We’ve found many common questions from advisers and students concerning IIMUN, and we’ve answered most of them here. Still, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our conference directors, whose contact information can be found in Contact.
What is the history of IIMUN?
IIMUN Hosted by Trabuco Hills High School is a Model United Nations Conference held in spring each year in Mission Viejo, California. The IIMUN conference grew out of the Trabuco Hills High School Model United Nations program’s desire to increase the participation of local schools in what we love–MUN and academic competition. Each year we fine tuned our process, improved our conference materials and then schools from outside our area began attending. The IIMUN name was born from our deep respect for the West Coast Invitational run in various facilities in Orange County (eventually ending its 30+ years at Century High School) by the venerable Alan Armstrong; Mr Armstrong, who Mr. Rajadhyaksha affectionately refers to as “The Godfather”, is one of the great sages and historians of Model United Nations in Southern California. If it happened here and its MUN related, there’s a good chance Mr. Armstrong knows about it! C-Rules? Check. Credential Committees? Yup. Multi-school panels for various functions? The list goes on and on. We originally called ourselves the Intermediate Invitational in honor of WCIMUN, and to honor the spring-time calendar position of the conference. Spring is when delegates are moving from novice level to advanced in terms of experience. Mr. Rajadhyaksha did not realize, at the time, that some MUN programs perceived intermediate as a grade level for the conference. While we very readily accept delegates from the intermediate or middle school age range, we cater to delegates throughout secondary school. Grades 7-12 are welcome to compete at our conference. So, that was confusing! Henceforth, its just easier for us to call ourselves IIMUN hosted by Trabuco Hills High School now.
When is IIMUN?
IIMUN is held in spring each year, usually in middle-to-late March. Please see the registration page for exact dates this year.
Where will the conference be held?
The conference sessions will be held at Trabuco Hills High School: 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
How do I prepare for IIMUN?
Delegates should be well versed in their country’s policies and past actions within the United Nations, and should be acquainted with the topics being discussed. We recommend that delegates review their topic synopses as well as have additional research to gain a better understanding of the issues being discussed.
Does IIMUN have double delegations?
Almost all committees are single delegate except Security Council. Security Council, unless otherwise noted, is dual delegate and will be labeled as such on the country matrix.
Are position papers required?
Well-informed and well-prepared delegates are always appreciated, and so we encourage all delegates to submit a position paper. Position papers will make a delegate eligible to win a research award, and depending on the year may be factored into the decision making process for awards. In cases of tied scored for best delegate, delegates who completed position papers will generally be favored over those who did not complete them.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated in writing position papers, and any delegate found plagiarizing their work will receive a zero for their paper, a deduction of diplomacy points at the chair’s discretion, and a referral to their adviser.
Is technology allowed in committee?
Yes; specifically, laptops, tablets, and smartphones are allowed in the committee during the formal resolution writing process. All electronic devices must be kept in full view of the chair, and all delegates found using the technology for purposes other than resolution writing will be referred to their advisers. There will be no pre-written resolutions, and delegates found to be in violation of this rule will be assessed a significant penalty if not outright disqualified from competition.
How will awards be given?
Awards will be handed out based on merit, ability, and cooperation, not aggressive or intimidating tactics, and knowledge of your country’s position is essential in committee; our chairs are trained to recognize and help delegates who are out-of-policy. In committee, delegates who have shown exemplary skill in diplomacy and teamwork may be given Commendation, Outstanding, and Best Delegate. In addition, research awards will also be awarded to delegates with position papers exemplifying outstanding research.