Frequently Asked Questions
A sampling of some questions we have received this year and in years prior! Please email chief[at]bmun.org with any additional questions you may have.
2024-25 Membership Questions
Do I have to have MUN EXPERIENCE to apply? Will I be at a disadvantage if I haven’t done MUN?
No, you do not need Model UN experience to apply, and we do not factor MUN experience into our selection process. We are looking for members interested in education with baseline writing skills. In fact, when our members haven’t done Model UN, they often provide a better perspective on how we can execute our goals. Model UN is only the vehicle we use to promote our tenets of research and philanthropy. At our core, we are focused on our educational mission, which transcends our utilization of Model UN.
I am not studying International Relations, nor anything humanities-related. Am I still a good fit for this club?
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome to join. Our club spans 17 different majors with nearly 40% of them STEM-related fields. We do not give preference to specific majors; we just want applicants to demonstrate an interest in philanthropy and education.
What is the difference between Berkeley Model United Nations (BMUN) Conference and UC Berkeley Model United Nations (UCBMUN)?
Berkeley Model United Nations (BMUN) Conference (our organization) is an institution primarily focused on education and research. We aim to reduce inequities in the communities we serve through our educational mission and fundraising goals through our yearly high school conference on the UC Berkeley Campus, outreach sessions, and workshops in the fall. We are best known for our high school conference, as it is the oldest MUN conference in the world! BMUN also has no associated club fees.
UC Berkeley Model United Nations (UCBMUN) is a college MUN competition team on the UC Berkeley campus.
Can I be a member of Berkeley Model United Nations (BMUN) Conference and UC Berkeley Model United Nations (UCBMUN)?
At this time, we do not allow cross membership, as our conference preparation schedule conflicts with many of their travel competitions.
Do you require any fees to join this club?
Berkeley Model United Nations has no club fees. We pay entirely for our members’ expenses, including our team retreats, bonding events (e.g., picnics, team dinners, game nights, etc.), and all meals during club events, including conferences and meetings.
What times are weekly meetings?
Please block out 6:30-8 PM PST on Wednesdays for our weekly meetings. The length of the meeting tends to vary, but free food will always be provided!
Do I have to be a Berkeley Student to join BMUN?
Yes, the only people that can join BMUN are UC Berkeley undergraduate students. If you are a high school student interested in our organization, please consider applying once you are a student at Cal!