Why Attend RUMUN?
As the world continues to become more complex and interrelated, there is a specific need for programming that offers students an opportunity to learn about important global issues. The Model United Nations program complements classroom education techniques by immersing students in dialogue with their peers. While Social Studies and history curriculum traditionally focuses on a Western or American perspective on global affairs, Rutgers Model United Nations programs offer a more balanced world-view to all participants.
The hallmark quality of Rutgers Model United Nations is our commitment to realism. Committees for each conference are selected to provide students with a balanced understanding of the world around them, and our discussion topics reflect challenging, intellectual, and often controversial topics that are not generally discussed in the newspaper or the classroom. By bringing students together outside of the school environment, RUMUN seeks to develop the minds of our student delegates. While students gain a direct appreciation for the topics discussed in their committees, RUMUN staff works tirelessly to help students understand not only their role in global society, but also in the arts of diplomacy, compromise, and collaboration.
In addition to our commitment to overall educational growth, RUMUN seeks to create an enjoyable environment in which students are empowered to direct their own path of learning. The staff of each Rutgers Model United Nations conference is committed to providing individual attention to each conference participant. Our staff begins training for the conference nearly a year before the event, completing extensive research on their topics of debate. Throughout the entire process, students are encouraged to contact their committee director or any staff member with any questions or concerns regarding discussion topics or the process of the conference. Moreover, IDIA is happy to provide resources and opportunities for continued enrichment of students.
Benefits of RUMUN
Commitment to Service
Rutgers Model United Nations is managed by the professional staff of the Institute for Domestic & International Affairs, Inc. With more than fifteen years of experience in civic engagement and education programs, IDIA is the leader in the industry for of providing customer service. We recognize that as an educator you are often busy with your teaching responsibilities, and do not have hours available to register and prepare for a conference. Our highly trained staff will work closely with you throughout all stages of the registration and conference process. We are committed to providing you and your students with the highest levels of service and assure your satisfaction.
IDIA Conference Portal
At RUMUN, we believe that the educational experience of the Model United Nations program is critical. To better provide for this educational process, students are encouraged to make full use of the Conference Portal. Registered students are each assigned their own username and password to our website, and are granted access to a wealth of online content, including research anthologies from a variety of publications. In addition to the substantive resources students find in their online portal, they will also have access to a variety of discussion boards and scheduled chat sessions designed to better facilitate conference preparation.
Conference Outreach Program
To help students better prepare for RUMUN, our staff will travel to your school free of charge in the weeks before the conference to provide students with a chance to meet some of their future directors, and to ask questions regarding the rules of procedure, debate topics, and research strategies. In the past, RUMUN staff members have facilitated general preparation meetings, have explained and simulated the rules of procedure, and have helped students prepare their research at local libraries. Although optional, we encourage your school to take part in this innovative and helpful program.
Committee Briefs and Delegate Guide
In the months before the conference, students receive a comprehensively researched document outlining the complex issues surrounding the topics of debate. These committee briefs are designed to provide a foundation upon which students should build their own research. By providing extensive information to the students, we seek to provide a better focus for discussion at the conference.
Participants will also receive a detailed Delegate Guide filled with resources that will make the conference a better learning experience.
RUMUN Staff
The difference between RUMUN and other Model United Nations conferences is our commitment to individual attention and education. Our low student to staff ratio allows our directors and assistant directors the opportunity to work directly with their students throughout the entire conference process – from the time students first receive their committee assignments through the end of the program. With the use of our innovative website, students have unlimited opportunities to speak directly with their directors as they prepare for the conference, and to develop meaningful relationships with their fellow students.