Objective:
Newhaven University’s mission is to prepare its students to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society by providing the highest-quality education through experiential, collaborative, and discovery-based learning. With this in mind, the university organized a Model United Nations (MUN) Conference Simulation to immerse students in a real-world diplomatic environment. Leveraging Gatherly’s innovative virtual space, Newhaven aimed to foster deeper connections and more life-like interactions among participants.
The Challenge
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, educational institutions must find effective ways to prepare students for international collaboration and diplomacy. Model United Nations (MUN) simulations have long been a staple in higher education for students to develop diplomacy skills, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding. However, traditional MUN events are often limited to physical participation, restricting accessibility and increasing logistical demands. With over 200 students from diverse backgrounds expected to attend, Newhaven University faced the challenge of creating a virtual platform that could replicate the dynamism of in-person MUN conferences.
To meet this challenge, Newhaven University partnered with Gatherly, an interactive virtual events platform, aiming to provide students with a fully immersive experience that encourages real-time collaboration, dynamic discussions, and genuine interpersonal connections.
Why Gatherly?
Gatherly was selected for its unique ability to create flexible, engaging online environments that mimic the spontaneity of in-person interactions. Unlike standard video conferencing platforms, Gatherly enables participants to move freely through virtual rooms, join conversations organically, and engage in group or one-on-one discussions with ease. These capabilities were crucial to Newhaven’s vision of creating a life-like MUN simulation that could replicate the nuances of diplomacy and international negotiation.
Event Goals
1. Promote Global Mindset and Cross-Cultural Understanding: Students were tasked with representing various nations, requiring them to research and advocate for positions outside of their own perspectives. Gatherly’s platform supported this by creating spaces where students could naturally engage in conversations, fostering cultural awareness and empathy.
2. Develop Critical Diplomacy Skills: MUN simulations provide an ideal setting for practicing diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking. By simulating real-life committee discussions and negotiations, students were able to experience the challenges and nuances of diplomacy firsthand.
3. Enhance Student Collaboration and Engagement: With Gatherly’s spatial audio and interactive tools, participants could engage in both formal sessions and casual networking spaces, allowing them to build professional connections and friendships.
The Execution: Bringing the Vision to Life
On November 2, 2024, the virtual MUN Conference Simulation went live, welcoming approximately 200 students into Gatherly’s interactive online venue. The event’s structure mirrored a traditional MUN conference with opening ceremonies, multiple committee sessions, breakout groups, and a closing assembly.
Key components of the event included:
● Interactive Opening Ceremony: The event kicked off with an interactive keynote delivered by the university’s Dean of International Relations. This opening session set the tone for a high-energy event, encouraging students to take full advantage of Gatherly’s virtual space.
● Committee Sessions and Real-Time Negotiations: Just as in real-world UN committee meetings, students represented countries in discussions on global issues. Gatherly’s platform allowed for breakout rooms where smaller committees could meet, and students could split into caucuses, replicating the format and energy of in-person MUN events. Students could easily navigate between rooms and committees to negotiate, consult with allies, or form blocs.
● Casual Networking Spaces for Real-Time Connections: One of the standout features of Gatherly is its ability to create informal networking spaces. Between committee sessions, participants could enter virtual lounges or networking rooms where they could engage in unstructured, organic conversations. These spaces proved invaluable for students to share experiences, insights, and build connections that extend beyond the event.
Event Outcomes and Key Results
The MUN Conference Simulation was a resounding success, fulfilling Newhaven University’s goals of providing a high-quality, experiential learning opportunity in a virtual setting. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing appreciation for the platform’s ability to facilitate authentic and dynamic interactions.
Key Metrics:
● High Engagement Levels: With over 95% of participants remaining actively engaged throughout the entire event, the MUN simulation demonstrated Gatherly’s effectiveness in maintaining participant focus and interest. Students reported that the platform’s flexibility made it easy to stay involved in discussions and negotiations.
● Improved Learning and Skill Development: Students reported a marked improvement in their understanding of diplomatic processes, with 92% noting that the experience helped them develop essential skills in negotiation, public speaking, and cultural awareness. The Gatherly platform was particularly praised for allowing students to freely navigate between discussion groups, an essential feature for MUN simulations that require quick adaptation and real-time responses.
● Increased Sense of Community: A significant portion of the participants felt that Gatherly’s unique networking capabilities helped them form stronger connections with their peers. In surveys conducted after the event, students highlighted the platform’s life-like interaction capabilities as a primary factor in their feeling of community and engagement.
The Impact of the MUN Simulation on Student Development
The success of Newhaven University’s MUN simulation demonstrates the value of virtual, experiential learning as a powerful tool in education. By allowing students to engage in lifelike diplomatic simulations, the university empowered its students to build both professional skills and personal insights critical to succeeding in a global society. This event proved that with the right platform, virtual experiences can go beyond mere video calls, fostering meaningful, life-long skills in leadership, collaboration, and cultural understanding.
Conclusion
Newhaven University’s MUN Conference Simulation event exemplifies how virtual platforms like Gatherly can redefine what’s possible for remote experiential learning. By creating an environment that fosters deep, real-time connections and mirrors the spontaneity of in-person interactions, Gatherly enabled Newhaven University to fulfill its mission to educate students in an engaging, globally aware manner. The university’s investment in this MUN simulation represents a forward-thinking approach to education—one that leverages technology to prepare students for the complexities of a globalized world.