SGA Expectations For 112th Senate By: President Nasreen Naqvi
Attendance
Attendance You must be in the senate chambers by 7:00PM, the meeting will begin without you and you will be marked absent if you do not hit your clicker Excused absences per semester (at the discretion of Senate Pres.) After 4 unexcused absences- immediate dismissal Expected to attend GBM (Tues. 7-9) weekly, as well as individual committee meetings. Pres. of the Senate can mandate attendance at events (but can be overturned with ⅔ senate votes)
Absences We expect you to attend every meeting, but sometimes things come up - valid excuses for GBM excusal with less than 48 hours notice would include: Family Emergency Medical Emergency Other excusals with more than 48 hours notice can be granted by President of the Senate - I understand sometimes things come up, but this should be used sparingly
Leave of Absences If an excruciating circumstance arises and you are unable to attend any of you SGA obligations, you are permitted to take a leave of absence (long term sickness, out of state etc.) You must notify the Student Body President as well as the Chairs of the Committees you belong to. You can be granted up to 2 weeks of absence.
- Disciplinary Marks
Disciplinary Marks Can be reported to the secretary by anyone (committee chairs, Pres. of senate etc.) The Internal Affairs committee can mediate discussion on the disciplinary mark to determine subsequent action 3 or more disciplinary marks subjects you to an impeachment trial, with subsequent trials after every 2 additional marks These numbers increase by 2 for every additional committee you sit on over 2
What warrants discipline? Not completing action items Disruptive Behavior Not completing weekly tasks (press release, committee updates) Abusing resources (email access, purchases) Disclosing confidential information (closed session)
- GBM Expectations
Talking in Turn Always talk in motions You should never be blurting out anything - it disrupts the flow of the meeting Be respectful - there will be difference of opinion, do not attack anyone personally If something doesn’t pass, don’t be too disheartened
General Expectations You don’t need to dress professionally all the time, but still look put together. (Don’t show up in pajamas) Professional attire can be mandated by president of the senate in cases of administration coming to GBM Do not eat during the meeting - exceptions can be granted, but generally there should be no food in the room Do not be doing other things on your computer, agenda/legislation should be the only things open Don’t be on your phone during meetings Absolutely no technology during closed sessions!
General Expectations with guests We need to be extra respectful when guests are present Looking attentive, asking questions, not using technology They are looking for feedback, so engage with the guests and participate in discussions. Even if you disagree with the guest, frame your discontent in a respectful manner.
Point of ____/Motions Point of Order - calling out a break in parliamentary procedure I.e. talking out of turn, running over time, etc. Point of information - asking a quick clarifying remark about something that was said - this is for quick facts, NOT discussion or opinion based questions. I.e. point of information - how much money total are you asking for, what does that acronym stand for, etc. NOT: Why are you doing this type of event, I dont like this part - its a bad use of funds, etc. Motion to address the senate Used to speak outside of a formal moderated caucus/Q-and-A/other agenda item or when it would normally be considered out-of-turn. Overrides other motions similar to a point of ___, recognized at the sole discretion of the President of the Senate. Question of personal privilege Something is personally affecting you - temperature, you need to step out, you were directly slandered, etc.
Voting We will predominantly use clickers for voting, you should only pick up your clicker, if your friend is coming late Vice pres of the senate will give them their clicker. Please do not vote for a non-existent option We will also still utilize voice votes and then subsequent clicker voting may be used. Please follow the voting procedures given by Pres. of senate.
Moderated Caucus vs. Q&A Motion for these using - “Motion for a __ minute Mod. Cauc./Q&A with __ second/minute speaking times Moderated Caucus: Used to facilitate conversation in which there may be a moderator facilitating conversation about a specific topic, legislation, etc. You speak for the time allotted in the motion and if you finish early, can yield your time to the person you want to respond. There will be a speakers list to maintain order. Q&A: Interactive discussion where questions may be asked and directed to a presenter, pres of senate, etc. There will also be a speakers list unless time is yielded to a person whom which questions are directed to.
Questions/Discussion?