Frequently Asked Questions
Logistics
Where is the conference located?
ScotMUN is held on the Old College and George Square campuses in the centre of Edinburgh. Additionally, the secretariat has created a non-academic guide to Edinburgh to assist the planning of your ScotMUN trip for you and your delegation. This guide contains vital information regarding the conference, so please look over it before you attend.
I have never participated in a Model United Nations conference before. Can I still attend ScotMUN?
Committees are divided into levels of experience. For this reason you are welcome to attend even if you have little or no experience. Although, if so, we would advise you to research how Model United Nations works prior to the conference to ensure smooth running committee sessions.
What should I bring to my committee meetings?
Please bring your position paper as well as any other research you wish to use during the conference. Some sort of writing material such as a computer document or pen and paper work perfectly. Also, please bring a water bottle.
When is the last day to apply?
All delegates wishing to attend ScotMUN must purchase a delegate pack before the end of February.
When is the last day I can get a social pack?
The deadline for purchasing a social pack is the end of February. Note that all social pack purchases are only to be sold to of-age delegates who have purchased a delegate pack.
Academic:
What is a position paper?
A position paper is a detailed account of your delegated country’s stance on the proposed committee topics. Possible components of a position paper include statistics, statements, resolution proposals, and any research to help you in the committee room. We recommend position papers to be about a page per topic and include the specific perimeters and viewpoints of your delegated nation.
Do I need to write a position paper?
Position papers are required if you are looking to win an award (except crisis). Even if not, they are a useful way to get started with research and consolidate information so we strongly encourage you to write one.
How do I prepare for the conference?
Once allocated a country to represent and a committee, you should familiarise yourself with the topics that will be discussed and your county’s position. Study guides provide important background information but we advise you to research further using any resources available to you. If you feel it necessary, it may be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the ways of Model United Nations.
Policies:
I am unhappy with my country or committee allocation, is it possible to change it?
Unfortunately in most cases, reallocation is not viable. At ScotMUN we strive to allocate as many delegates as possible to their preferred committees, however, with the number of delegates attending our conference it is simply not possible for everyone to get their first choice.
In extreme cases where the allocation of country or committee is likely to affect your wellbeing throughout the conference, we encourage you to read our reallocation request guide and act accordingly.
I cannot attend the conference anymore, am I entitled to a refund?
Unfortunately we cannot provide a refund for most circumstances, but please email us at scotmun@gmail.com to let us know your situation.
Is there an age restriction to participate in ScotMUN?
ScotMUN is dedicated to providing opportunities to young adults with an interest in the United Nations. With that in mind, we require that delegates are under 30 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education as mature students. If you register as a delegate and are over age, your registration will be rescinded and you will not be entitled to a refund. If you are of the ages 16 or 17, however, you may be allowed entrance to the conference under two conditions: submitting a underage waiver form (can be found under the Important Docs navigation screen) and an understanding that you will not be allowed to attend any ScotMUN organised social events.
Our delegation would like to have an observer accompany our delegates. What should we do?
You should register as a group using our group form to get a group ID. Then, the same way that each delegate fills out the individual form, the observer should fill one out checking the observer box. The price for an observer is the same as for a delegate.