ONEONTA, N.Y. -- A delegation of students from the SUNY College at Oneonta, representing Botswana at the 2009 National Model United Nations Conference in New York City last week, was the only delegation of the 153 participating institutions to win four awards at the highest level. The Oneonta group was led by Dr. Robert W. Compton, Jr., of the College's Political Science Department, who teaches the Model U.N. course at SUNY Oneonta.
The entire SUNY Oneonta delegation was one of 16 schools awarded the "Outstanding Delegation Award" and one of 33 awarded the "Outstanding Position Paper Award." The SUNY Oneonta delegates to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs were awarded the "Outstanding Delegates in Committee Award," and the SUNY Oneonta delegates to the World Trade Organization were awarded the "Outstanding Delegates in Committee Award." The award criteria for delegation awards are an equal weighting of remaining in character of the country or non-governmental organization represented; participating in committee; and the proper use of the rules of procedures.
In addition, Professor Compton awarded students Edward Clarke, Amrit Mukherjee, and Heather Bailey with SUNY Oneonta's Model U.N. Excellence Award. Edward Clarke and Amrit Mukherjee were selected chair of the General Assembly Plenary and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, respectively, after a series of rigorous interviews. Heather Bailey's knowledge of issues and procedures facilitated the success of the classroom simulation in preparation for the National Model United Nations Conference.
The SUNY Oneonta Botswana delegation was advised by Dr. Robert Compton and consisted of the following students: Cynthia Marino, Sergei Dolukhanov, Jessica Lamendola, Cameron Drezelo, Jillian Sakovits, Chelsey Rohde, Willis Patenaude, Stephen Pallas, Amrit Mukherjee, Heather Bailey, Lewis Rivera, Jacklyn Fitzgerald, Igor Tanuzhnyanskiy, Matthew Annis, and Edward Clarke.
The Model U.N. is a credit-bearing experiential course at SUNY Oneonta which culminates in attendance at the National Model United Nations Conference. The conference attracts more than 2,500 delegates from 153 schools, including 29 foreign countries. The delegates represent member states and organizations in an intensive five-day simulation. The opening and closing ceremonies are held at the "Great Hall" of United Nations General Assembly building.
SUNY Oneonta students prepared for this year's conference by learning the U.N. system and processes; drafting and researching of position papers based on assigned committee issues; learning negotiation and coalition-building skills and resolution writing; and studying the domestic and international politics of Botswana. Delegates also attended a mission briefing seminar conducted by a Botswana diplomat.
More information about the Model U.N. Conference is available from Dr.
Compton at (607) 436-3048.
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For more information about the College, please call the Community Relations Office at (607) 436-2748 or send e-mail to Carol Blazina, Vice President for Community Relations.SUNY College at Oneonta - Ravine Parkway - Oneonta, NY 13820 - 607.436.3500
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