Two Southeast Missouri State University students recently participated in the Model Constitutional Convention at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), an immersive academic simulation that brings together students from across the country to debate, draft and propose amendments to a constitution.
The Model Constitutional Convention (MCC), held every two years, assigns students to state delegations and committees where they engage in structured debate over constitutional and governmental frameworks. Participants examine how a modern constitution might evolve, including the opportunity to propose new amendments or reimagine foundational governing principles.
For Zack Bollinger, a political science student at SEMO, the experience provided a hands-on opportunity to engage with constitutional processes beyond the classroom.
“Events like this are incredibly important to participate in because they provide the opportunity to learn in a hands-on way,” said Bollinger. “I feel they bring to life the possibility of amending the Constitution in a real-world circumstance.”
Bollinger described the experience as both impactful and educational, noting the value of engaging with diverse perspectives from students nationwide.
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“The event was a wonderful, experiential learning opportunity that I was blessed to have been a part of. I cherish what I learned from the event and the friends I made from the experience. While my amendment did not pass, it was still an eye-opening trip, where I learned a lot about people's perspectives from across the country,” said Bollinger.
SEMO student Mary-Beth Ogden also attended the convention, where she represented the state of Maine and served on the Lexington and Concord committee.
Ogden said the MCC functions as a full-scale simulation in which students examine constitutional structure and governance through debate and proposed reform.
“A group of students convene and are assigned state delegations and committees,” Ogden said. “Together we have meaningful discussions over constitutional and governmental frameworks. This opportunity gives us a chance to examine what the Constitution could look like if it was edited by someone living in the twenty-first century.”
Ogden added that participants can propose a wide range of constitutional changes, offering a deep exploration of civic systems and governance.
“We can propose new amendments, take out already existing ones, move to remove major doctrines from the document such as the separation of powers, or move to completely restart with an entirely new constitution,” she said. “The possibilities are truly endless, and that is the most exciting part.”
She said she applied through a competitive process that included a resume and letter of intent, noting that hundreds of students applied from across the state and nation.
“I am just incredibly grateful that I was chosen for this opportunity,” Ogden said.
Ogden said she was assigned to represent Maine. She said the experience has strengthened her academic and civic learning while also building community among peers.
“It is important to participate in events like this one because of its connection simultaneously to both the future and the past,” Ogden said. “This type of activity is monumentally important for civically minded students to experience the full gravity of what an event like this one could entail.”
The experience reflects Southeast Missouri State University’s emphasis on experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom study with real-world civic and professional engagement.
At SEMO, students regularly participate in national academic simulations and applied learning experiences that prepare them for careers in public service, law, policy and related fields. To explore political science programs and experiential learning opportunities at SEMO, visit semo.edu/polisci.