What does IRO do?
IRO is the competitive Model United Nations Team at Michigan State University. We compete in collegiate Model UN conferences at universities throughout the US and Canada.
How much do trips cost?
The conferences that IRO attends range in price for students from $150 to $200 per trip. Grants from Michigan State University and other donors help to subsidize the conference costs to lower student fees.
Do I have to go to every conference?
Absolutely not. The number of conferences you attend is entirely up to you, and you should consider your financial means, prior engagements and schoolwork before committing to a conference.
Where does IRO compete?
Currently we have the option of competing in Boston, New York, Montreal, Atlanta, Chicago, and several other locations. Our conferences for each season are chosen from this group.
Is IRO the same thing as MSUMUN?
No, although there is a great deal of overlap within the two organizations’ members. IRO is a Model UN team at MSU, and MSUMUN is a high school Model UN conference hosted by MSU that takes place each spring.
Who do I pay?
Who do I pay?
All money, whether it is dues or payments for conferences, should be paid to the E-Board. You can pay by Venmo, check* or cash. In addition, if you have any questions about your IRO finances, you should direct your comments/concerns to the VP of Finance and Operations, or any member of our E-Board.
*All checks should be made out to “MSU IRO“.
All money, whether it is dues or payments for conferences, should be paid to the E-Board. You can pay by Venmo, check* or cash. In addition, if you have any questions about your IRO finances, you should direct your comments/concerns to the VP of Finance and Operations, or any member of our E-Board.
*All checks should be made out to “MSU IRO“.
What work will there be in preparation for conferences?
What work will there be in preparation for conferences?
The majority of preparation for conferences will be self-governed: IRO meetings will focus on in-committee delegate skills (speaking, writing, conspiring), but research on your committee, your country/character and your topics will be done by you. For most conferences a 1-2 page position paper will be due a few weeks prior to the trip. Position papers are brief statements that you will write from your particular country’s perspective describing its sentiments on the issues to be debated in your committee. Position papers not only serve as tools to prompt your own research, they are also used by the chair of your committee in determining awards. While you will be expected to complete the position papers by yourself, the VPs of Training will be more than happy to assist you in your research and writing. The construction of a well-thought out position paper is essential to an educated and award-winning delegate
The majority of preparation for conferences will be self-governed: IRO meetings will focus on in-committee delegate skills (speaking, writing, conspiring), but research on your committee, your country/character and your topics will be done by you. For most conferences a 1-2 page position paper will be due a few weeks prior to the trip. Position papers are brief statements that you will write from your particular country’s perspective describing its sentiments on the issues to be debated in your committee. Position papers not only serve as tools to prompt your own research, they are also used by the chair of your committee in determining awards. While you will be expected to complete the position papers by yourself, the VPs of Training will be more than happy to assist you in your research and writing. The construction of a well-thought out position paper is essential to an educated and award-winning delegate
How will I be placed for conferences?
Conference placement is a multi-tiered process; specifics can be found in Article V, Section 5 of the IRO Constitution. Here is what you should know:
Delegates will apply to the conference, and the roster and waitlist will be chosen on the basis of these applications and the Constitution. Those chosen to go will fill out online forms, in which they will rank their preferred committees and countries for the conference, as well as a partner, if desired. The E-Board will look at these forms and try to place the delegates with as much respect to preference as possible. However, partners and committees of preference are not guaranteed as placement will also depend on skill level and past experience. If you have questions regarding the placement process, feel free to contact the E-Board.
Delegates will apply to the conference, and the roster and waitlist will be chosen on the basis of these applications and the Constitution. Those chosen to go will fill out online forms, in which they will rank their preferred committees and countries for the conference, as well as a partner, if desired. The E-Board will look at these forms and try to place the delegates with as much respect to preference as possible. However, partners and committees of preference are not guaranteed as placement will also depend on skill level and past experience. If you have questions regarding the placement process, feel free to contact the E-Board.
Do I need to be in JMC / Political Science to join IRO?
NO! In fact, we highly encourage students from other majors to join. IRO deals with subjects from economics to education to engineering. No matter your major, IRO will be able to find a committee that is right for you!
