The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s World Affairs Program (WAP) had a successful competition in Washington, D.C., Oct. 30–Nov. 2, representing FSU at the National Collegiate Security Conference (NCSC).
WAP hosts the university’s Model United Nations (UN) team, which is currently ranked No. 18 in North America by Best Delegate for the 2024–25 school year.
“Since 1987, the World Affairs Program has provided hundreds of students with international relations-focused public speaking, career readiness, and professional development opportunities,” said Maddie Severy, WAP Leadership Council member. “Our competitive Model United Nations team is one of the main ways that students can learn the interpersonal skills necessary for a successful career in diplomacy, policy, or government.”
16 delegates traveled to Georgetown University to compete in national-level debate and negotiation simulations, applying their training in global affairs to address pressing international issues. They competed in five committee sessions across three days, totaling nearly 12 hours of committee sessions.
NCSC is the No. 1 fall semester collegiate Model UN conference in the world, hosting more than 800 delegates across 30 competitive committees.
Five students received individual awards for their outstanding performances during the conference:
- Best Delegate: Colin Morrill
- Outstanding Delegate: Ryan Slage
- Honorable Mention: Cecelia Cosgrove, Maddie Severy, Riley Rubocki
“Receiving the Best Delegate award at NCSC in my final year at Florida State University was very humbling,” Colin Morrill said. “Being around such an amazing team with some of the most dedicated individuals at our university made my job incredibly easy. Retroactively proposing and debating solutions to the world’s most pressing problems fostered creative diplomacy and global awareness.”
During their time in D.C., they took the time to explore the area. The delegates visited historic landmarks, including the White House, the Washington Monument, the National WWII Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.
When asked about his favorite moment, Ryan Slage said, “My favorite moment from NCSC this year was by far our alumni dinner night. Meeting those who came before me, seeing their success and the robust network of Noles that has been built up over the years, gave me hope for not only my future career, but the careers of those around me. Seeing the younger members bond with the alumni made me especially excited to carry on the legacy and give back when I eventually graduate as well.”
To close out the trip, the program held its annual alumni dinner, where students had the opportunity to network with over 10 World Affairs Program alumni in Washington, D.C., hosted by Eric Reading, international affairs alumnus and teaching professor.
For more information about FSU’s World Affairs Program, visit fsuwap.org. For more information about FSU’s International Affairs program, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/internationalaffairs.