UMUC
OFFICE OF DIVERSITY INITIATIVES

Model Organization of American States (MOAS)

The Model Organization of American States (MOAS) for universities began 28 years ago. An MOAS course is traditionally designed as a three credit academic unit in the spring semester with the class culminating at the General Assembly for Universities at the headquarters of the Organization of the American States in Washington D.C.

Participation in the MOAS immerses the students in the world of international diplomacy unique to the Americas. In the classroom, the student delegates receive specialized briefings from many disciplines with a focus on the country assigned to them by MOAS. The organization and structure of the Organization of American States (OAS) is a major component of the class. Students need to adopt the parliamentary procedures and understand the traditions which govern OAS debates. The class functions as a diplomatic unit with students becoming experts in their chosen states’ economy, history, security, educational, and political identity.

MOAS is best described in the prior link. In a nutshell, it is an unparalleled stage in which to showcase the quality of student and faculty to an international audience. Participants come from North America, Central America and South America universities. Student’s resumes are enhanced with participation in this elite assembly.

MOAS Participants and Roles

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Robert F. Bromber
Academic Director, African American Studies, Government and History School of Undergraduate Studies

Head Delegate and General Committee:
John R. Tabori, Maryland

First Committee: Juridical and Political Matters
Steven T. Rogers, Maryland
Mercedes Hesselgesser, California

Second Committee: Hemispheric Security
Alexander Valencia-Reyes, Maryland
Mercedes Hesselgesser, California

Third Committee: Inter-American Summits Management and Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities and the Inter-American Council for Integral Development
Brandy Jones, Maryland
Magdalena Gorrell Guimaraens, Portugal

Fourth Committee: Administrative and Budgetary Affairs
Margaret McPhillips, Maryland