Historical Security Council representatives, requested parties to the dispute, International Press Delegation reporters, and their faculty advisors. Observers must secure the permission of the AMUN Secretariat members in charge of the session. Secretariat members have the authority to request anyone they determine is being disruptive to leave the area and return to other areas of the Sheraton or to their hotel.
Events for Faculty Advisors and Permanent Representatives Events for Faculty Advisors and Permanent Representatives
AMUN hosts several Conference-related events for permanent representatives and faculty advisors during each Conference. They are:
- Delegation Lottery: The Delegation lottery is conducted at Conference and allows the current year’s attendees to select countries for the following year. A deposit for next year’s Conference is required to participate.
- Committee on the Agenda: The Committee on the Agenda is the chance for schools to voice their opinions on topics for the next Conference. This input is highly valued by the AMUN Staff and is used by the Secretariat when deliberating on the topics for the next year.
- Permanent representative and faculty advisor meetings: Held on Sunday and Monday of Conference, these meetings allow you to share comments and concerns on this year’s Conference and any hotel issues your school may be experiencing.
- Roundtables and workshops for faculty advisors: Guest speakers discuss running and advocating for Model UN with Faculty Advisors in round robin discussions. Consult the Conference Program for times and locations.
Graduate School and Career Expo Graduate School and Career Expo
The Expo is a great opportunity to meet with representatives from graduate schools and organizations across the country and plan your future. The Graduate School and Career Expo will be held this year on Monday, 19 November 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event and exhibitors will be announced and highlighted both in our Conference Program, the Conference Guidebook and the AMUN Chronicle. The Expo will be located in the main corridor on the Ballroom level, outside of the primary meeting rooms that hold most of the Conference events. Students will be introduced to the Expo area on their way to and from the open Monday morning meeting sessions.
Chapter 1 – General Information
This chapter provides representatives with the logistical information needed to attend the American Model United Nations (AMUN) International Conference. Questions about this information should be directed to the AMUN Executive Office at the mail@amun.org or 773.777.AMUN (2686).
2018 Conference Simulations 2018 Conference Simulations
In 2018, AMUN will simulate the General Assembly (GA) Plenary, four Main GA Committees, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), Committee for Development Policy Expert Group (CDPEG), the World Health Organization Executive Board (WHO), the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the United Nations Security Council and the International Court of Justice(ICJ). AMUN also simulates three historical bodies: the Historical Security Council of 1948 (HSC48), the Historical Security Council of 1993 (HSC93) and the Historical Commission of Inquiry of 2005 (COI05). Finally, AMUN features a simulation of the International Press Delegation (IPD), which produces the Conference newspaper, maintains AMUN Twitter during Conference and covers all simulations’ work
The General Assembly First (Disarmament & International Security), Second (Economic & Financial), Third (Social, Humanitarian & Cultural) and Sixth (Legal) Committees, the Concurrent General Assembly Plenary, World Health Organization Executive Board and United Nations Environment Assembly will meet for the first three and a half days of the Conference (i.e., from Saturday evening to Tuesday morning). These six committees will then come together for a plenary session of the General Assembly during the afternoon session on Tuesday. Up to four representatives may be seated at the country’s placard for the combined plenary session, and students may change out as required.
The purpose of the General Assembly combined plenary session will be twofold. First, for the General Assembly Main Committees (GA1, GA2, GA3, GA6), the plenary body will consider and vote on one of the body’s resolutions; the purpose here is to build consensus among Member States and to ratify the work of the General Assembly Main Committees. While a small amount of additional debate is typical, it is expected that the work done by each Committee will be respected. It is rare for significant changes to be made or for a resolution to fail in the Plenary session after passing in Committee. Second, for the remaining bodies, whose resolutions are not sent to the General Assembly Plenary for further consideration, the plenary session will hear the reports of and take questions on the work of these bodies. Each of these committees will have an opportunity to present their work and answer questions in front of the larger group, but no vote will be taken.
The Commission on Population and Development and Committee for Development Policy Expert Group will meet for the first three and a half days of the Conference (i.e., from Saturday evening to Tuesday morning). The purpose of these two committees is to build consensus and to write and ratify reports submitted to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These two committees, along with the 54 Member States of the Economic and Social Council will convene for a plenary session on Tuesday afternoon.
The purpose of the Economic and Social Council plenary session will be to hear the reports of and take questions on the two subsidiary bodies submitting a final report to the Economic and Social Council. The Members of the Economic and Social Council will receive the reports of its commissions and will vote on resolutions that recognize the bodies for their work and accept the work of their commissions. It is expected that the Members of Economic and Social Council will ask questions and read a short abstract about the commissions’ work and then will generally pass a resolution adopting these reports with consensus or at least overwhelming support. While a small amount of additional debate is typical, it is expected that the work done by each commission over the first three days of the Conference will be respected.
The Contemporary Security Council will be responsible for dealing with international peace and security issues as they stand at the opening of the Conference. A tentative list of topics will be provided for preparation, but representatives should be prepared to discuss any and all security issues that might arise. The Historical Security Councils (1948 and 1993) will simulate the events of those years; they will use contemporary rules of procedure but will roleplay the viewpoint of their delegation at the time of the simulation. The Security Council and the Historical Security Councils will meet all four days of the Conference, including an emergency session on Monday night and a debrief on Tuesday afternoon.
The International Press Delegation (IPD), the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Historical Commission of Inquiry of 2005 (COI 05) are unique simulations that will meet all four days of the Conference. Individuals must apply for positions on these simulations on the AMUN website. The International Press Delegation will provide journalistic cover for the Conference, producing at least one newspaper each day. The International Court of Justice will hear cases brought to the Court by Member States. The Historical Commission of Inquiry of 2005 will simulate a fact-finding investigation of two international incidents as requested by the Security Council
Safety at AMUN Safety at AMUN
AMUN places extreme importance on the safety of our participants and guests. We hope that you have an excellent and fun learning experience while at the Conference but encourage everyone to consider safety issues in and around the Conference hotel. Safety should always be more important than avoiding minor embarrassment to you or another person.
We suggest that you follow several common-sense rules to keep all participants safe during the Conference, including the following guidelines:
- As a general rule, do not leave the hotel grounds without letting your group know how to find you.
- Always let one of the leaders of your group (faculty, club officer, etc.) know where you are going prior to leaving the area around the hotel (to visit local friends or relatives, etc.).
- Never leave any hotel alone after dark, and always travel with at least one person that you know.
- Always remove your credentials prior to leaving the hotel so as not to advertise yourself as a tourist.
- Help other participants to be safe by encouraging them to not travel outside of the hotel alone.
- Inform one of the leaders of your group or an AMUN Secretariat Member immediately if you have a safety concern, or if any emergency situation occurs to you or another participant, regardless of the time.
AMUN encourages all faculty advisors and other group leaders to take time before the Conference to reinforce these and any other relevant safety instructions based on the rules of your schools. In case of an emergency, hotel security may be reached by dialing 0 on any hotel phone and requesting the security office. Also, please feel free to contact the AMUN Secretariat at any time during the Conference, day or night, if any emergency event occurs in which we can be of assistance.
Conference Policies Conference Policies
Minimum and Maximum Delegation Counts Minimum and Maximum Delegation Counts
AMUN strongly recommends delegations place two representatives on the following committees: the Security Council, the Historical Security Council of 1948 and the Historical Security Council of 1993. Each delegation may place one or two representatives on the following committees: General Assembly Concurrent Plenary, General Assembly First, General Assembly Second, General Assembly Third, General Assembly Sixth, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), the Committee for Development Policy Expert Group (CDPEG) and the World Health Organization Executive Board (WHO). Each delegation may place only one representative on the Special Committee, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). Seats on the International Court of Justice, International Press Delegation and the Historical Commission of Inquiry of 2005 (COI05) are assigned by application. Generally, only one person from a school can be assigned to each of these simulations.
Delegations may also designate a floating permanent representative to assist with coordination across the delegation. Representatives may also have part-time assignments at Conference as an advocate for the International Court of Justice, as a party to the dispute in the Security Council or a Historical Security Council or as a witness to the Historical Commission of Inquiry simulation.
Schools may register up to four faculty advisors.
Dress Code Dress Code
The appearance of AMUN participants provides the first impressions of their delegation to other representatives. Attention to proper appearance sets an expectation for professionalism and competence. In order to demonstrate respect to fellow representatives, Secretariat members and distinguished guests of the Conference, AMUN requires conservative Western business attire for all representatives and Secretariat during all formal sessions, including the final sessions on Tuesday.
Western business attire is a business jacket or suit, dress slacks or skirt, dress shirt (with a tie for men), and dress shoes. Attire should follow the rule of being appropriate for visiting an embassy. Revealing dress shirts that expose excessive bare skin are not appropriate. Sweaters or leggings are generally considered too casual for Western business attire. Clothing that reveals undergarments in any way, including being too tight, is not appropriate. AMUN will not consider any manner of dress appropriate which includes T-shirts, jeans, shorts, hats, athletic shoes or any form of commercial advertising.
Participants shall not wear the traditional or religious garb of any State or organization. The only exception to this is required traditional or religious garb of a student’s personal religion or culture. Additionally, participants should not affect the mannerisms, linguistic characteristics or any other perceived traits of a State or culture that they are representing. These affectations are inappropriate and may be seen as offensive by other students, or by natives of that State or culture. Small lapel pins representing the delegation’s flag or other national symbols are appropriate.
Please be aware that representatives who are not appropriately attired or who do not follow these rules may not be recognized during formal debate in any AMUN simulation. Further, AMUN reserves the right to refuse admittance to the Conference floor to any representative who is inappropriately attired or who violates the above provisions. Decisions about appropriate attire and professional behavior are at the discretion of the AMUN Secretariat.
Conduct Conduct
Representatives are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting international diplomats. This means that every courtesy, both in speech and behavior, should be extended to all representatives, faculty members, hotel staff members, guests and AMUN Secretariat members at the Conference. AMUN expects the same level of diplomatic courtesy in written communications, including notes passed during formal session and posts to social media sites. AMUN reserves the right to expel any representative not acting in a courteous and professional fashion. Please refer to Rule 2.2, Diplomatic Courtesy, for more information.
To provide all participants, including representatives, Faculty Advisors, exhibitors, hotel staff, and AMUN Secretariat, the opportunity to benefit from Conference, AMUN is committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, language, physical appearance, race or ethnicity, religion or other group identity. AMUN seeks to provide a conference environment in which diverse participants may learn and enjoy an environment of mutual human respect. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and foster that environment for the benefit of all. Some behaviors are, therefore, specifically prohibited. Examples of such behavior include, but are not limited to:
- Harassment or intimidation based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, language, physical appearance, race or ethnicity, religion or other group identity.
- Sexual harassment or intimidation, including persistent and unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact.
- Yelling at or threatening others (verbally or physically).
Speakers are asked to frame discussions as openly and inclusively as possible and to be aware of how language or images may be perceived by others. All participants are expected to observe these rules and behaviors in all conference venues, including online. Participants asked to stop one of the aforementioned behaviors are expected to comply immediately. Any final rulings on violations of the Code of Conduct are subject to determination by the Executive Office with consultation as needed with the Board of Directors.
If anything happens throughout the conference that makes you feel unsafe, or that prohibits you from fully participating in the AMUN experience, please let us know so that we can help you understand your options and decide what steps need to be taken to address the issue. You can contact us anytime by stopping by the Ohio Room, asking to speak to a member of the Executive Office at Conference Services, emailing, calling, or sending a message through the Guidebook app.
Accessibility and Accommodation Accessibility and Accommodation
AMUN makes every effort to ensure that all attendees are able to fully participate in their respective roles. If you or any member of your delegation requires any accommodations or modifications to get the most out of the AMUN experience, please contact Shannon Dunn, the Executive Director, at mail@amun.org as soon as possible, so we can discuss appropriate arrangements. Should you realize once Conference starts that you need an additional accommodation or modification, please visit the Ohio Room on the office level and a member of the AMUN Secretariat will be happy to assist you.
Use of Electronic Devices Use of Electronic Devices
The use of electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, e-readers and cell phones, is permitted in committee rooms provided they are silenced. All electronic devices must be set up and powered in a manner which does not create a safety hazard for other representatives. During formal session, groups may not congregate around said devices; all caucusing must take place outside committee rooms. Any use of electronic devices in committee rooms should relate to the purposes of the Conference and must comply with the expectation of Diplomatic Courtesy as outlined in Rule 2.2. All representatives are expected to comply with the directions of the AMUN Secretariat regarding the use of electronic devices.
Plagiarism Plagiarism
AMUN strives to create a simulation of the United Nations which is as realistic as possible while still allowing for the fulfillment of our participants’ and the organization’s educational goals. As such, the AMUN policy regarding plagiarism focuses on an educational rather than a punitive goal. At AMUN, plagiarism involves the substantial, verbatim or near-verbatim copying of language, without attribution, in published or unpublished texts, speeches or documents. Representatives should adhere to their country’s policies at all times, but this does not give license to plagiarize existing materials. Thus, parts of speeches or position papers may be derived or paraphrased from previous speeches or papers, but should not be copied verbatim. Additionally, representatives should not copy and represent as their own the work of another representative or group of representatives. Collaboration and consensus-building is encouraged and appropriate, but representatives should take care that the authors of resolutions, reports and other documents are fully represented in the discussion of the body’s work. Collaborative work remains the work of the collaboration even when not all representatives are able to sign on to the final product.
Similarly, AMUN expects that all representatives are familiar with past resolutions at the United Nations, but the work of the United Nations should be expanded on in representatives’ work, not copied verbatim. There are some exceptions: for example, representatives are not necessarily expected to expand upon a phrase that is often or always used when a country gives a formal speech or a clause that is repeated verbatim through several years of resolutions on a topic. Generally, it is not necessary to explicitly credit such sources, although if substantial language is quoted, it should be acknowledged and cited. Final determinations on plagiarism and its consequences are at the discretion of the AMUN Secretariat.
The goal of any Model UN conference is to work toward the resolution of a problem facing the world. The documents created to this end are inevitably the work of a collaborative process; without that collaboration, consensus would never be achievable. The goal of a Model UN conference is not and should never be to be the Member State that submitted or sponsored a draft document. The collaborative process that results in the drafting and submission of draft documents is always expected to be conducted with the utmost level of respect and diplomatic courtesy.
Credentials Credentials
Name badges act as representatives’ credentials for the Conference. Credentials will list a representative’s name, country and the Committee to which they are assigned. Credentials for permanent representatives will state “Permanent Representative” regardless of whether they are assigned to a particular simulation. Representatives, faculty advisors and Conference guests will be required to wear their assigned credentials at all times while in the Conference area. This includes social events after normal Conference hours. No one will be admitted to any Conference area, including social events, without approved credentials.
Representatives must also wear their credentials at all times while in the common areas of the hotel. This will allow representatives to be easily recognized by both Conference and hotel staff and will help to alleviate any potential problems that may arise within the hotel. Representatives should always remove their credentials immediately before leaving the hotel. A convention badge worn on the streets of a large city advertises you as a tourist and is an open invitation to potential trouble. Please exercise caution in this area.
Seating and Placards Seating and Placards
A placard with the name of each delegation will be placed at that delegation’s seat in each Committee. These are the property of AMUN; the placard should not be defaced or removed from the location assigned by the Secretariat or removed from the room. Placards of Member States are always placed in alphabetical order, but the exact position of the placards changes at the beginning of each session to ensure equality in seating delegations. Observer States are always seated at the end of the Member States, but will also rotate positions when the room is re-set. Exceptions to this rule are made to accommodate differently abled representatives. Representatives are welcome to take their placard with them as a souvenir after their committee has convened for the last time (for delegations in report-writing bodies, after the ECOSOC Plenary session.)
Lost and Found Lost and Found
Any found unclaimed property can be turned in to the Lost and Found located at Conference Services. Items will be held until the end of the closing session, at which time they will be turned over to hotel security.
- The Conference Services staff will make every attempt to contact the owner if an email, phone number, country name or address is located on the item.
- In order to claim a lost item from the Lost and Found, the owner must describe as closely as possible the lost item.
- A log book is available to customers with missing items. They may list the lost item along with their name, email or phone number and they will be contacted if their item is turned in.
- Conference Services’ hours are listed in the Conference Program.
Post-Conference Surveys Post-Conference Surveys
The AMUN Secretariat works year-round to prepare and run a premiere Model UN Conference. With your feedback we are able to improve the educational and administrative experience for our participants. Please take a moment to complete a post conference survey. Your feedback is invaluable to us as we plan for an even more successful Conference the following year. Surveys can be completed online.
Special Conference Events Special Conference Events
Keynote Speaker Keynote Speaker
American Model United Nations International strives to bring quality keynote speakers to the Conference. AMUN keynote speakers are usually individuals with extensive background in international affairs and have included ambassadors, United Nations employees, speakers from NGOs and notable personalities. The date and time of a keynote speaker will be dependent on the speaker’s schedule, and the conference agenda will be adjusted accordingly to accommodate the speaker and to maximize representatives’ time in committee. Biographical information on the keynote speaker will be made available in the Conference Program. If you have a suggestion for (and, ideally, a connection to) a keynote speaker at AMUN, please email the Executive Office at mail@amun.org.
After-hours caucusing space After-hours caucusing space
One of the draws of any Model UN conference is the after-hours informal caucusing. An informal meeting area is available in the River rooms of the Conference hotel, which representatives will be encouraged to use after hours. Gatherings in hotel sleeping areas are strongly discouraged; these could very easily disturb other guests in the hotel, reflecting poorly on both participating schools and on the Conference.
Representative Dance Representative Dance
AMUN encourages all participants to attend our representative dance on Monday evening of the Conference. The dance theme will be revealed on AMUN’s website and publications in the fall. Attire matching the dance theme is encouraged, although not required.
As the dance is hosted by AMUN, only representatives wearing appropriate attire and their current conference credentials will be allowed to enter the dance. Due to security and safety concerns, NO bags, glassware, bottles, or other containers will be allowed on the level of the dance. Representatives bringing any of these items will be asked to take them to their rooms. Representatives participating in the overnight crisis session for the Security Council or Historical Security Councils simulations will be provided storage space, which they can access at the start of the emergency session. AMUN is not able to provide storage space for other personal belongings. This policy requires planning and special attention, especially for representatives staying at area hotels rather than at the Sheraton. While attending the dance, representatives are guests of the Sheraton hotel and must remain in approved areas of the hotel at all times. Representatives must remain diplomatically courteous during and after the dance. AMUN and hotel security reserve the right to expel any participant acting in a discourteous or disruptive manner.
Security Council Emergency Session Security Council Emergency Session
Representatives in each Security Council will work to resolve a simulated crisis during the Conference. This unique simulation occurs late Monday evening, during and after the representative dance. It is strongly encouraged that all members of the Security Council stay at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Hotel during their participation at AMUN. Attendance at the emergency session by each Member of the Council is mandatory per the rules of procedure. Attendance at crisis sessions is limited to Security Council and Historical Security Council representatives, requested parties to the dispute, International Press Delegation reporters, and their faculty advisors. Observers must secure the permission of the AMUN Secretariat members in charge of the session. Secretariat members have the authority to request anyone they determine is being disruptive to leave the area and return to other areas of the Sheraton or to their hotel.
Events for Faculty Advisors and Permanent Representatives Events for Faculty Advisors and Permanent Representatives
AMUN hosts several Conference-related events for permanent representatives and faculty advisors during each Conference. They are:
- Delegation Lottery: The Delegation lottery is conducted at Conference and allows the current year’s attendees to select countries for the following year. A deposit for next year’s Conference is required to participate.
- Committee on the Agenda: The Committee on the Agenda is the chance for schools to voice their opinions on topics for the next Conference. This input is highly valued by the AMUN Staff and is used by the Secretariat when deliberating on the topics for the next year.
- Permanent representative and faculty advisor meetings: Held on Sunday and Monday of Conference, these meetings allow you to share comments and concerns on this year’s Conference and any hotel issues your school may be experiencing.
- Roundtables and workshops for faculty advisors: Guest speakers discuss running and advocating for Model UN with Faculty Advisors in round robin discussions. Consult the Conference Program for times and locations.
Graduate School and Career Expo Graduate School and Career Expo
The Expo is a great opportunity to meet with representatives from graduate schools and organizations across the country and plan your future. The Graduate School and Career Expo will be held this year on Monday, 19 November 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event and exhibitors will be announced and highlighted both in our Conference Program, the Conference Guidebook and the AMUN Chronicle. The Expo will be located in the main corridor on the Ballroom level, outside of the primary meeting rooms that hold most of the Conference events. Students will be introduced to the Expo area on their way to and from the open Monday morning meeting sessions.