Dear delegates,

Welcome to the 2023 World Affairs Seminar (WAS), Climate Change: Youth Take Action. We have gone to great lengths to curate a program that is both educational and inspirational; we look forward to sharing it with you. As a Student Delegate, you are one of over 30,000 individuals from more than fifty nations who share the rare experience of having attended the World Affairs Seminar since it was founded in 1977. Why do we call you a delegate? Because you represent your Rotary Club (or other service organization) chapter, your school, your town, your state – and even your country. We urge you to take this responsibility seriously, even as you enjoy the time of your life.

The issue of climate change is one that directly impacts the future of all of us. We are past the moment of simply considering this momentous problem; the time has come to act. WAS 2023 will provide you with the tools needed to undertake such important action. During your time at WAS, you will have the opportunity to interact with international experts, take field trips, and, perhaps most importantly, learn from each other. We know that you are attending WAS to learn more about climate change, but we also know that many of you are already thinking about this timely topic, and even acting upon such ideas. We want to hear about such efforts, for at WAS we encourage all delegates to see themselves as learners as well as teachers.

The value of the World Affairs Seminar is priceless, but it will only benefit you if you participate fully. As you participate in all WAS activities, savor the opportunity to meet new people. Be bold – share your ideas and be open to the ideas of others.  When the week is over, we hope you will do two things. First, take time to reflect on what you have learned. Second, please share your experience with others so they too can become a part of WAS. Tell your friends and classmates. If you were sponsored by a Rotary Club or other organization, make a presentation to them so they can see the full value of the investment they made in your future. Join the WAS Delegate Group and, after you leave, the WAS Alumni Facebook group. Welcome to WAS!

Sincerely,

Francis X. Vogel
Executive Director

Michael Carriere, PhD
Academic Dean

The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) is a unique interactive educational program for high school delegates. The week-long experience provides an opportunity for international delegates from a variety of backgrounds to discuss issues in a non-threatening environment. They experience new and different ideas and viewpoints brought forward both by their colleagues and by world renowned experts. In small and large groups delegates discuss information and ideas and put their new knowledge to use. Through public policy simulations they work through the complex interactions of different countries, corporations and organizations to develop their own policy initiative. The university setting provides a college-like experience, including use of the residence halls and campus dining. Throughout the week delegates have time for recreational activities which bring greater awareness and understanding of the world around them. Critical thinking, negotiation skills and the process of learning about new friends from around the world are all part of this incredible experience.

Motto: Peace through Understanding 

Mission: To build global leaders and citizens through an international seminar with an innovative, rigorous academic program.

Vision : At WAS open dialogue is encouraged. Our focus is current global topics and trends. We also offer recreational activities that foster interaction and understanding among delegates, staff and speakers.

Weather-related catastrophes wreaked havoc across the globe in 2021, and into 2022. Record heat waves gripped much of the western United States and parts of Canada in Summer 2021. Meanwhile, extreme storms in Germany and India triggered staggering levels of property damage, and the massive displacement of thousands. Climate change, in other words, is here, now and everywhere. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts that the globe may see a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. Such a development would have profound consequences for people on every continent. The World Bank, for example, has estimated that three regions – Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia – will generate 143 million more climate migrants by 2050. As these individuals flee the worst conditions wrought by climate change, their movements will bring about significant economic, social, and political changes to countries throughout the world.

It is with such stark realities in mind that we must act to address climate change now. The United States has reentered the Paris Climate Accord, while Rotary International has recently made supporting the environment its newest focus area for Rotary efforts worldwide. The 2023 World Seminar, “Climate Change: Youth Take Action,” will provide the means for young people from around the world to learn about this timely topic. More importantly, WAS 2023 will empower youth to address the realities of climate change.  The fate of the planet is not preordained; the future need not be bleak. It is up to the next generation to now share the lead, to embrace – and devise – the ideas and tools necessary to create a more sustainable world. Our Earth, including all other species, depends on it. Climate Change: Youth Take Action can be a first step in this vital journey.

At the 2023 seminar, you will…

• Look at the timely and important topics of climate change from a variety of perspectives.
• Work with delegates from around the world to define issues and problem areas within these topics.
• Take field trips to see how both organizations and individuals are addressing issues of global climate change.
• Discover what you can do to make your environment and the world a better place.
• Explore how technology and new opportunities come together as the world adjusts to the problems of the present – and the needs of the future.
• Study the impact of race, class, and gender on global climate change.

• You are expected to behave as described in the Expectations Form you signed.
• You are a delegate, which means you are an ambassador for your Rotary Club or other sponsor, School, Community
• Make a positive impression.
• No female delegates in the male dorm; no male delegates in the female dorms.
• Nametags must be worn at all times
• Stay on campus – consult the map or a counselor if you have any questions
• Please refrain from using your phone for texting or calls during the lecture.
• Using your phone to take a picture or record part of the lecture is permitted.
• Please be respectful of the speakers and those around you. Do not cause distractions.
• Anything you post online that is inappropriate will be treated the same as if it were spoken.
• If you are playing any sport, you must wear closed-toe shoes.
• Floor meetings are at 10:30 p.m. every night except dance night which is at 11:30 p.m. Everyone must be at Floor meetings. Plan showers accordingly.
• Nurses must be seen prior to 10:00 p.m. except for emergencies. “I forgot” is not an emergency.
• Dorms are locked at all times. Ask a counselor to take you back to the dorms if necessary. Dorm trips will be only for necessary items, and will be at the discretion of the counselor.
• Do not prop open the doors. They are locked for your safety.
• If there are any issues, please talk to a counselor.
• We care about your safety and comfort. Bullying, harassment, leaving campus or your dorm after hours may result in expulsion. No refunds.
• Respect all Carroll University facilities and equipment.
• There are two marked burial mounds on the Main Green, outside of Shattuck Auditorium. Please respect these sacred sites – do not sit, walk, or play games on them.
• No food, drink, or bags are allowed in the auditorium.
• Don’t climb over chairs in the auditorium.
• Make sure to pick up trays in the cafeteria and take them to the rotating dish rack.

Greetings Delegate. Congratulations on your selection to attend the 2023 World Affairs Seminar. Below is important information about what to bring with you, and some warnings about your responsibilities you should know about.

Please review this checklist and keep a copy with you. Questions? Please contact us at (414) 453-4984.

IMPORTANT: Bring ONLY what you are willing to carry. WAS is not liable for loss or damage of your personal items. Medications, Car keys and Passports are collected at registration and held for safe keeping.

In addition to your “normal” gear (clothing, toiletries/grooming items), consider the following: 

• Casual, appropriate clothing (shorts, t-shirts are ok) plus something nice for the Dance.
• Please: NO red T-Shirts or Baseball Caps – these are worn by counselors and staff.
• Notebook & Pen for taking notes (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)
• Spending money – cash or credit card for snacks, book & souvenirs. ($50 is typically enough)
• Prepaid Long Distance Calling Card (Recommended for International calls)
• Comfortable walking shoes…not flip-flops or sandals. A pair of closed toe shoes for the field trips.
• Small electric fan (Residence Halls are not air-conditioned)
• Insect repellent & sun screen
• Musical instrument or props to perform in Talent Show
• Cell phone, tablet, camera or other media – Guidelines will be explained on arrival.
• Laptop, if desired (will not be allowed in large group sessions. WAS is not responsible for any loss or damage)
• Prescription medications
• Favorite pillow (Linens are provided: pillow, sheets, and blanket)
• You will need to bring your own bath towel, wash cloth and pillow case.
• ID on ALL of your personal belongings.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE and must turn in the following items at the end of your stay. Lost, missing, or damaged items must be paid for as follows: Pillow: $10; Fitted Sheet: $15.00; Flat Sheet: $20; Blanket: $20; Meal Card: $20; Room Key: $275 (includes cost of re-keying the room).

COMPLETED, DATED AND SIGNED forms, including Consent/Health/Expectations & Rules must be mailed/faxed to the office so they arrive before the start of the Seminar.

PLEASE Send your CURRENT email address and full name TODAY to:

register@worldaffairsseminar.org

During your week on campus, you may be filmed, videotaped or photographed by a World Affairs Seminar employee, fellow delegate from our Journalism group, or a contract service professional. Your admission to WAS serves as permission for the use of your image unless you inform us in writing that you deny permission. If you deny permission, please do not pose for photos when reporters or others are taking them. 

Dear Delegates and Parents, 

On Saturday, June 24th, you will embark on a unique adventure at the 2023 World Affairs Seminar. We are excited about the international, educational and social networking opportunities available to you and the caliber of delegates taking part! 

Please follow these links for the Carroll University campus map and parking map: 

http://www.carrollu.edu/campus/map/
http://www.carrollu.edu/campus/directions.asp

If you are not able to arrive between about noon and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 24th, or as discussed earlier with Seminar staff, please let us know as soon as possible. 

• If you are being dropped off, you will want to go to the Campus Center to begin checking in.
• If you are driving, you can park temporarily and register as described in the paragraph above. As you register, let the staff know that you are driving and they will direct you to the parking area where you are to leave your car for the week. Once your car is parked and locked, you need to turn your keys in to the WAS office located in the Campus Center. They will be returned to you upon departure on the final day of the seminar.

As you arrive on campus at Carroll University, look for our staff counselors in red t-shirts and red hats. 

During registration you will receive your dorm assignment, group assignment and check in with the nurse. You then can stow your personal items in the dorm room and meet your roommate. 

The schedule here & on the website is being updated daily as we tweak the timing of events.

Departure is Friday, June 30th, any time after you have finished breakfast and said your good-byes, but before noon, please. There is no programming on Friday; it is strictly a travel day. 

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact our staff. It’s going to be a great week!

DURING the seminar, our on-site office is in “Pete’s Den”, located in the lower level of the Campus Center at Carroll University. Find us just off of the Pioneed Indoor Terrace in the lower level.

If you need to contact us via telephone, please call the following phone number:
Carroll University WAS Office Phone: 262-951-3208
This phone number will be monitored as follows:

• Friday, June 23rd: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM CDT
• Saturday, June 24th: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
• Sunday, June 25th: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
• Monday, June 26th: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
• Tuesday, June 27th: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
• Wednesday, June 28th: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
• Thursday, June 29th: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM CDT
• Friday, June 30th: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

If nobody answers, hang up and try again. Alternatively, email us at contact@worldaffairsseminar.org any time.

The primary WAS office line will be forwarded to our on-site staff members.

The Nurses will have the delegate’s medications available during each meal period and before evening dorm meetings in the World Affairs Seminar Office in the Campus Center. Delegates are responsible for going to the office to receive their medication during the meal periods. Counselors may remind students to see the Nurses for their medications. All medical information will remain confidential and will only be discussed between the nurses and the delegate. However, there are times that counselors will need to be made aware of potential medical situations and the Nurses will brief the counselors on those. For example, it is important for counselors to know of potential for a seizures or if there are allergies to certain items.

If you would like to attend a religious service Sunday of the Seminar, a signup sheet will be passed around and a counselor will accompany each group. All will be within reasonable walking distance. No transportation will be provided. No one will be required to attend a worship service. Those services with a Counselor electing to go, will be offered to students as options to attend on Sunday morning. We will designate a time and place to meet.

During your seminar week, all seminar-sanctioned meals will take place during scheduled hours in The Main Dining Room, or MDR. You will need your Meal Card to swipe in to the MDR for each meal. You may also purchase your own snacks when appropriate from other on-campus locations (IMPORTANT: do not go off campus, in accordance with your signed rules & regulations, at risk of removal from the seminar). 

The Main Dining Room (MDR) 
Seminar-inclusive meals will be served in the Main Dining Room (MDR), an all-you-care-to-eat facility that offers a variety of food selections daily including handmade sandwiches and wraps, full salad bar, pizza, cereals and breakfast foods, gluten-free options (upon request), dessert station with ice cream, and several more. Coke is the beverage provider for Carroll University. 

Coffee and Bagels (C&B) 
Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bagels will be open in the lower level of the Campus Center (Pioneer Indoor Terrace) Monday-Friday from 8am-2pm all summer long, should you be interested in purchasing specialty coffee drinks, snacks, etc. when they aren’t eating in the MDR. 

T-Shirt and Water Bottle sales are one way we promote WAS in the home communities, and among the friends and acquaintances of our delegates. Cost is very reasonable (and has not gone up in 8 years!).

T-shirts are $15 each or $25 for 2 (bring a friend/save a buck!).

Be sure to consider buying one!

Small Group Assignments will be posted soon!

Every night of the seminar, floor meetings will occur in the dorms at 10:30 PM to take attendance and go over announcements. Attendance at meetings are MANDATORY for all delegates. All delegates should head toward their dorm before floor meetings to arrive on time.

• For Steele Hall (men & open housing), you will meet in the 1st floor lobby.
• For Swarthout Hall (women & open housing), you will meet in the hallway of your assigned floor.

After floor meetings, delegates will have until 12:00 midnight to socialize on their floors and in the lobby. Delegates may gather co-ed together in the 1st floor main lobby accompanied by counselor(s). Delegates are prohibited from entering a residence hall that they are not assigned to (no Steele residence in Swarthout, no Swarthout residence in Steele). At midnight, all delegates must go to their assigned floors. By 12:30 AM, all delegates must be in their assigned room for quiet time and lights out. No delegates will be permitted outside of their rooms between 12:30 AM and 6:00 AM except to use the bathroom on their assigned floor, or emergencies – NO EXCEPTIONS.

On Tuesday, June 27, delegates will have the opportunity to go on field trips. Field trip selection will take place a day or two prior to field trip day. Selections include the following:

• UWM School of Freshwater Sciences: Great Lakes Research Facility, 600 E Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204
• Hundred Acre Urban Farm/Green Tech Station: 3945 N 31st St, Milwaukee, WI 53216
• Adams Garden Park/Alice’s Garden: 1836 W Fond Du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53205
• Sculpture Milwaukee, 275 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
• Milwaukee City Hall: 200 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
• Hartland Marsh Preserve, 901 Cottonwood Ave., Hartland, WI 53029
• Urban Ecology Center: 1500 E Park Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Transportation to and from the field trips will be provided by the World Affairs Seminar.

Each night, a different variety of open recreation activities will be announced.

Basketballs, volleyballs, Frisbees, and other equipment may be checked out at the Campus Center Information Desk. Please organize yourselves for larger group activities before requesting equipment. You will be required to leave your room key in order to check out equipment.

Rotary International and Rotary District 6270 (the district that covers southeast Wisconsin) are the reason the World Affairs Seminar exists.

Sponsors, Rotarians and other guests have been invited complimentary to audit the seminar. We are pleased to be able to offer this to our supporters and value their attendance.

Keeping in mind that this is a delegate-centered program (for high school students), we encourage guests to attend our sessions but refrain from participating in discussion, forums, question-and-answer and other interactive sessions.

Delegates are allowed to order food from outside vendors until 11:30 p.m. Before ordering, inform your counselor or dorm leader. After 11:30, no more orders may be placed. We will work with restaurants in the area to let them know our policy. The delegates are not allowed to leave the building. The delivery people will meet them in the foyer. 

• Place all take-out orders by 11:15 p.m.
• Do not go outside to meet the delivery person. They will come to you in the foyer. They are not allowed to go beyond the foyer.
• Remember to tip the delivery driver. A generally acceptable tip is about 18-20 percent of the total bill. As the week goes on, drivers will become frustrated and unwilling to deliver if they are not tipped accordingly.

Addresses for residence halls:

• North Bergstrom Hall: 135 S. East Avenue
• South Bergstrom Hall: 151 S. East Avenue

On Wednesday evening, you (the delegate) will have the opportunity to showcase your unique talents or abilities! Maybe it’s dancing, singing, or reading poetry; maybe it’s something else that you bring from your community or culture. Auditions will be held earlier in the week to screen those who are interested in participating – this isn’t a formal audition, but moreso to ensure that all acts are appropriate. While you are not required to participate in an act, all delegates are required to attend the show.

This year we will be hosting A Global Night of Music, a dance for the delegates to enjoy your last night at World Affairs Seminar. Many delegates dress in semi-formal clothing for the dance, however casual ware is also welcomed.

NOTE: Name tags are required during the duration of the dance, even if they don’t go with your outfit or take away from your stylish dance moves. This is for your safety and protection.

While participation in the dance is not mandatory, all delegates are required to be present within the Campus Center until the dance is over at 11:00PM, when delegates will be released back to their respective residence halls in time for the 11:30PM Floor Meetings. Alternative activities (such as crafts and board games) will be made available during the dance for those who do not wish to participate in the dance itself.

• You must be checked out of your room by 11:00 AM
• Trash – Empty wastebaskets and recycling into appropriate dumpsters. Make sure to have a counselor inspect your room.
• Linens – Turn in all Carroll University provided linens and towels to Carroll staff in your dorm’s lobby.
• Clean room – We expect you to leave your room in the condition that you found it in when you checked in. Vacuums will be available.
• Personal belongings – Make sure to double check all dresser drawers and under your bed for any of your personal belongings. Every year we find numerous personal items after guests have checked out. These are costly to return at your expense.
• Windows – Close all windows in your room.
• Check out – A Counselor will verify your room is in order and all linens are there/ not damaged.
• Door – make sure to close and lock your door.
• Key and Badge Holder – Return your (empty) plastic badge holder and room key to the lobby of your hall. A staff member will be available to accept them so that you are properly credited.
• Replacement fee for missing keys is $200.00

World Affairs Seminar does not tolerate any type of harassment or bullying. We deal with these issues as soon as they become a problem to ensure the an open, safe environment for all staff and delegates. If a harassment or bullying issue comes up, notify a counselor or other staff. Senior Staff may also be contacted to assist in dealing with an issue. 

The first thing you can do is reach out to one of the following individuals:

• Francis Vogel, Executive Director: fvogel@worldaffairsseminar.org
• Karlene Fox, Registrar: kfox@worldaffairsseminar.org
• Stuart Schmidt, Program Director: sschmidt@worldaffairsseminar.org
• Michael Carriere, Academic Dean: carriere@msoe.edu
• A member of our nursing staff.

Netiquette, a social code that defines “good” online behavior is something to keep in mind while posting about the World Affairs Seminar. On an online platform that includes written and verbal discussions, it is especially important to do this effectively. Follow the guidelines below to leave your mark as a knowledgeable, respectful and polite student who is also positioned to succeed professionally.

Be Scholarly

• Do: Use proper language, grammar and spelling. Be explanatory and justify your opinions. Credit the ideas of others through citing and linking to scholarly resources.
• Avoid: Misinforming others when you may not know the answer. If you are guessing about something, clearly state that you do not know the answer.

Be Respectful

• Do: Respect privacy, diversity and opinions of others. Communicate tactfully and base disagreements on scholarly ideas or research evidence.
• Avoid: Sharing another person’s professional or personal information.

Be Professional

• Do: Represent yourself well at all times. Be truthful, accurate and run a final spell check. Limit the use of slang and emoticons.
• Avoid: Using profanity or participating in hostile interactions.

Be Polite

• Do: Address others by name or appropriate title and be mindful of your tone. Treat people as if you were in a face-to-face situation.
• Avoid: Using sarcasm, being rude or writing in all capital letters. Written words can be easily misinterpreted as they lack nonverbals.

Join us next year for World Affairs Seminar 2024: Democracy and Governance: Evolving Global Perspectives

June 22-28, 2024

Click Here for more information.