Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Anthropology, History and Political Science will host students from across southeast Missouri on Nov. 12 for a regional Model United Nations (UN) that gives students the opportunity to research international issues, represent assigned countries and debate solutions to global challenges.
Model UN is an academic simulation activity where students act as diplomats representing different countries to debate and solve global issues. Before the conference, delegates research their assigned countries and a variety of international topics, tackling issues such as national security, human rights and global peace. During the conference, students use that research to debate issues, negotiate with other delegates and work toward solutions.
The conference will also include an essay and flag contest, giving students additional opportunities to demonstrate their research and creativity.
SEMO’s own Model United Nations club will help organize and run the conference throughout the day, providing experience with large-scale event planning.
The conference has been hosted by political science faculty and students for over 30 years, connecting high school students with the University while introducing them to an academic experience that draws on research, communication, political science, history and other disciplines.
“Model UN covers a broad range of topics that appeal to a broad range of people,” said Dr. Debra Holzhauer, academic advisor of the Model UN club and associate professor political science at SEMO. “The conference acts as a way to attract students to a range of majors here at the University.”
For high school students, the conference offers a chance to put research and communication skills into practice while exploring academic interests. For SEMO students, organizing the conference provides another opportunity to apply those skills in a real event involving students and schools from across the region.
The Model UN conference is from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in SEMO’s University Center. To learn more about this event, contact Dr. Debra Holzhauer at dholzhauer@semo.edu or visit the website.
Students interested in exploring academic programs and hands-on opportunities at SEMO can visit semo.edu/apply.