A Guide to the MUN Delegate Code of Conduct

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A MUN delegate code of conduct is essentially the rulebook for a conference. It’s the official set of guidelines that covers everything from professional behavior and dress code to academic honesty. More than just a list of dos and don'ts, it’s what ensures the entire event is safe, respectful, and fair for everyone involved.

Think of it as the constitution of the conference. It's the foundational document that protects the integrity of the diplomatic simulation and gives every delegate a fair shot at productive debate.

Why a Code of Conduct Is the Bedrock of Every Conference

It's easy for newcomers to see the code of conduct as a long, restrictive list of things they can't do. But experienced delegates know the truth: it’s the framework that makes a great conference possible. It’s what turns a potentially chaotic free-for-all into a structured, professional, and rewarding diplomatic exercise. Without these shared ground rules, the very spirit of MUN would crumble.

Imagine trying to play a championship basketball game without a referee or a rulebook. It would be pure chaos. Players could foul each other without penalty, ignore the basic rules, and the game would completely lose its meaning. The code of conduct is MUN’s rulebook—it creates a level playing field where your research, strategy, and diplomatic skills can truly shine.

Protecting the Spirit of Diplomacy

At its heart, the code of conduct exists to create and maintain an atmosphere of professional decorum. This means every single thing you do, from how you speak to the Dais to how you negotiate in an unmoderated caucus, should mirror the behavior of a real-world diplomat. Sticking to these standards is non-negotiable for a few key reasons:

It Fosters Respect: The rules make sure you’re debating policies, not attacking people. This is critical for preventing personal insults and creating a safe space for passionate, yet civil, discourse.

It Guarantees Fairness: With clear policies on things like plagiarism and professional conduct, success comes down to merit, preparation, and skill—not who can bend the rules the furthest.

It Builds Credibility: When everyone follows the code, it elevates the entire experience. It feels less like a school club and more like the serious academic simulation it’s meant to be.

Beyond the Committee Room

Here’s a rookie mistake: thinking the code of conduct only matters when the gavel is down. Not true. These principles of behavior extend to every part of the conference experience, from the delegate social and hotel hallways to online forums and group chats. How you act reflects not just on you, but on your entire school and delegation.

Ultimately, mastering these rules does more than just make you a better delegate. It helps you build crucial life skills that you’ll carry with you long after the conference ends. You learn how to navigate disagreements gracefully, build consensus among people with different views, and present yourself with confidence and professionalism.

For a deeper look into the basics, our complete guide on what is a MUN is the perfect place to start. Think of the code of conduct as your key to unlocking a truly rewarding and impactful conference experience.

The Core Principles of Diplomatic Decorum

A MUN delegate code of conduct isn't just a dry list of rules to follow. Think of it as the foundation for everything you do at a conference. It’s built on a few key pillars—respect, professionalism, and integrity—that are the lifeblood of diplomatic decorum.

When you truly grasp the "why" behind these rules, they stop feeling like limitations and start becoming powerful tools for effective diplomacy. This is what separates an average delegate from a truly outstanding one.

The Pillar of Respect

Respect is the absolute, non-negotiable cornerstone of any Model UN committee. It’s the commitment to treat everyone in the room, from the chair to the delegate whose ideas you completely disagree with, with genuine courtesy.

The key is to separate the policy from the person. You’re debating the stance of the United Kingdom, not attacking the individual representing them. This is what keeps the debate productive and creates a space where ideas can be challenged without anyone feeling personally targeted.

For example, instead of blurting out, "Your idea is ridiculous," a respectful delegate reframes it diplomatically. "While the delegate from Brazil raises an interesting point, the delegation of Japan has concerns regarding its feasibility because..."

This simple shift maintains the room's decorum and actually makes your argument stronger by keeping it focused on substance. It's one of the most critical diplomacy skills for students you can learn.

The Pillar of Professionalism

Professionalism is all about how you carry yourself. It's your speech, your attire, and your overall attitude. You're an ambassador, and your conduct reflects not just on you, but on the country and school you represent.

You can see this principle in action in a few key ways:

Formal Language: Sticking to proper parliamentary language (like "The delegate of..." instead of "you") and avoiding slang keeps the simulation feeling authentic and serious.

Appropriate Attire: Following the dress code is a clear signal that you respect the process and take your role seriously.

Punctuality and Preparation: Showing up on time and ready to go shows respect for everyone else's time and hard work.

The Pillar of Integrity

Integrity is what makes you a credible delegate. It’s your unwavering commitment to honesty and ethical behavior, especially when it comes to your research and your work with other delegates.

The biggest test of integrity is avoiding plagiarism. When you're writing a position paper or a speech, you have to give credit where it's due. The goal isn't to copy what others have said, but to build on their research. That means paraphrasing ideas and properly citing statistics to back up your country's policy, proving you've done the real analytical work.

Likewise, integrity in committee means you represent your assigned country's actual foreign policy, not your own personal feelings. Staying in character, even when it’s tough, is the mark of an exceptional delegate who truly honors the spirit of the simulation.

Over the past decade, MUN codes of conduct have grown far more comprehensive. Major conferences now have detailed ethical frameworks covering everything from harassment and professional decorum to policies on intoxication. This shift shows just how much conference priorities have evolved to ensure a safe and productive environment for everyone.

Breaking Down a Typical Code of Conduct, Clause by Clause

Let's be honest, a formal MUN delegate code of conduct can read like a legal document—dense, intimidating, and a little dry. To cut through the jargon, we're going to break it down piece by piece. Think of this as translating the "legalese" into a practical guide for what’s expected of you.

Each clause is a building block, carefully placed to make sure the conference is safe, fair, and academically rewarding for everyone involved. When you understand the why behind each rule, following them becomes second nature.

Clause 1: Harassment and Discrimination

This is the big one, and for good reason. It's the foundation for creating a safe, inclusive space where every single delegate can participate without fear. This clause draws a hard line against any behavior that targets or demeans someone based on who they are.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

What's Out of Bounds: Any action or comment targeting someone’s race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or national origin. This isn't just about overt insults; it includes "jokes" and non-verbal intimidation.

The Bottom Line: Conferences have a strict zero-tolerance policy. One proven incident can be enough for immediate removal.

Where It Applies: Everywhere. This rule covers you in committee, at social events, and even in online chats related to the conference.

For example, making a cheap joke about a delegate's accent or religion isn't just poor form; it's a clear violation. The goal is to keep the debate focused on policy and ideas, not personal attacks.

Clause 2: Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

In Model UN, your intellectual integrity is everything. This clause is all about protecting the value of your research and hard work by setting clear standards for academic honesty.

At its core, this means no plagiarism. You can't just copy and paste chunks of a Wikipedia article or a think-tank report into your position paper and call it a day. Presenting someone else's words or ideas as your own without giving them credit is a serious breach of trust.

This clause also reminds you to accurately represent your assigned country's policies, even if you personally disagree with them. Sticking to your country's actual stance is crucial for keeping the simulation authentic. To see how these principles play out during the debate itself, our guide to the Model United Nations rules of procedure is a must-read.

To help clarify what you'll typically see in a Code of Conduct, we've put together a quick summary of the most common clauses and what they aim to achieve.

Key Clauses in a Standard MUN Code of Conduct

Clause Category	What It Covers	Why It's Important
Harassment & Discrimination	Prohibits behavior based on identity (race, gender, religion, etc.).	Creates a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants.
Academic Honesty	Forbids plagiarism and requires delegates to represent their country’s policies accurately.	Upholds the intellectual integrity of the conference and the simulation.
Substance Use	Sets strict rules against alcohol and illegal drug use, especially for minors.	Ensures delegate safety and maintains a professional atmosphere.
General Decorum & Dress Code	Outlines expectations for professional attire and respectful conduct in all conference venues.	Reinforces the diplomatic and formal nature of the event.
Social Media & Technology	Governs the appropriate use of social media and electronic devices during sessions.	Prevents distractions and ensures online interactions remain professional.

Clause 3: Substance Use and General Decorum

This section expands beyond the committee room. It recognizes that as a delegate, you're an ambassador for your school 24/7, and your behavior in the hotel or at social events matters just as much as your performance in debate.

You’ll almost always find rules covering:

Alcohol and Drugs: A strict ban on consuming or possessing alcohol (especially if you're underage) and any illegal substances. Breaking this rule is often a fast track to being sent home.

Hotel Conduct: This covers everything from noise levels and curfews to being respectful to hotel staff and other guests. A single complaint can damage your school's reputation for years to come.

Dress Code: Clear guidelines on professional attire. This isn't about stifling your style; it’s about collectively maintaining the formal, diplomatic tone of the event.

At the end of the day, these rules aren't designed to hold you back. They’re there to create a predictable and professional environment where everyone can thrive. Once you understand them inside and out, you can focus on what really matters: diplomacy, debate, and building connections.

Navigating Committee with Practical Do's and Don'ts

It’s one thing to understand the principles of a MUN delegate code of conduct in theory, but putting them into practice during a fast-paced committee session is a whole different ballgame. In Model UN, success isn't just about what you know—it's about what you do. Your diplomatic credibility is built one action at a time, from how you listen to how you negotiate.

Think of this section as your in-committee cheat sheet. We're translating the high-level rules into a practical checklist that helps you build the habits of a respected diplomat while sidestepping the common mistakes that can sink your hard work.

The Do's: Habits of Diplomatic Excellence

These are the core practices that separate the great delegates from the good ones. Getting these right, consistently, will earn you the respect of the dais and your fellow delegates, making you a far more influential voice in the room.

Do Address Everyone with Formal Titles Always, always use formal titles. It’s "The Honorable Chair," "The Esteemed Delegate of France," or "The Distinguished Delegate of Kenya." This isn’t just about being polite; it’s a simple habit that reinforces the professional atmosphere and shows you respect both the person and the country they represent.

Do Listen Actively to Every Speaker Don't just sit there waiting for your turn to talk. Pay attention to every single point being made. Take notes on arguments you can build on, challenge, or support. Active listening isn't passive—it’s how you gather the intel needed to make relevant, impactful contributions to the debate.

Do Collaborate Constructively During Caucuses Unmoderated caucuses are where the real magic happens—alliances are forged and resolutions are born. Use this time to find common ground, build consensus, and genuinely listen to what others have to say. A true diplomat knows that progress comes from collaboration, not domination.

Do Represent Your Country's Policy Accurately Your number one job is to be a faithful ambassador for your assigned nation. That means sticking to its established foreign policy, even if you personally disagree. This commitment to your role is what gives the simulation its weight and shows your integrity as a delegate.

The Don'ts: Behaviors to Avoid at All Costs

Avoiding these common blunders is just as crucial as embracing good habits. These actions can torpedo your reputation, derail the committee's progress, and flat-out violate the code of conduct.

Don't Make It Personal Never, ever resort to ad hominem attacks, which is a fancy way of saying you're attacking the person instead of their argument. Criticize the policy, challenge the data, but never insult the delegate. Saying something like, "The delegate from Japan is clearly uninformed," is a massive breach of diplomatic courtesy. For more on this, our guide on fundamental debate strategies for beginners can help you keep your arguments sharp and professional.

Don't Use Informal Language or Slang Leave the slang and casual chat for after the session. In committee, phrases like "you guys" or "that's a dumb idea" will instantly shatter the professional tone and tank your credibility. Stick to formal, parliamentary language at all times.

Don't Monopolize the Conversation Whether you're giving a speech or hashing things out in a caucus, be mindful of sharing the floor. The delegate who talks over everyone and dominates the conversation comes across as arrogant, not authoritative. Great diplomacy is knowing when to speak and, just as importantly, when to shut up and listen.

At the end of the day, these guidelines aren't here to restrict you. They exist to empower you, giving you the tools to navigate the complex world of diplomacy with confidence and grace, making sure your ideas are both heard and respected.

How the Rules are Enforced

A MUN delegate code of conduct isn't just a piece of paper; it's only as good as the system in place to back it up. Knowing the rules is one thing, but understanding what actually happens when someone steps out of line is what gives everyone peace of mind and builds trust. This process isn't meant to be scary—it's designed to be a clear, fair, and straightforward way to protect the conference's integrity and, most importantly, the well-being of every single delegate.

You can think of the enforcement process as the referee in a game. Its job is to watch the field, call fouls fairly, and make sure everyone is playing by the same rules. This system creates accountability and shows that the conference takes diplomatic respect seriously.

Reporting a Violation

The whole process kicks off with one crucial action: reporting. If you see or experience something that you think breaks the code of conduct, it's so important to say something. Organizers set up several ways to report issues so you can always find someone you trust to talk to.

Usually, your main points of contact will be:

Your Committee Chair or Dais: They're right there in the room with you and are your first stop for handling problems quietly and professionally.

Your Faculty Advisor: Your advisor is in your corner and can help you figure out the best way to report, especially if it's a more serious issue.

The Conference Secretariat: For major problems or things that need a higher-level decision, the Secretariat or a specific staff member is the final authority.

Every report is taken seriously and handled privately. The idea is to make sure you feel safe and comfortable coming forward, without worrying about any negative consequences.

The Investigation and Consequences

Once you've made a report, a confidential investigation gets underway. This isn't some public spectacle; it's a careful, quiet process handled by designated conference staff, typically from the Secretariat. They'll usually talk to the people involved and any witnesses to get a full, unbiased picture of what happened.

The goal here is simple: find out the facts in a fair way. Based on what they learn, the staff will decide on the right consequence. The penalties for breaking the MUN delegate code of conduct vary, depending on how serious the situation is.

The consequences might be something like:

A Verbal Warning: For smaller, first-time issues, a quick, formal chat with a chair or staff member is often all that's needed to get things back on track.

Removal from Awards Consideration: If the breach is more serious, a delegate or even their whole team might not be eligible for any conference awards.

Removal from Committee: If a delegate's behavior is really derailing the committee's work, they could be asked to leave the session for a while.

Dismissal from the Conference: In the most extreme cases—things like harassment, discrimination, or anything that compromises safety—a delegate will be sent home from the conference.

This tiered approach makes sure the response fits the violation. By being upfront and clear about how this works, conferences build trust, show delegates they're protected, and maintain the professional atmosphere that makes a great MUN experience possible for everyone involved.

Guidance for Chairs and Conference Organizers

A great MUN delegate code of conduct is more than just a piece of paper—it’s the backbone of a successful conference. For chairs and organizers, the real work isn't just running a smooth committee; it's about building an environment where everyone feels safe and respected. And that starts way before the first gavel hits the table.

Your code needs to be crystal clear and easy for everyone to find. Drop the dense legal language. The goal is to write something a high school delegate can read once and understand completely. Lay out your expectations for behavior, academic honesty, and general decorum in simple terms. This clarity doesn't just help delegates—it gives your staff the confidence to enforce the rules fairly and consistently.

Fostering a Culture of Respect

It's up to you to be the code's biggest champion, right from the start. That means seriously training your entire team, from the secretariat down to the newest chair, on how to handle conflicts, investigate issues without bias, and apply consequences fairly. When your staff feels prepared, they can manage tough situations with professionalism, which builds trust with the delegates.

A huge part of this is making sure your reporting process is transparent and easy to use. Every delegate needs to know exactly who they can talk to if something goes wrong—whether it's their chair, a designated safety officer, or a senior secretariat member. More importantly, they need to trust that their concerns will be taken seriously and handled discreetly.

This flowchart breaks down what a solid reporting and violation process looks like.

Having a structured system like this ensures every report is handled the right way. It moves from the initial complaint to a proper investigation before any decisions are made, which is key for keeping things transparent and holding everyone accountable.

Building an Effective Support Structure

Being proactive is always better than being reactive. One of the best indicators of a well-run conference is the delegate-to-staff ratio. Based on standards from top-tier organizations like All-American Model UN, you should aim for a ratio between 10:1 and 15:1. This ensures every delegate gets enough attention and support, making it much easier to spot and solve problems before they blow up.

At the end of the day, your code of conduct only works if it’s truly part of your conference’s DNA. You can make that happen with three simple actions:

Consistent Communication: Don't just mention the code once and forget it. Bring it up in opening ceremonies, in chair briefings, and throughout the event.

Leading by Example: Your entire staff, no exceptions, must embody the professional and respectful behavior you expect from the delegates.

Empowering Delegates: Create a community where delegates feel comfortable holding each other to a higher standard of diplomatic courtesy.

When you put these ideas into practice, the code of conduct stops being just a list of rules. It becomes a shared agreement to create an experience that's safe, fair, and genuinely enriching for everyone involved. For a deeper dive, read our guide on training MUN chairs and secretariat staff.

Your Top Questions About MUN Conduct, Answered

Even with the best preparation, you're bound to run into situations that feel a little... tricky. This is where the rules on paper meet the reality of a fast-paced committee session. Let's tackle some of the most common and nuanced questions that pop up.

Think of this as your guide to navigating those gray areas. The goal here isn't just to know the rules, but to feel confident applying them when you're in the thick of a debate or just mingling between sessions.

How Can I Argue Passionately Without Attacking Another Delegate?

This is the art of MUN diplomacy, and it's a skill you'll hone over time. The secret is to keep your focus laser-sharp on the policy, not the person. It's a simple switch in language that makes all the difference.

Instead of saying, "The delegate from China is totally wrong," pivot to their country's stance: "The policy proposed by the delegation of China, while well-intentioned, overlooks several key economic factors."

Try using phrases that keep the debate professional and depersonalized:

"While we respect the delegate's perspective, their proposed solution doesn't seem feasible because..."

"We'd like to question the data presented in that argument..."

"Our delegation must respectfully disagree with that policy on the grounds of..."

By consistently separating the idea from the individual, you can make a powerful, critical point without ever being disrespectful. This is what keeps the debate moving forward.

What's the Right Way to Report a Violation I've Witnessed?

If you see something that crosses a line, saying something is essential for keeping the conference a safe space for everyone. The key is to do it discreetly and through the proper channels.

If for any reason you aren't comfortable approaching the dais, or if the situation feels more serious, your next move is to find your faculty advisor or a designated conference staff member from the secretariat. Whatever you do, avoid confronting the other delegate directly—that can easily make things worse. Trust the formal process to handle it.

Do the Rules Still Apply Outside the Committee Room?

100% yes. The MUN delegate code of conduct isn't just for when you're formally in session. It covers all conference-related activities, from social events and hotel common areas to online group chats. For the entire event, you're a representative of your school and your assigned country.

This means the expectation of professionalism is always on. Any behavior that looks like harassment, discrimination, or breaks conference rules is subject to the same consequences, no matter where it happens. Upholding these standards 24/7 is what protects the integrity of the entire conference.

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