University Senate Orientation

Sturgis 4 th Edition

Senate Responsibilities  Assemble to transact important business (exercise the powers of the University Council)  Consider current developments affecting the University  Exchange ideas and experiences  Work in community with those who share a common interest  Exercise good judgment and vote wisely for the good of...

Senator Duties  First duty of each Senator is to vote for what the Senator believes is the best for the University as a whole  Second duty is to vote for what is best for the particular college he or she represents Please remember to state your name when addressing the Senate

Committees  Perform the bulk of the work of the Senate  Are delegated to perform specified tasks on behalf of the Senate  Can formulate Reports, Proposals, and Motions... But, the final decision rests with the entire Senate

Advantages of Using Committees  Greater freedom of discussion  More time available for discussion  Informal procedure for discussion  Better use of experts and consultants  Delicate and troublesome questions may be addressed and settled without rancor  Hearings (forums) can be held to give Senators opportunities to freely express their opinions  Provide the means for faculty to self-govern

Senate Responsibilities to the Committees  Senators must do their homework  Attend forums and voice an opinion  Read the agenda and attachments  Weigh the pros and cons of an issue  Be prepared to vote  Be prepared to make motions if needed (preferably in writing)  Avoid micro-management, but provide general oversight and direction

Committee Responsibilities to the Senate  Report to the Senate Each committee will provide a short, written and/or oral report of its activities once each year or as required. Method and date is part of the committee description and included on the list of committees.

Committees and Motions  A committee report is presented by the chair or a designee  Recommendations of the committee can be presented in the form of a motion  The committee chair makes the motion and moves adoption  A motion submitted by a committee DOES NOT require a second  The motion from a committee is considered and acted upon as any other main motion

A Few of the Standing Rules of the University Senate  Committee chairs who are not members of the Senate may present their committee reports  Visitors speak only with the consent of the Senate  Members should not speak for longer than 2 consecutive minutes w/o Senate approval

Speaking Protocol  Raise your hand if you wish to be recognized to speak to a motion, an issue or to raise a question.  When you are recognized, stand, state your name, and address the members of the senate.  Use your classroom voice so we all can hear you! Introduction to U-Life

Motions Purpose: to bring a proposal before the Senate for discussion and decision One subject at a time! –only one main motion at a time

Discussion or Amendments must be GERMANE - Meaning that they must be relevant to and have a direct bearing upon the subject of the pending motion

Main Motions  No motion may be ignored (unless it is out of order)  Motions must be acted upon: - approved - defeated - withdrawn - referred (back to a committee) - postponed (tabled)

Main Motions may be amended Amended Motions may be amended

Why amend a motion? In order to modify a motion so that it will better express the will of the Senate.

Four Types of Amendments 1. Amendment by addition (insertion) “I move to amend the motion by inserting the word ‘three’ before the word delegates.” The University Senate will send three delegates to the Staff Senate and Dean’s Council.

Four Types of Amendments 2. Amendment by deletion (striking out) “I move to amend the motion by striking out the words ‘and Dean’s Council.’ ” The University Senate will send three delegates to the Staff Senate and Dean’s Council.

Four Types of Amendments 3. Amendment by striking out and inserting. “I move to amend the motion by striking out the word ‘delegates’ and inserting in its place the word ‘representatives.’ ” The University Senate will send three delegates representatives to the Staff Senate.

Four Types of Amendments 4. Amendment by substitution “I move to amend the motion by substituting for it the following motion: The University Senate will send a letter to the Staff Senate expressing its interest in having representatives from the University Senate included as a part of the Staff Senate.“ The University Senate will send “three” representatives to the Staff Senate.

Amendments may be Hostile May nullify or change completely the effect of the motion “I move to amend the motion by striking out the word ‘condemns’ and inserting in its place the word ‘endorses’ ” The University Senate condemns endorses the delegation’s position.

Voting Sometimes votes are recorded; sometimes not. In general, votes taken during the Consent Calendar portion of the meeting are not recorded. Votes taken during the Business Calendar are recorded.

Voting on Motions In reverse order 1. Amendments to Amendments 2. Amendments 3. Main Motion

Tabling a Motion Postponing Temporarily  To an undetermined time (presumably at the same meeting)  Not debatable  Requires a second  Requires a majority vote – (2/3 majority vote when it suppresses debate)  Assembly can resume consideration at any time with a motion to do so

Tabling a Motion Postponing To A Certain Time  Not really tabling a motion  Simply creating a new agenda item for a future meeting

Calling the Question (Not the proper approach according to Sturgis) Correct way is to move to close debate

Motion to Close Debate (Calling the Question)  Not Debatable  Requires a second  Requires a majority vote (2/3 majority vote when it suppresses debate)  However, a lull in discussion can be taken by the chair as an indication to proceed to a vote

Closing Debate If approved by a 2/3 majority, it... –prevents further debate –prevents further amendments –prevents further motions except for postponing temporarily – If this is the case, when consideration is resumed, the motion comes to an immediate vote.

Friendly Amendments 1. A member proposes an amendment to a motion that he/she feels would be acceptable to the maker of a motion 2. Maker may accept the friendly amendment 3. However, if the maker or another member objects, the friendly amendment would need a second, and would be voted upon as any other amendment

Adjournment 5:30  Unless someone moves to adjourn at an earlier time, or unless someone moves to adjourn at a specified later time.  Courtesy dictates that if someone is talking at 5:30, they are permitted to finish their comments, at which time the meeting is adjourned if no one immediately moves to extend the time.

Adjournment If there is a lull in discussion or the agenda is completed, the Chair can simply declare the meeting adjourned or ask for a motion to do so.  Anyone can move to adjourn  Not debatable  Requires a second  Requires a majority vote