MUN became a regular three-credit class last spring, and the program does not just interest political science students – business, history, and even chemistry majors are also represented. The 19 students involved in the program this year will attend a one-day conference in Long Beach on March 5 in preparation for the four-day American Pacific Coast MUN held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, March 31-April 3. The University funds the students’ participation in the conference and hotel fees, but this year, a $1,000 donation from the Roadium Open Air Market, a gift secured by participating student Mark Mussari, also helped defer the costs. 

Getting hands-on experience and honing skills like public speaking, writing and researching, the program has come to be known as one of the finest submersed academic environment programs at CSUDH. “Some of the students said that this was flat out the best course they’ve ever taken,” said Wayne Martin, professor of political science, who started the program in 1996 with fellow faculty member Hamoud Salhi and who has run the program by himself since that first year. “That’s because they get so involved. This is the kind of class where they have to work because it’s somewhat competitive, and the last thing they want to do is go to the conference unprepared and have it show in front of their peers. They all take it very seriously.”

With colleges and universities from across the country participating, the conferences function as a simulation of the United Nations, requiring students to speak and resolve issues as if members of a designated country’s delegation on an actual committee at the UN. Months before the conferences, students are assigned to a specific country delegation and committee and given a series of issues to address and resolve during the conference.  

A sample assignment a CSUDH student has this year is as a representative from Spain on the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs. The issues the committee will address include synthetic drug trafficking, reducing the availability of marijuana, and treatment of opiate addicts – all actual issues this committee addresses at the UN.  

In order to be prepared for such a rigorous practicum, students must learn basic international relations theories, general knowledge of the country they represent, background information on the specific issues posed to them, and the rules of simulation followed at the UN. They must also prepare written policy statements explaining their country’s position regarding the issues. 

Many of the students refer to the usefulness of skills like public speaking and getting to know their peers as highlights of the program. “I’m kind of shy, so speaking in front of 75 people was a new experience for me,” said senior Cynthia Rascon, history, who served on the German Human Rights Committee last year. “I was nervous the first few times, but then I got the hang of it. I want to be a teacher so being comfortable in front of a group will obviously be really important for me.” 

“I think I learned the most in this class than in any other I’ve taken because it’s not like I’m getting an assignment and then just turning it in. You have to do real research and know the country you represent like the back of your hand,” said senior Maritza Dreux, political science, who will represent Cuba on the Human Rights Commission and World Health Organization committees at the conferences. 

Delivering a positive experience for students like Dreux and Rascon has translated into a number of MUN alumni who have pursued careers in related fields. Martin says a number have gone on to law school or work for government agencies. Some have worked on the staffs of U.S. Congressmen and women. And possibly the most telling indicator of the program’s influence: one former student started a MUN program at the school where he now teaches. With no plans of slowing down the program’s popularity, Martin only hopes the next 10 years of the program will be as productive and enjoyable as the first 10.