MUN Procedure

Make sure you know parliamentary procedure well before going to a MUN conference, or you might find yourself lost in debate. If there is still terminology you are not aware of, please visit the Glossary.

Points:

1. Point of Information: A question, normally after a delegate has delivered his speech. This is your chance to attack or support the speech made by a delegate, so be sure to consider how you will formulate your point of information.
2. Point of Personal Privilege: A point used to make some sort of request to the dais, such as asking to change the temperature, to address technical issues, or to address other things that may inhibit your ability to participate in debate, such as hearing the speaker. This is the only point that may interrupt a speaker and such interruption should only occur if the point cannot wait until the speaker finishes his speech (ie: you cannot hear the speaker).
3. Point of Parliamentary Procedure (Point of Order): When you think something or someone is outside of proper parliamentary procedure.
4. Point of Inquiry: A question directed to the dais about parliamentary procedure, substance, or other matters.
5. Point of Clarification: A point normally made by the dais to clarify something, such as a fact.

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Motions:

1. Motion for a Moderated Caucus: A form of continuous debate in which speakers give their positions on the topics at hand. Normally, you must give a purpose, speaking time, and total time of the caucus when making this motion.
2. Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus: An informal form of debate where delegates are free to leave their seats and discuss with other delegates. This motion is normally made when it is time to merge or write draft resolutions.
3. Motion to Move into Time For: This motion is made when those planning on speaking in favor of a resolution wish to speak.
4. Motion to Move into Time Against: This motion is to made when those planning on speaking against a resolution or amendment wish to speak. Usually, this motion must have passed for amendments to be entertained.
5. Motion to Move into Voting Procedure: When a delegate feels the topic has already been thoroughly discussed, he or she motions to move into voting procedure so that whatever was being discussed is put to a vote.
6. Motion to Table a Resolution: This motion puts aside the resolution at hand to discuss it at a later time. This is normally done if the resolution isn’t producing engaging debate or if the committee is running out of time and you want other resolutions to also be debated.
7. Motion to Vote by Roll Call: This motion is in order when there is confusion regarding the results of a vote. In this case, each delegation is called upon individually to announce their vote.
8. Motion for a Division of the House This motion is granted by the Chairs if the vote was very close. In this case, abstentions are not in order.
9. Motion to Suspend Debate: Motion to finish the current  committee session until the next session. This motion is used to close every session except for the last one.
10. Motion to Recess / Motion to Adjourn: This motion closes the last sessions of the conference, effectively ending the substantive part of debate and the conference.
11. Motion for a Right of Reply: A formal request to speak after another delegate has offend you or your delegation. This usually should be submitted in writing to the Chairs.

*Please note that because different conferences may have different procedures, not all terms and definitions may apply for all conferences.*

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