The National Model United Nations Conference has established criteria for evaluating delegate performance. Each element is equally important to the overall awards determination process. All committees are weighted equally, and delegations are rated on a mathematical formula in relation to the total number of committees represented by the individual Member State.
Following the conclusion of sessions, NMUN volunteer staff members recommend 10% of the delegations in their respective committees for awards, based on performance throughout the course of each session. Each staff member has received training in evaluating delegate performance using these standards, and all staff decisions related to awards determinations are final. A delegation’s overall score is the number of times it receives recognition for a session divided by the number of opportunities for recognition. There are eight sessions. A country on five committees has forty possible opportunities for recognition in the top ten percent of delegations in that session. If that country is noted for outstanding performance in ten various committee sessions during the week, e.g., GA Plenary on Tuesday, GA Fourth on Tuesday and Wednesday, etc., that member state would score 10 / 40 = .25 or 25%. Just as a faculty member might assign letter grades based on natural clusters of scores, NMUN awards recognize Outstanding, Distinguished and Honorable Mention delegations. It is the overall delegation performance across all committees that is recognized by this system – not the outstanding performance in any one committee. Just as with grades on quizzes in a class, it is possible to have one poor score and still do well if all the other scores are good, but it is unlikely one outstanding grade can significantly raise the overall average.
Areas of evaluation are:
• Remaining ‘in character’ – defined as advocating your assigned country’s position in a manner consistent with economic, social and geopolitical constraints. Although being ‘in character’ involves the accurate presentation of your country’s diplomatic style, delegates should not model inappropriate stereotypes or character traits. Any undiplomatic behavior is inherently out of character for United Nations delegates. In addition, delegates must remember that any observation, comment or complaint regarding another delegate’s portrayal of his/her national or organizational ‘character’ is highly inappropriate, and such comments are themselves inherently ‘out of character’ for a diplomat. Yelling, standing on chairs and other examples of unprofessional behavior are not characteristics of model diplomats. Remaining ‘in character’ includes consistent and accurate diplomacy and caucusing in a manner consistent with the country’s position and power, i.e., behind-the-scenes negotiator vs. in-the-forefront debater. Well-prepared delegates are typically committee leaders, whether or not such leadership is consistent with relevant foreign policy. Delegates will not be punished for natural leadership tendencies; however, delegates must recognize that there are limits to what is acceptable in this situation.
• Participating in committee – evaluated both during formal sessions and caucusing. The NMUN recognizes that a country’s position on any issue may require opposition to the majority, as opposed to active consensus-building. The conference staff expects delegates to support committee action and address issues in accordance with relevant national or organizational policies, whatever those may be. No priority is given to active participation in formal session over caucus activities. Delegates who provide leadership through assistance to the committee are provided special consideration. Chairs and Rapporteurs are provided equal consideration for awards, depending on their contributions as committee officials. Individual effort as well as ability is considered, particularly for delegates who use English as a second language. Caucusing should be in English as the common language of the conference.
• Proper use of the rules of procedure – The NMUN uses the rules of procedure to facilitate the effective workings of the committee and debate. Consideration will be given to delegates’ knowledge and proper use of the NMUN rules, which differ from rules at other MUN conferences, and delegates’ use of rules to further the work of the committee, not to impede it. Staff is patient with new delegates who may not be completely familiar with the NMUN Rules of Procedure, particularly in the early sessions of the conference and during voting procedure. Delegates will not be permitted to interrupt the committee’s progress through the introduction of disruptive or inappropriate motions. Delegates with questions or concerns relating to the NMUN Rules of Procedure will be advised to informally approach the dais for explanation
