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.

• 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.

Dear WAS Student Delegates,

Welcome to the 2024 World Affairs Seminar (WAS), Democracy and Governance: Evolving Global Perspectives! 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 will be one of over 30,000 individuals from more than fifty nations who share the rare distinction of having attended the World Affairs Seminar since our inception in 1977. Why do we call you a delegate? Because you represent a 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.

2024 is a pivotal year for democracy across the globe. From the upcoming presidential election in the United States to the war in Ukraine, issues regarding self-government and national sovereignty remain both timely and contested. WAS 2024 will provide you with the tools needed to make better sense of this consequential moment. 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 democracy and governance, 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 teachers as well as learners.

The value of the World Affairs Seminar is priceless, but it will only benefit you if you participate fully. As you immerse yourself in WAS, 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. One thing is certain: the friendships you forge at WAS will increase peace through greater cultural understanding.  Welcome to WAS!

Yours in Service,

Francis X. Vogel
Executive Director

Michael Carriere, PhD
Academic Dean

Current events across the globe have exposed significant differences in how many countries approach such critical issues as political representation, human rights, and governance. For many political scientists, the end of the Cold War in the 1990s was supposed to usher in an era of unparalleled political democracy; with authoritarianism vanquished, the voice of the people would finally be heard. Yet the twenty-first century has not seen global democracy flourish. In fact, a number of countries have embraced models of governance rooted in autocracy and totalitarianism. Even in well-established democracies, developments like the War on Terror, the refugee crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic have called the concept of democracy – and the systems of governance that often support such a concept – into question.

The 2024 World Affairs Seminar, Democracy and Governance: Evolving Global Perspectives, will allow delegates the opportunity to survey how these important matters are playing out around the world. Attention will be paid to theoretical models of governance, along with the ways that political systems work – and perhaps don’t work – on a day-to-day basis. It is no longer a given that democracy is the final destination for global political development. Such a conclusion will come to have a profound impact on how all global citizens think about such things as elections, political parties, rights, and responsibilities. The question of democracy, in other words, has yet to be fully answered.

Carroll University is located in the heart of Waukesha, Wisconsin and is open to the public. For your safety, we have identified campus boundaries. All delegates must remain within these boundaries at all times, starting with check-in and until check-out.

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Delegates are not allowed to leave the campus at any time during the Seminar other than for a scheduled Seminar activity. I understand that any deviation from this rule will require staff and parental permission, and will be an emergency in nature. A parent is required to be present to sign you out of the Seminar at any time other than the final Friday morning. Any unauthorized departure from campus can/will result in immediate expulsion from the remainder of 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.

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 need to reach us during the seminar, our on-site office phone line is (262)-951-3208. This phone number will be monitored as follows:

• Friday, June 21st: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM CDT
• Saturday, June 22nd: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
• Sunday, June 23rd: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
• Monday, June 24th: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
• Tuesday, June 25th: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
• Wednesday, June 26th: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
• Thursday, June 27th: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM CDT
• Friday, June 28th: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

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

T-Shirt sales are one way we promote WAS in the home communities, and among the friends and acquaintances of our delegates.

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

Be sure to consider buying one!

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.

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. 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.

A Gregg W – Main 201 

B Arielle J – Rankin 030

C Joey M – Main 309 

D Ben T – Rankin 130

E Catie E – Rankin 040

F Dylan B – Rankin 201

G Payton K – Main 206

H Vic J – Rankin 230

J Alizay B.M. – Main 207

K Ky K – Main 310

L Wren S – Main 311

Delegates will get the opportunity to attend one of four field trips on Tuesday, June June 25:

Wisconsin State Capitol

This trip to Madison, Wisconsin will feature a tour of the Wisconsin Capitol building, which houses both chambers of the Wisconsin legislature along with the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Office of the Governor. Completed in 1917, the building is the tallest structure in Madison, a distinction that has been preserved by legislation that prohibits buildings taller than the column’s surrounding the Capitol’s dome.

After the tour, delegates will attend a session at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School with representatives from the State Democracy Research Initiative.

Milwaukee City Hall

Delegates will get a tour of the City Hall building, located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The building, designed by acclaimed architect Henry C. Koch, opened in 1895.  At 354 feet – 393 feet at its flagpole – Milwaukee City Hall was the tallest building in the world from its completion in 1895 until 1899.

Delegates will meet with elected officials, policymakers, and others invested in Milwaukee’s government while at City Hall.

Turner Hall

Delegates will tour the Milwaukee headquarters of the Turners and learn about their history in both Germany and the United States. Founded in 1853, the Milwaukee Turners are the oldest civic group in the city with a deep history of pro-democracy work and civic engagement. They provide non-partisan civic educational programs and mental and physical wellness programming for all Milwaukeeans.

Delegates will interact with Turners’ staff as they experience Turner Hall, an historic building constructed in 1882.

Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts (for “25 Million Stitches” exhibition)

Delegates will visit this Cedarburg, Wisconsin museum to view the “25 Million Stiches” exhibition, which uses stitching as a means of addressing the current global refugee crisis. The stitched panels included in the show are meant to give viewers some way of contextualizing the approximate 25 million refugees currently in the world.

Delegates will engage with museum staff and artist Jennifer Kim Sohn as they learn about the intersections of art, activism, and democracy.

• Place all take-out orders by 11:30 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.
• Do not order take-out or delivery during organized meals or other sessions.

Addresses for residence halls:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You must be checked out of your room by 11:00 AM. Please follow these guidelines to help make this a smooth process for everyone:

1. 1. Linens – All Carroll University provided linens (sheets, blankets, towels) should be placed on your bed prior to checkout. WAS is charged for any missing linens and the cost will be billed to the delegate.
   2. Clean Room – We expect you to leave your room in the condition that you found it when you checked in. Vacuums will be available for use if needed.
   3. Windows – Close all windows in your room.
   4. Check for 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 delegates have checked out. These are costly to return at your expense.
   5. Counselor Check – When you have completed the above and are ready to exit the floor, contact your counselor to verify that your room is in order and all linens are there and not damaged.
   6. Lock Door – After the counselor check, make sure to remove all your personal items and close and lock your door.
   7. Room Key and Meal card – Head down to the lobby and turn in your Room Key and Meal Card to the Carroll University staff. ALL keys must be returned to Carroll University staff prior to departing campus.  The replacement fee for missing keys is up to $300 and will be charged to the delegate.
   8. WAS Check out – Stop at the WAS table prior to departing the building so we can confirm you are good to go.
   9. Car Keys / Passport – If you turned in your car keys or passport, check in with the WAS staff to retrieve those items.
   10. Have a Safe Trip Home!
   11. Join us Next Year!

Greetings Delegate. Congratulations on your selection to attend the 2024 World Affairs Seminar. Below is important information about what to bring with you, and some warnings about responsibilities you should be aware of.

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

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

Clothing

• Casual, appropriate clothing for 6 days – shorts and t-shirts are okay
• Mix of short & long sleeve shirts / shorts & long pants
• Light sweater/sweatshirt
• Rain jacket
• Pajamas or sleeping attire
• Comfortable shoes (There is a lot of walking between sessions.)
• Something nice to wear for the dance (semi-formal is fine)
• Optional athletic clothing for open recreation activities
• Closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes, sneakers, etc.) for field trips and open recreation – Crocs do not count as closed-toe!
• Please NO red t-shirts or red hats – these are worn by counselors and staff.

Toiletries/Grooming Items

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Hairbrush/comb
• Deodorant
• Shower items – Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razor, etc.
• Shower shoes (flip-flops or “slides”)
• Contact case & solution, glasses
• Sunscreen and bug spray (Optional but recommended)
• Medications should be in their original containers and will be collected at registration and held for safekeeping.

Residence Halls

• You should bring your own bath towel, washcloth, and pillowcase.
• Bed Linens (pillow, sheets and blanket) are provided, but you may want to bring a favorite pillow and a Twin XL sheet set, if desired. (Camp sheets are a little stiff!)
• Small electric fan (Recommended as residence halls are not air-conditioned)

Recommended

• Backpack, tote bag, etc. for carrying daily items to sessions
• Notebook & pen for taking notes
• Musical instrument or props to perform in Talent Show
• Reusable water bottle
• Umbrella
• Laptop, if desired – Will not be allowed in large group sessions
• Cell phone, tablet, camera, or other media – Guidelines will be explained on arrival
• Spending money – cash or credit card for snacks & souvenirs ($50 is typically enough)
• Prepaid Long Distance Calling Card (Recommended for International calls)
• Non-perishable snacks (Pretzels, chips, crackers, trail mix, granola bars, etc.)
• ID on ALL of your personal belongings

Easy to Forget

• Phone charger
• Socks
• Belt

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 + case: $25
• Sheet: $10.00
• Thermal Blanket: $20
• Wash Cloth: $2
• Bath Towel: $8
• Camp Card: $25
• Room Key: $300 (includes cost of re-keying the room).

Registration/Health/Transportation Request (if needed) Forms must be COMPLETED ONLINE prior to the General Registration deadline.

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.

FAQS

Will there be WiFi available at the World Affairs Seminar?

• Yes, Carroll University’s campus has guest WiFi network access.

What time zone will I be in?

• Waukesha, WI is in the Central Time Zone (GMT -6:00).

Dear Delegates and Parents,

On Saturday, June 22nd, you will embark on a unique adventure at the 2024 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 12:30 and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22nd, 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.

Lunch on the day of arrival is not included. Families may purchase lunch from Carroll University’s Main Dining Room (in the Campus Center) for an additional cost.

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 28th, 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!

Coming soon!