Robert’s Rules of Order for SGA
PURPOSE AND USE Developed from how Congress operated in the 1800s Used in all different types of meetings that must be formal
Motions are how we communicate what we want done in meetings
Privileged Motions: The highest level and take priority over other motions the agenda
Subsidiary Motions: Used as add-ons to other motions or agenda items
Incidental Motions: Arise out of immediate necessity and are allowed to interrupt the meeting
Main Motions: Other business items or actions
TYPES OF MOTIONS
PRIVILEGED MOTIONS Motion to Adjourn: End the meeting
Motion for a _____ Recess: Have a break in the meeting
Motion to Suspend the Rules: The meeting doesn’t have to follow Robert’s Rules or the Bylaws
Motion to Address the Senate: Gives permission for you to speak
SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS Motion to Vote: Goes into voting procedures on an item
Motion for a Moderated Caucus/Q&A: Have debate on any item
Motion to Extend [Moderated Caucus/Q&A] by _____
Motion to End [Moderated Caucus/Q&A]
Motion to Amend _____ by _____ : Change any item
Motion to Discharge ______: Move a bill from first reading into second
INCIDENTAL MOTIONS Point of Order: Used to call out rule breaking or improper behavior
Point of Information: Used to quickly ask about something
TYPES OF VOTING Voice Vote: President will ask who is in favor and against outloud then makes a decision to pass or fail the motion
Roll Call Vote: Everyone’s votes are counted and recorded
Closed Ballot: Everyone’s votes are counted but are not recorded individually
CHAIR’S POWERS The chair has the authority to make the agenda and follow it
They also have the power to recognize people’s motions, but they cannot ignore them
Doesn’t need a vote to start the meeting, approve the agenda, go into closed session, adjourn if it’s on the agenda
The chair has the authority to make sure Senators follow the Bylaws in GBM Ex: For closed sessions, all electronics must be closed/off, no recording, only SGA members in the room, etc.
KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER Many motions require a second (someone else likes your motion)
You can withdraw any motion you give at any time “I move to withdraw my motion”
Robert’s Rules is complex so research at your own risk There is a hierarchy to motions Some motions can’t be debated (Adjourn)
DON’T BE TOO STRICT ON FOLLOWING THE EXACT WORDING Motion to Discharge = Motion to move _____ into Second Reading