Delegate Code of Conduct

It is the expectation that UMUNC Delegates exhibit the highest levels of professionalism and diplomacy at all times and are expected to abide by the rules and policies set forth by the University of Maryland- College Park, and the laws of the State of Maryland.

Conference Attendance

Delegates are expected to be on-time and present to every committee session. Attendance will take place at the start of every committee session. UMUNC Staff must be notified of an absence from a committee session, and must be validated by the applicable advisor/guardian. UMUNC nor the University of Maryland assumes responsibility for missing delegates.

Dress Code

Delegates are requested to wear professional and modest attire throughout the duration of the conference. Western Business attire is recommended by the UMUNC Secretariat which consists of appropriate dress shirts and pants worn with jackets and ties, appropriate dress blouses worn with skirts or slacks, and business formal dresses.

Sexual Harassment & Discrimination

In accordance with Title IX policies, the University of Maryland and all associated organizations take all matters related to sexual harassment and discrimination very seriously. UMUNC maintains a zero tolerance policy for any or harassment or discrimination based on race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, national origin, religion, age, or disability. If any delegate or conference staff member believes they have encountered an instance of discrimination, they are advised to bring it to the attention of the UMUNC Secretary-General. Any potential cases of discrimination or sexual misconduct will warrant immediate investigation by the University of Maryland and may result in dismissal from the conference.

Alcohol & Drug Use

It is illegal in the State of Maryland for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. Consumption of alcohol in public spaces is strictly prohibited at all times. Violating this policy will result in the immediate removal from the conference and potentially future UMUNC events. Additionally, delegates found possessing or using illicit drugs as defined by United States Federal Law will result in the immediate dismissal from the conference and may be held criminally liable.

Smoking is prohibited on the University of Maryland campus.

Technology Use

UMUNC enforces a strict NO TECHNOLOGY policy for the duration of debate. Delegates are expected to keep all electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, and similar devices, away during committee sessions. The only exceptions to this are smartwatches, provided they are not used to access the internet during debate. Any necessary accommodations/accessibility devices will also be exempt, provided that UMUNC staff are notified.

Each delegate will be provided with legal pads at the start of Committee Session I, the quantity of which will depend on the style of committee. All working papers and directives must be handwritten, and will be displayed using presentation methods determined by UMUNC staff.

While internet access is free to all guests on campus, delegates are prohibited from the usage of search engines or artificial intelligence during debate. Violations of this policy may result in disqualification from awards.

Artificial Intelligence Use

UMUNC enforces a strict policy regarding the use of artificial intelligence throughout all conference activities.

During Committee Sessions

Delegates must keep all electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, and tablets, away during committee sessions and may not access artificial intelligence in any form. AI-written or assisted speeches, draft resolutions, crisis notes, and directives are strictly prohibited. AI may be used solely for research, summarization, and editing assistance in preparation for conferences, it may not be used to generate any written debate materials. Students may not draft these materials in committee using AI, nor come in with pre-written materials containing the use of AI. Violations may result in disqualification from awards.

Position Papers

All written content within position papers must be the delegate's own work. AI may not be used to write position papers, though delegates may use AI for research, summarization, and light editing assistance. Violations may result in disqualification from awards.

Plagiarism and Pre-Writing

Pre-written documents including but not limited to draft resolutions, crisis notes, communiques, and directives are strictly prohibited at UMUNC. Pre-written work is defined as any document used for committee purposes that has been created or modified outside the hours of a committee session. Pre-written materials detract from the values of diplomacy, cooperation, and leadership that our Secretariat works to uphold during UMUNC. It is further expected of each delegate that all work presented during the conference is their own. Any delegate found in violation of this policy may be grounds for team/individual disqualification from awards.

Conduct & Materials

Delegates are encouraged to engage creatively in debate, but must be mindful of the impact their materials may have on the committee environment. Disruptive objects should not be brought into committee rooms. Small personal items are allowed, provided they do not interfere with the flow of discussion or the comfort of other delegates.

Further, delegates may not tamper with, alter, or damage committee rooms in any way to ensure safety throughout debate. Violations of this policy may result in removal from the committee or disqualification from awards.

Photography & Social Media

All UMUNC delegates may be documented or photographed by clearly marked UMUNC Staff members. UMUNC reserves the right to use these documents at their disposal. If you prefer not to be photographed or videoed, please notify the UMUNC Secretary-General.

It is expected of UMUNC Delegates and Staff to refrain from using social media applications (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc) during committee session. Outside of committee session and throughout the duration of the conference, it is asked that delegates and staff use such applications in an appropriate manner. Inappropriate posts and online bullying is not tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the event.

Delegate Awards: Chairs and Crisis Directors at UMUNC determine individual delegate awards based on their impact on the committee, as demonstrated by the quality of their speeches and directives as well as their diplomacy. UMUNC gives out the following awards:

Verbal Commendation, Honorable Mention, Outstanding Delegate, and Best Delegate.

Delegation Awards: UMUNC provides awards to the top two schools per the two categories, small and large delegations. A school that qualifies as a small delegation has 4 to 14 students. A large delegation has 15 or more delegates. In calculating these standings, double delegation awards will be counted once. In weighing awards, the following scale is used:

• Best Delegate: 50 points

• Outstanding Delegate: 30 points

• Honorable Mention: 20 points

• Verbal Commendation: 10 points

• Best Position Paper: 5 points

Awards for the Ad-Hoc Committee will carry more weight than those for other committees.