The College of the Canyons Model United Nations team has maintained their position as the top 50 in the nation, outpacing other colleges and four-year universities.

Best Delegate, the foremost site on Model UN, released their rankings for the fall semester, featuring COC in the top 50 after a strong performance at UC Santa Barbara’s conference.

“I recruit talented students who want to improve their leadership skills and try to create an environment in which they can succeed,” said Dr. Phil Gussin, the faculty advisor for the club. “Sometimes I provide guidance and push them. Other times, I get out of their way and marvel at their drive and determination.”

Other schools ranked “Outstanding Delegation” the same category as COC include: Princeton University, Pomona College, Tufts University, and UC San Diego.

The community college was ranked higher than many four-year institutions such as Brown University and Cornell University.

See Related: COC Model UN Team Takes Top Award At UCSB Conference 

Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an extracurricular activity in which students typically role-play delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees.

This activity takes place at MUN conferences, and at the end of most conferences, the organizers recognized the delegates that have stood out in each committee, according to Best Delegate.

Awards are given out to the delegates that have knowledge of the subject, their ability to represent their assigned nation and their leadership skills.

Delegates need to meet all of this criteria while being diplomatic and staying true to their respective country’s position.

“We have some amazing students at College of the Canyons,” said Gussin. “It is my great honor to work with them.”

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