In fall 2014, the Model United Nations (Model UN) program returns to Santiago Canyon College (SCC). In 2009, SCC’s award-winning Model UN Program was forced to go dark due to state budget cuts. Now, thanks to a $10,000 grant from Edison International the program will resume this year.
According to SCC assistant professor of history and political science Narges Rabii, Model UN advisor, this exciting program trains students to emulate world leaders. Students work on solutions to real global problems such as nuclear proliferation, cybercrime, illiteracy, scarcity of clean water, violence against women, food and hunger, and the environment.
To participate in Model UN program this fall, students must enroll in Political Science 150, Introduction to Model United Nations.
Founded more than 50 years ago, Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, or other multilateral body, which projects students into the world of diplomacy and negotiation. In Model UN, students assume the role of ambassadors of UN member states. In past years, SCC students have represented Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Austria. The students, better known as “delegates” in Model UN parlance, prepare draft resolutions, plot strategy, negotiate with supporters and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the UN's rules of procedure.
“There are many benefits,” Rabii said, “including opportunities to travel to conferences. And students can earn up to four extracurricular units, which is viewed very favorably by admissions committees when students are applying to transfer to other colleges and universities. Model UN helps students sharpen their public speaking, analytic reasoning, conflict resolution, problem solving, writing, and research skills.”
While at SCC, Model UN students research and formulate political positions based on the actual policies of the countries they represent. Then the fun begins when they attend conferences where the competition and diplomacy occur. In previous years, the SCC Model UN team won three national awards at Model UN conferences. This year, the team will travel to and compete in the Model UN conference held in Washington, DC, October 31-November 2.
For additional information about the program, please contact Professor Rabii at (714) 628-4940 or via email. Tax-deductible donations to help fund the Model UN program at SCC may be made through the SCC Foundation by calling (714) 628-4790.
