SGA Robert's Rules of Order Simplified

If you want to:

You say:Interrupt the speaker?Requires a Second?

End meeting

I move that we adjourn (at [time])NoYes

Have the meeting stop for a period of time

I move that we recess until [specific time] OR I move that we recess for [time duration]NoYes

Complain about noise, room, temperature, etc.

Point of (personal) privilege, [then state your reasoning for the point]YesNo

Make the meeting conform to the schedule

Will the assembly proceed to the orders of the day? OR I call for the orders of the dayYesNo

Change the normal rules of procedure by temporarily suspending the Bylaws, SGA Rules Bills, Robert’s Rules

I move to suspend the rules in order to [describe reasons]NoYes

Mention Something to the Senate

I move to address the SenateNoNo

Re-elect the chair

I move to vote to re-elect the (President/Vice President) of the SenateNoYes

If you want to:

You say:Interrupt the speaker?Requires a Second?

Temporarily stop discussion of a motion/item

I move to lay [motion/item] on the tableNoYes

Go into voting procedures and stop further debate

I move to have a vote on [motion/item] OR I move the previous questionNoYes

* Speak on a debatable motion/item

I move for an [time duration] moderated caucus with [time duration] of speaking timeNoYes

Ask a question to the speaker

I move for an [time duration] Q-and-A with [time duration] of speaking timeNoYes

Extend debate

I move to extend [type of debate] by [time amount]NoYes

Limit or end debate

I move to end [type of debate]NoYes

Stop discussion of an item until a definite time or date

I move to postpone this matter until [time/date/session]NoYes

Forward legislation for committee consideration

I move to refer [name of legislation] to the [name of committee]NoYes

* Change a motion/item

I move to amend the [motion/item] by [desired change]NoYes

Stop discussion of an item until an unknown time or date (Often “kills” the motion /item)

I move to postpone this question indefinitelyNoYes

Skip committee consideration for legislation

I move to discharge [name of legislation] from committee considerationNoYes

Take up a motion/item tabled

I move to take from the table [motion/item]YesYes

If you want to:

You say:Interrupt the speaker?Requires a Second?

Point out rule-breaking, improper behavior, or vulgar language

Point of Order, [reason]YesNo

Inquire about the business at hand or give valuable information to a question

Point of Information, [question/information to add]YesNo

Inquire about the rules of the SGA Constitutions, Bylaws, Robert’s Rules

(Point of) Parliamentary Inquiry, [question]YesNo

Stop an irrelevant, inappropriate, or undesirable item from being considered

I object to the consideration of this questionYesNo

Challenge a ruling made by the chair

I appeal the Chair’s decisionYesYes

Split up a motion/item so that different parts may be debated and voted upon separately

I move to divide the [bill/question]YesYes

Change the voting method

I move for [type of voting method]YesYes

Be free from specific obligations stated in the Bylaws

I request to be excused from [obligation]YesNo

If you want to:

You say:Interrupt the speaker?Requires a Second?

Bring a new idea before the Senate

I move to [your idea]NoYes

Overturn an attendance requirement not including GBM/Committee meetings

I move to vote to overturn the attendance requirement for [specific event]NoYes

Close the meeting to the public

I move for a closed sessionYesNo

Introduce impeachment charges

I move to present the President of the Senate with charges of impeachmentNoNo

Amend the SGA Constitution

I move to vote to amend the SGA ConstitutionNoYes

Amend the SGA Bylaws

I move to vote to amend the SGA BylawsNoYes

Remove a committee chair by a vote from the entire Senate

I move to vote to remove [name of committee chair] as chair of [committee name]NoYes

Remove a member from a committee

I move to remove [name of Senator] from [committee name]NoYes

Repeal or cancel a previous motion/item already adopted

I move to (repeal/rescind/annul) [motion/item previously adopted]NoYes

* Vote again on a motion/item of which you are a part of the winning side

I move to reconsider [motion/item already voted on]YesYes

If you want to:

You say:Interrupt Speaker?Requires a Second?

Withdraw a motion you made

I move to withdraw my motion OR I withdraw my motionYes, but must be made before the motion is voted uponNo

Agree with a motion initially made

I second OR SecondNo, but must be done after the chair requestsNo