About SRMUN

Each year, SRMUN recognizes exceptional delegations with both Position Paper and Conference Awards using criteria set by the SRMUN Board of Directors.

Position Paper Awards

Before the conference, delegates use the SRMUN website to submit position papers for each committee in which their assigned nation is represented. These two-page position papers are graded by our volunteer committee staff using a standard rubric. Once all on-time papers are graded, delegation scores are calculated.

From these delegation scores, the highest scoring delegations recieve an award. All delegations receive a feedback sheet explaining how they scored in several metrics. Late papers will be graded if possible but any late or missing position papers will make that entire delegation inelligible for awards.

An example feedback sheet is avilable here: Example Score Sheet.

Position paper evaluations and awards are typically distributed to faculty at the Saturday morning faculty meeting with the Board and later in Conference Services.

Conference Awards

During the conference, our volunteer committee staff nominate exceptional delegate performance in each committee during each committee session. The following criteria are used to determine the merit of each delegation:

• Caucusing - Does the delegation make a concerted effort to work with other delegations during informal debate? Do they attempt to incorporate countries outside of their respective country's regional bloc while maintaining character?
• Diplomacy - Does the delegation work to find cohesion and compromise among their fellow nations? Does the delegation take a respectful, educated, and professional approach to working with other committee members?
• Participation - Does the delegation articulate their policies and beliefs succinctly and efficiently? Do they use their persuasive skills to engage other delegates while maintaining a diplomatic approach?
• Preparation - Does the delegation adequately represent the policies of their country in the context of the topic? Do they have a solid understanding of the topics and scope of the committee as it pertains to the country they are representing? Have they provided research and documentation to support their convictions? Do they organize their thoughts to effectively articulate the changes they are advocating through the delivery of solid speeches? Does the delegation correctly utilize the rules of procedure and positively contribute to the committee flow?
• Resolution Writing - Does the delegation contribute substantive material to be used in the production of working papers? Do they work effectively with other committee members to generate working papers that are relevant to the topic and within the scope of the committee?

These nominations are tallied by the SRMUN Board. Final scores are calculated as follows:

The number of committees in which each delegation (country) is represented is multiplied by the number of committee sessions (usually 6). This is the maximum theoretical score each delegation may achieve*. For example, if the delegation for China is represented in 7 committees, their maximum theoretical score is 7 * 6 = 42.

The actual number of times throughout all six committee sessions that a delegation is nominated is then divided by this number to arrive at a fractional score. In our example, assume China was nominated 38 times throughout the conference. The delegation for China will receive a fractional score of 38 / 42 = 0.90476.

At the end of the conference, all delegations are ranked in descending order by their fractional score. Fractional scores are not reported.

The highest-scoring delegations receive an Outstanding Award, followed by Distinguished and Honorable Mention. The total number of awards given at closing ceremonies will vary from one year to another, depending on the number of delegations in attendance. Not all delegations will receive an award.

**Delegates serving as Chair and Rapporteur are also eligible for awards nominations for each committee session. Their nominations are added to their original delegation's scoring.