What is CSUSB - MUN?
The CSUSB Model United Nations Program (CSUSB-MUN) consists of three classes (GEOG 5150 - Global Governance and the United Nations System, GEOG 5755 - Model United Nations Practicum [Fall Semester MUN team], and GEOG 5756 - Model United Nations Practicum [Spring Semester MUN Team]) that are related to participation in the program and the student teams that travel to the NMUN Conferences and local MUN conferences in the Inland Empire. It is an interdisciplinary program designed for all students from all academic disciplines and for both undergraduates and graduate students. Thie program is for those who are interested in personal growth and educational achievements.
The CSUSB - MUN Program is more than tests and grades. It is for those who seek a challenge. In this program, students learn about global affairs and the United Nations System by representing a different UN Member State (country). The CSUSB-MUN Program allows CSUSB students to gain a scholarly understanding of global affairs and hands-on experience with conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation, collaboration, cooperation, and diplomatic etiquette. This is NOT a debate team. Students in the MUN Program can serve as delegates on the CSUSB Model United Nations student teams. These teams represent an assigned Member State at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference every year in New York City and various other international NMUN conferences (for example, NMUN-Canada, NMUN-Germany, and NMUN-Japan).
The Success of the CSUSB - MUN
The CSUSB MUN Program participates in a variety of national and international MUN conferences every year. The program first started as a student club in 1973. In the early days of the program, students primarily attended local MUN conferences and the Far West Model United Nations Conference. Beginning in the 1980s and 1990s, the program began to attend the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City - the oldest and largest collegiate MUN conference in the world. Most prominently, the CSUSB MUN Program has participated in the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference in New York City for over forty years. Beginning in Fall 2013, CSUSB students began attending NMUN conferences held every Fall in different countries around the globe (including Germany, Canada, Czech Republic, Japan and South Korea).
The National Model United Nations (NMUN) is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advances understanding of the United Nations and contemporary international issues. The NMUN conferences are the largest conferences of their kind in the world with over 6000 students from 408 universities and colleges from around the globe participating, learning, and collaborating. California State University, San Bernardino Model United Nations is one of the oldest participants in the NMUN conferences and also one of the most successful participants.
Over these years, the MUN team has represented a variety of countries including Malaysia, Uzbekistan, India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iraq, the Philippines, Egypt, Israel, Germany, Morocco, the United States, Cameroon, Jamaica, and Mexico.
The Success of CSUSB - MUN Students Continues After College
The success of CSUSB - MUN students persists after students leave CSUSB. Many alumni of the program have continued to excel in their chosen educational and career paths. Some of the alumni have attended, and are attending!, graduate programs in some of the best universities in the world. Many others have continued their excellence in law schools, medical schools, government, or private sector. These alumni have used their experience in the CSUSB MUN Program as a beginning to the future careers. Combined with other experiences gained and knowledge learned here at CSUSB, the students of our amazing community are making a huge difference in the world today. So, as children of yesteryear, students of today, and global citizens of the future, you are invited to participate.
Support for the CSUSB - MUN
The CSUSB - MUN Program is housed within the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. In this capacity, the department provides the administrative support for the program.
Financial support for the program comes in three forms – funding through the Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) committee at CSUSB from a fee paid by CSUSB student every semester, funding from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and funds donated by both campus and local community members. Various community leaders – such as Ms. Elaine Rosen, Esq. – have been generous in donating funds to support the program and student participation in the MUN conferences nationally and globally. Students who travel with the student MUN teams are required to cover their own food costs in most cases. However, generally the remainder of the costs to attend is covered by various sources.
To donate to CSUSB - MUN program please contact Dr. Kevin Grisham at kgrisham@csusb.edu or Dr. Anahid Modrek at Anahid.Modrek@csusb.edu.