VSU Model UN takes Second at International Competition

VALDOSTA - The VSU Model United Nations team placed second in the National Model United Nations Conference held March 20-24 at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York, N.Y.

The talented team competed with approximately 2,500 students representing universities from around the world and received a “Distinguished Delegation” award for placing second within the top ten percent, which were awarded. VSU represented Iran, a complicated area with little information available in English; therefore, the award was a great accomplishment.

“It is absolutely amazing,” Dr. Kurt Keppler, Vice President for Student Affairs, said. “They have done superb in the program this year as well as in the past.”

Because the opening and closing sessions, as well as the final day, were held in the General Assembly of the United Nations, students had the chance to observe and actually vote at the assigned seats of the delegation they were representing. This year was special because the Security Council of the UN was meeting to discuss the Iranian issue during closing ceremonies.

The Model UN program has been a part of VSU campus opportunities for more than 20 years. It operates under the Political Science Department with supervision from Dr. Carol Glen, professor of Political Science, and promotes understanding and learning in the field of international relations.

The program provides a chance for students to portray different delegations in “mock” UN sessions with assigned membership on “mock” committees, like the Economic and Social Council or the Security Council. Students practice diplomacy, negotiation skills and actually write “resolutions” and “reports” in an attempt to solve topics their assigned committee is discussing.

The VSU team has seen past success. In 2006, the team also received a Distinguished Delegation award and in 2005 it received an Honorable Mention Award for third place. In addition to traveling to the international conference, the VSU MUN also attends the Southern Regional Conference in the fall and hosts a high school conference at VSU during spring.