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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a Model UN Conference?
  2. What are the educational benefits of MUN?
  3. How do I prepare for the conference?
  4. What kinds of committees are simulated at SSUNS?
  5. How are countries assigned?
  6. What are the minimum and maximum delegation sizes? How many faculty advisors are required?
  7. What is the difference between priority and regular registration?
  8. Can I add additional delegates after priority registration?
  9. Will there be an opportunity to tour McGill University?
  10. Are there opportunities to visit other universities and sites of interest in Canada?
  11. How long will it take to get a visa?
  12. Do you have any suggestions on how to raise money to attend the conference?
  13. Why should I come to SSUNS?
  14. I want to come! What do I do next?
  15. If I have additional questions, who should I contact?

What is a Model UN Conference?

A Model UN conference is a simulation of the United Nations. Each student becomes an ambassador from a specific country, putting aside their personal beliefs to represent their country's foreign policy. At the conference, they debate with other delegates on predetermined topics and attempt to arrive at a consensus. This is formally written up as a resolution, and is voted upon by the organisation.

What are the educational benefits of MUN?

Model UN conferences are great learning experiences for students. Before the conference, students research their country's foreign policy in regards to the topics which will be discussed. Their research culminates in a position paper – a concise statement of their country's policy. At the conference, students build their public speaking, conflict resolution and critical thinking skills as they experience first-hand the effects of conflicting national interests and objectives that characterise the international system today. Students return with a broader perspective and an increased awareness of international problems.

How do I prepare for the conference?

After you register, you will be given country and committee assignments. Each committee will prepare a background guide which explains the topics to be discussed. This is used as a springboard for delegates to begin research. A guide to writing the position paper will be posted on the delegations section of the website. Additionally, there will be training material to teach delegates parliamentary procedure, which is the collection of rules governing how committees are run.

What kinds of committees are simulated at SSUNS?

To give delegates the most realistic experience possible, SSUNS offers a variety of committee choices:

  • General Assembly Committees (GAs) are the largest UN bodies, as they have universal membership.
  • Economic and Social Councils (ECOSOCs) are smaller subcommittees run in a similar fashion to GAs.
  • Specialized Agencies include regional bodies and national councils which play a determining role in today's international system
  • Crisis Committees are small groups of decision makers who will be confronted with real time events throughout the weekend. Delegates must quickly and competently negotiate a resolution to the problems presented. They see the immediate consequences of their decisions as the interactive crisis unfolds.
  • Press Corp – recognising the essential role the media plays in the UN and international world, SSUNS offers delegates a unique opportunity to parallel this reality. Press Corp journalists report from the perspective of the paper they represent, and enjoy exclusive access to every committee at the conference.

How are countries assigned?

Country assignments begin with the registration form, where you are asked to list your top country and NGO choices. After priority registration has closed, assignments are made on a first-paid, first-served basis. When several schools have similar country requests, past experience will also be taken into consideration.

What are the minimum and maximum delegation sizes? How many faculty advisors are required?

There are no limits to the number of delegates you can bring to SSUNS. All that we require is that each delegation is accompanied by at least one faculty advisor.

What is the difference between priority and regular registration?

Schools which register by July 11th receive priority in country assignments and a discount on conference registration fees.

Can I add additional delegates after priority registration?

Yes - if there is still space available in the conference, the delegate's application will be entertained.

Will there be an opportunity to tour McGill University ?

Yes. SSUNS organizes tours on Saturday morning, so delegates can explore McGill and Montréal. Additionally, many of our staff members are international students who can answer any questions you may have about attending school in Canada .

Are there opportunities to visit other universities and sites of interest in Canada ?

Yes. We will be more than happy to work with each school on an individual basis to coordinate other activities of interest to the delegation. This could include extending your stay in Montréal or visiting other cities or universities.

How long will it take to get a visa?

If your school will need to get a visa to attend SSUNS, we recommend beginning the process at least two months ahead of time. We will be more than glad to help you with this - please contact schools@ssuns.org

Do you have any suggestions on how to raise money to attend the conference?

Contact the Director of Public Relations, Lisa Burns, at pr@ssuns.org. She will be more than happy to work with you.

Why should I come to SSUNS?

SSUNS is the premier conference in Canada for secondary schools. The committees offered are of the highest caliber and the guest speakers are among the leaders of the international and intellectual community. Features such as the curriculum component and conference theme emphasize the applicability of the weekend's simulation in the real world. SSUNS also offers a multicultural environment conducive to the principles of the UN. Set in the heart of Montréal, SSUNS offers delegates the opportunity to experience first hand the vibrancy and multicultural edge for which this bilingual city has become known. The conference invites approximately 1000 delegates from around the world to participate. This number of delegates allows SSUNS to offer a variety of committee options while maintaining a friendly environment conducive to participation and interaction.

I want to come! What do I do next?

For more information on registration and other details, refer to the check list in the registration section of the website. This sheet clearly outlines all steps which need to be taken between now and November.

If I have additional questions, who should I contact?

The Chargé d'Affaires is the primary liaison between schools and the conference secretariat. “Chargé d'Affaires” is French for “in charge of business,” and he is responsible for all registration inquiries and processing. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Vassili Bazinas, the Chargé d'Affaires for SSUNS 2009, at schools@ssuns.org.