Conference Details

Position Paper + Policy:

What is a position paper?

It is a paper written before the conference that outlines the country's position on that topic in your respective committee. They will help delegates start their preliminary research and organize their plans before the conference. 

Content

Please keep in mind that these are only recommendations. Although we highly encourage you to follow these guidelines, it is not a strict rule you must follow. 

Delegates in General Assemblies and Specialized Committees should state their country's or person’s position on both topics assigned. Delegates in Crisis should follow their character position on the main event. 

In a good position paper, there should be an introduction, and body sections supported with logical reasoning and evidence, ending with a conclusion. The paper should outline the country’s past actions along with what they hope to achieve during the committee session. 

The main goal of a position paper is to outline their country’s/character’s proposed solution/plan. Their plan should be as feasible and logical as possible. The Dias will look favorably for research-based, actionable, and specific plans. If you are a character, papers can describe a character's relation with others if possible. 

Writing style is also taken into consideration. Please use formal language, and unless you are a character, please refrain from using ‘I’. Additionally, avoid repetition excessively and employ the use of appropriate vocabulary. 

We also recommend you break up your paper into sections such as “Topic 1” and “Topic 2” to help your dais better follow along. If there are no topics, then please write about the situation at hand. 

Position Paper Guidelines 

A position paper is mandatory for award eligibility, and all delegates are encouraged to complete them for the conference. 

All position papers must be submitted to your chair’s email found here 

Note: Crisis delegates do not need a position paper, but it is encouraged to write one. 

Formatting requirements 

• Papers should be a minimum of 1 page and a maximum of 2 pages (excluding citations)

• 12 pt font, Time New Roman, single-spaced 

• Papers must be handed in pdf formats. 

• Include your name, school (if applicable), and the character/country you are representing at the top of your position paper

• Delegates must also use either APA or MLA citations with in text citations

*Please cite all things that are not general knowledge or not your own idea. 

Submission Requirements 

• Please submit your position paper the day before the committee session. 

• When emailing your position paper to your Chair please use the subject line in this format “Country/Character Name, Committee, Position Paper”.

Awards Policy

Every committee will have an Outstanding, Distinguised, Honourable Mention, and Best Position Paper award. Delegates who do not submit before the deadline will not be eligible for an award. Delegates who plagiarize will also not be eligible for awards. Delegates who use ChatGPT or other AI sources will also not be eligible for awards.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Ava O. or Laila S., Under Secretary General of Committees (avao26@bss.on. ca or lailaso26@bss.on.ca) 

Equity Policy

General Delegate Obligations

Each delegate is obligated to follow the equity handbook, which should be reviewed prior to the conference. Delegates must display diplomacy in and outside of the committee room. No violence or aggression towards other delegates will be tolerated.

Use of AI

The use of AI prior to and during this conference is strictly prohibited. Any delegate caught using ChatGPT or any other AI sources will no longer be in contention for awards, and contact with your faculty advisor will be implemented if applicable.

Dress Code

Business attire is strongly recommended. Please avoid wearing jeans, track pants, sweatshirts, athletic wear, and running shoes.

Alcohol, Drug Use, and Smoking

Doing any of the previously stated substances is absolutely prohibited. Being seen with any of these substances will result in immediate disqualification, and the delegate’s school will be notified for further actions that will take place.

Device Use in Committee

BSSMUN has a device free policy during moderated caucuses in committee sessions. Pertaining to unmoderated caucuses, delegates are allowed to use devices to write up working papers with their blocs, however research is forbidden and it's usage will result in ineligibility for awards. 

Addressing Equity Concerns  

If there is an equity concern to any degree or severity, please notify our Director of Equity, Meryn Fineman, via email at merynfineman@gmail.com. Another way you can address your concerns is by notifying the dais or faculty advisors, in which they will then notify the Director of Equity to resolve the issue.