Convention Program Information

Rules, Amendments, and Nominations

Learn about the convention's rules, including how to nominate your candidate for President and how to amend the party platform.

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Party Platform

Review the proposed party platform for 2020, and delve into the environment, social policies, healthcare, immigration, and the economy.

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Mock Convention 2024

Gray Chapel – February 23-24, 2024

The Mock Convention brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, elected officials, and community members (all with a variety of different beliefs and interests) to debate a party platform and candidate for whichever political party is currently out of power. Join us this year for a Republican Convention, in which we will take on the roles of Republican Party members and debate the potential future of the Party. 

Along with speeches from invited guests, musical performances and videos, Friday evening will be devoted to a discussion of the platform, with Saturday devoted to the nomination of candidates:

Day 1 (Friday, February 23, 2024)

  • 3 p.m. – Open Reception and Check-In (University Hall Lobby, Gray Chapel)
  • 4 p.m. – Call to Order
    • Parliamentarian, William Louthan, Professor of Politics and Government
    • National Anthem – Marvella Kurniawam, Class of 2025 
    • Invocation –  Dr. Chad Johns, University Chaplain, Class of 2002
    • Pledge of Allegiance – Bob the Bishop
    • Welcom Remarks - Dr. Matt vandenBerg, President of OWU
    • Installation of Convention Chairs – Dr. William Louthan, Jeff Benton, Sophia Gipson, Timothy Page
    • Opening Messages
      • Cameron Sagester, Executive Director Ohio GOP
      • Caitlin Frazier, Delaware City Council At-Large Member
      • Ohio State Representative Brian Lorenz (R-60)
      • Michael van der Veen, Class of 1985, Attorney
      • Jeff Benton, MC Honorary Chairman & Delaware County Commissioner
    • Rules and Credentials Report and Debate – Elizabeth Gangwer and Hayley Sanders, Class of 2027
    • Platform Preview – Meghan Means, Class of 2025
  • 5:45 p.m. – Dinner for Delegates (Hamilton-Williams Campus Center, Benes Rooms)
  • 7 p.m. – Convention Resumes
    • Platform Messages – Kathryn Barger, Class of 1983, 5th District Supervisor for Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
    • Report on the Platform – Matthew Higgins and Vincent Sack
    • Platform Debate

Day 2 (Saturday, February 24, 2024)

  • 8:30 a.m. – Continental Breakfast (University Hall Lobby)
  • 9:15 a.m. – Call to Order
    • Parliamentarian, William Louthan, Professor of Politics and Government
    • National Anthem – Pitch Black
    • Invocation – William Hayes, Associate Chaplain
    • Pledge of Allegiance –
      • Saharla Loyan, Preident of Pre-Law Society, WCSA Senator, Class of 2025
      • Zane Melvin, Cassie Rice, Jessie Rice, Delaware County 4-H Members
  • 9:30 a.m. – Opening Messages
    • Nancy Hollister, former Governor of Ohio
    • Frank LaRose, Ohio Secretary of State & 2013 Republican US Senate-Ohio Candidate
    • Gary Merrell, Delaware County Commissioner
    • Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th President of the United States
  • 9:50 a.m. - Nominating and Balloting for Presidential Candidates
    • Nominating and Balloting for Vice Presidential Candidates
    • Presentation of Individual Debate Awards
      •  Bush: Economic Policy
      •  Theodore Roosevelt: Domestic Policy
      •  Eisenhower: Foreign Policy
    • Presentation of Delegation Awards
      •  Lincoln: Most Patriotic State
      • Reagan: Most Spirited State
      • Hayes: Best Nomination Speech
      • Silver Elephant: Best State Banner
  • 12:15 p.m. – Adjournment

Convention Information

Access to the main floor of the Convention is limited to those with a credential pass.

The balcony is available to anyone (student, faculty, staff or public) without credentials.