Harvard Procedure

Harvard Procedure refers to the set of parliamentary rules and debate conventions popularized by conferences hosted by Harvard University, most notably Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN), Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN), and Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN). While there is no single codified "Harvard rulebook" that binds other conferences, the style has become a reference point in the North American and international MUN circuits, and many secondary-school and university conferences explicitly state that they "follow Harvard procedure" or a close variant.

Typical features include:

• A General Speakers List that runs by default whenever no other motion is on the floor.
• Moderated caucuses, proposed with a stated total time, individual speaking time, and topic, voted on by simple majority.
• Unmoderated caucuses for informal negotiation, also time-bound.
• Working papers that circulate informally before being formally introduced as draft resolutions once they meet a signatory threshold set by the dais.
• Friendly and unfriendly amendments, with unfriendly amendments requiring a substantive vote.
• Voting procedure that allows motions to divide the question, roll-call votes, and rights of explanation for delegates voting against the bloc on substantive matters.

Harvard procedure is often contrasted with THIMUN procedure, used by The Hague International Model United Nations and many European and Asian conferences, which relies on pre-written resolutions, lobbying sessions, and the absence of moderated caucuses. Harvard-style debate tends to reward improvisation, public speaking, and bloc leadership, whereas THIMUN-style rewards drafting and diplomacy.

Delegates should always check the specific Rules of Procedure document published by their conference, since each secretariat adapts the framework — for example, by changing signatory thresholds, allowing or barring electronic devices, or modifying crisis committee rules.