Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004
Forty-five students have volunteered to form a model United Nations team to compete in scrimmages with other higher education institutions.
"A model UN is a way for students to learn about the United Nations, contemporary international issues, multilateral diplomacy, how to see problems from various perspectives, and how to engage in role playing," said Dr. Andrea Grove, assistant professor of political science and organizer of the group.
Four Westminster College students traveled to Mercyhurst College for a model United Nations scrimmage with the University of Pittsburgh and Mercyhurst College Feb. 7.
"Though more students were interested in going, the trip to Mercyhurst fell the day after the Mock Convention at Westminster," Grove said. "Even though we were small, I was very proud of our students. I was especially impressed by how well prepared they were, considering that doing the research to learn about human rights, the Chechnya case, and their countries' positions had to be done independently, and not part of a class. It's so encouraging to work with students who are interested in the world and inspired to learn on their own."
Jessica Altman, a sophomore business administration major from New Wilmington and Kylie Gallagher, a freshman intercultural studies major from Gibsonia, represented the United Kingdom; Sarah Bolger, a sophomore French major from West Middlesex, and Brad Steines, a junior political science major from Beaver Falls played the role of South Africa. The meet was a simulation of the UN Commission on Human Rights, and the topic was "Condemning Russia's Policy in Chechnya."
"It's interesting doing research to decide what the country you represent thinks," Altman said. "You must play a role. It also allows you to see how other nations feel about Americans and why."
"The model UN was a wonderful experience," Gallagher said. "It allows college students to get a feel for what it might actually be like to be in the position of the United Nations delegates. It's not an easy task to find common ground and create a resolution."
"I prepared an opening statement from the stance of the South African government," Steines said. "The debate was very formal, and followed Robert's Rules of Order. This particular scrimmage was resolved and the resolution was passed."
"I really enjoyed my experience at the model UN conference," Bolger said. "I don't think United States citizens, let alone college students, focus on international affairs enough. I enjoyed interacting with students from other schools, and learning about the positions different nations hold on different issues."
"I hope to have a much larger team travel to the College of Wooster and Mercyhurst scrimmage March 27," Grove said. "Westminster will host an event in October."
For more information, contact Grove at (724) 946-7254 or e-mail groveak@westminster.edu.
