What is Model United Nations?
In Model UN, students step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization's agenda. Students make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the conference rules of procedure - all in the interest of mobilizing “international cooperation” to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world.
When does the class meet? What should be expected?
We meet every Monday from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm in Mr. Carlisle's classroom, H-5. Success in the class is determined by attendance and active participation. Depending on the day, we may discuss a recent political event in the news, watch a video that relates to a crisis, hold a mock conference, or take time discussing the planning and organization of the conferences we attend.
Also, students will participate in the planning and running of Capo’s own 17th annual MUN conference. Our conference takes place annually in the second week of December, with approximately 500 delegates from outside schools attending.
What does activity outside of the classroom constitute?
Students will attend conferences at other high schools, such as Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Hills. Conferences will discuss UN-related issues with students playing the roles of delegates representing UN member nations, tasked with finding a solution to the topic on hand. On average, we do not attend more than 2 or 3 per semester, and they are always on the weekend. Furthermore, students will be well-prepared by Mr. Carlisle and the veterans of the class. In fact, many of our first-time students win awards at their first conference.
Additionally, students have the option to attend an away conference every year, ranging from San Francisco to New York City. In February 2015, we had a group of students travel to Boston to attend the Harvard Model Congress. Students will miss no more than a week of school during these travelling trips.
What are the benefits?
For those of you interested in the Ivy Leagues, UC’s, and other colleges, admission officers will be sure to look highly at a student who has taken Model United Nations during his or her high school years. In recent years, MUN students have been accepted to prestigious schools such as Harvard, Princeton, Amherst, UCI, UC Berkeley, USC, UCSD, UCLA, Carnegie Mellon, and UC Davis. Additionally, if you are interested in doing Capo’s International Baccalaureate program as a junior/senior, MUN will count for your IB CAS hours. For those looking to pursue foreign affairs in the future, Model UN at the high school level is solid, and often times, necessary preparation for Model UN in the college-circuit. Beyond college admissions, the course gives students a well-rounded understanding of the global community.
Are there any positions of leadership?
Yes. Students may run for positions in the CVHS MUN leadership council, starting the end of their freshman year. Some positions are elected by class vote, while others are appointed by the elected board and Mr. Carlisle.
How does grading work?
Students receive elective credit for the course. They may choose to have the class appear as a letter grade, or as a CR pass/fail. To be given the CR pass/fail option, students must have an A in the class at the end of the semester.
Is there an application requirement?
Yes. In order to maintain a good student-to-teacher ratio, students are required to submit an application and attend an interview.
Applications are currently closed for the 2022-2023 school year. Please check again at the beginning of the Spring Semester 2023.
Is prior UN knowledge required?
No; however, students will be evaluated during the application and interview process. Strong academic standing, intellectual potential, and a desire to learn are the major aspects considered.
Is there a fee?
There is no mandatory fee, but donations are highly encouraged. Capo MUN participates in four mandatory Model UN Conferences during the year, and there is a cost that is incurred to CVHS MUN in attending these four conferences. The cost is compromised of individual delegate fee, school registration fee, and provided lunches.
CVHS MUN suggests a donation per semester to come up with the funds necessary for Capo MUN to attend these conferences. No child will be excluded from participation in the conference if they are unable or unwilling to donate. However, if we fail to raise the necessary funds, CVHS MUN will be unable to attend conferences in the upcoming year.
Please make donation checks made out to CVHS MUN.
I have another question but it is not answered here. What do I do?
If you have further questions regarding CVHS MUN, feel free to email the executive board at capovalleymun@gmail.com or contact our advisor Mr. Carlisle directly at bmcarlisle@capousd.org.