Delegates are expected to conduct themselves, at all times, in a manner befitting international diplomats. This means that every courtesy, both in speaking and behavior, is to be extended to all representatives, faculty, guests, committee chairs and conference staff. WA-MUN reserves the right to expel any delegate not acting in a courteous and professional fashion.
Delegates should turn off all cell phones and electronic devices not required for committee work throughout the conference sessions.
The appearance of WA-MUN participants provides the first impressions of their delegation to other representatives. Attention to proper appearance sets an expectation for professionalism and competence. In order to demonstrate respect to fellow representatives, Secretariat members and distinguished guests of the Conference, WA-MUN requires conservative professional business attire for all representatives and Secretariat during all formal sessions.
Professional business attire is a business jacket or suit, dress slacks or skirt, dress shirt and dress shoes. Conservative accessories such as ties, scarves, and formal jewelry are traditional in business settings. Sweaters or leggings are too casual for professional business attire. Clothing that reveals undergarments in any way is not appropriate. WA-MUN will not consider any manner of dress appropriate that includes T-shirts, jeans, shorts, hats, athletic shoes or any form of commercial advertising.
Participants shall not wear the traditional or religious garb of any State or organization. The only exception to this is required traditional or religious garb of a student’s personal religion or culture. Additionally, participants should not affect the mannerisms, linguistic characteristics or any other perceived traits of a State or culture that they are representing. These affectations are inappropriate and may be seen as offensive by other students or by natives of that State or culture. Small lapel pins representing the delegation’s flag or other national symbols are appropriate.
Please be aware that representatives who are not appropriately attired or who do not follow these rules may not be recognized during formal debate in any WA-MUN simulation. Further, WA-MUN reserves the right to refuse admittance to the Conference to any representative who is inappropriately attired or who violates the above provisions. Decisions about appropriate attire and professional behavior are at the discretion of the WA-MUN Secretariat.
A note about the WA-MUN Dress Code policy. The world of international diplomacy is both conservative and slow to change; while what is acceptable as professional attire in business settings is slowly shifting, the appropriate attire for visiting an embassy or engaging in international diplomacy remains conventional. Our goal at WA-MUN is to encourage students to engage with and experience professional business attire in an educational environment, while also acknowledging that this can be difficult for some of our participants. Representatives should feel free to express themselves within the boundaries of the dress code and should demonstrate an intent to conform with the dress code.