FAQs

Ans: We all got to start somewhere, right? Within MUN, the Roll Call is normally used to check who is attending, and how many people are attending. Through this, the Chairs are able to calculate the majority which is required within procedural and substantial voting. When you hear your Portfolios name, you can simply reply with “Present.” Or “Present and Voting” But beware! This comes at a cost. If you use “Present and Voting.” you are NOT able to abstain during substantive votes, meaning you have to truly have an opinion on a matter.

(Present and voting is generally recommended to enjoy the sessions)

After the agenda being set, delegates are to establish the General Speakers’ List. After the delegate has been recognized by the chairs, they establish the GSL. Then the delegates indulge themselves in moderated and un-moderated caucus. At the end of the session, paperwork has to be done in the form of a Draft Resolution.

Before the session ends, there would be a press conference conducted by the Press Corps of DAV MUN Committees will pause debate for 20 minutes and allow press corps members (Reporters/ Journalists) to ask delegates questions about their proposed solutions, specific clauses on draft resolutions, or the committee in general.

Ans: A moderated caucus requires speakers to only hold speeches based on the topic at hand. It might be fruitful to raise a motion for a moderated caucus on a certain topic This is an opportunity to really shape the debate, and more often than not, multiple motions for multiple moderated caucuses exist at the same time, so voting is necessary. The Chair would ask “Are there any motions on the floor?” ,then a delegate raises his/ her hand to start and proceed the session. The following points to be kept in mind in the initiating statement –‘ Total Time, Individual time & Topic’. I would like to end the GSL (incase it's the one that starts right after the GSL, otherwise omit) and enter into a moderated caucus for the topic ___________ and total time being 15 min and each speaker getting 60 seconds to speak.

Ans: Now, an unmoderated Caucus is a whole other tactical game. Within it, general rules seize to exist for a while, and one is able to be within a freeform debate, no turns, no points, no speaking time, You are allowed to move around within a room , you get to meet the other delegates in a more personal manner, and you get to negotiate and write your draft resolutions. The unmoderated caucus takes time for as long as the allotted time allows. Example statement for initiating an unmod caucus:

(I would like to end the GSL/moderated Caucus and enter into an Un-Moderated Caucus for total time being 20 mins.)

Ans: At the beginning of each committee session, a delegate will motion to open the General. Speakers' List (GSL). Before a motion to debate on a specific topic is introduced, the. GSL is used for delegates to discuss the issue in a more generalized way.

Ans: Draft resolutions and decisions are proposals submitted by one or more member of the Commissions, or by a member state representing a Group (e.g. EU, GRULAC etc.) (called the “sponsors”) for consideration by the Committee of the Whole and adoption by the Commission.

Ans: Points are tools used to communicate with fellow delegates and the chair. It is the formal language to ask for things, clarify things and, when necessary, appeal them. POINTS are Raised to put forward ideas/suggestions/doubts/modifications/rectifications. The points are- 

POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILAGE

Used where you experience some discomfort which hinders you from participating fully in the committee proceedings (e.g. it is too cold in the room, you can't hear the speaker, etc.) This point may interrupt a speaker if the purpose is to get him to speak more loudly.

RIGHT TO REPLY

A Representative whose personal integrity has been impugned by another Delegate’s comments may rise to a Right of Reply. This point may not interrupt a speaker but should be addressed the moment he/she has finished his/her speech.

POINT OF INFORMATION

– the point raised helps in questioning any delegate on the basis of their speech. It cannot interrupt the speaker.

POINT OF ORDER

Used where you believe a mistake of procedure has been made, e.g. where someone was skipped on the Speaker's list, or the wrong voting procedure was used for a matter.

**THIS POINT CANNOT INTERRUPT A SPEAKER

POINT OF PARLIAMENTARY ENQUIRY

A Representative may rise to a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry requesting an explanation from the Executive Board on the Rules of Procedure. This point may not interrupt a Speaker. This can be used anytime.