QUICK GUIDE TO RONR Getting through your first SRA Meeting using Roberts Rules of Order

Who is Robert? Why do we use his Rules? There is a really boring history to Robert’s Rules. The short version is that Henry M. Robert was asked to preside over a church meeting in 1863, and felt he did not have the necessary knowledge to conduct the meeting properly. He was convinced there was a need for a standard set of rules for conducting meetings. We use RONR, as it provides a common set of rules and procedures by which business at the SRA is conducted. All business is controlled by the Assembly, and RONR dictates that this business will be deliberated in a full and fair manner, and voted on by the Assembly. The Assembly rules – you as a student representative have the final say on everything! Silence means consent, so speak up if and when you have an opinion.

How to Speak at an SRA Meeting  First and foremost, raise your hand. The Speaker will add you to the “Speakers List”, which is the order in which members will speak to the motion on the floor.  The Speaker will recognize you when it is your turn to speak. Please stand up when addressing the Assembly, and speak clearly for the Recording Secretary.  All comments must be addressed through the Chair. All of your comments must be courteous – no vulgarity, please. This means you do not address another member directly by name or by actions.  Please be courteous to whomever has the floor. Do not carry on side conversations when someone else is speaking.

The Rules This is by no means an exhaustive list. Rather, these are the rules you will use the most frequently, and therefore should become familiar with. Point of personal privilege: pertains to noise, personal comfort, or welfare of other members Parliamentary inquiry: to ask the Chair about the correct motion on the floor Point of Information: to ask the Chair or speaker a question that provides more information Point of Order: addresses an infraction of the procedures Amend: inserting or striking out words, paragraphs, etc. Can apply to motions and documents being debated Limit or Extend Discussion: stops or extends the debate Call to Question: if passed, immediately ends the discussion and the Assembly moves to a vote Appeal the Chair: if you disagree with the decision of the Chair Recess: taking a break Adjourn: ends the meeting

Examples of Motions and Rules Moved by Campbell, seconded by Saeed, that the Assembly recess for fifteen (15) minutes.

Examples of Motions and Rules “Moved by Campbell, seconded by Saeed, that the Assembly recess for fifteen (15) minutes.” Is an example of a how you would motion to RECESS

Examples of Motions and Rules Madam Chair, could you please ask members to speak up?

Examples of Motions and Rules “Madam Chair, could you please ask members to speak up?” Is an example of a POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Examples of Motions and Rules Moved by Stewart, seconded by Wyngaarden, to call to question.

Examples of Motions and Rules “Moved by Stewart, seconded by Wyngaarden, to call to question.” Is an example of a CALL TO QUESTION

Examples of Motions and Rules Moved by Scott, seconded by Bauman, to cap the Speaker’s List.

Examples of Motions and Rules “Moved by Scott, seconded by Bauman, to cap the Speaker’s List.” Is an example of LIMITING DEBATE

Examples of Motions and Rules Moved by Scott, seconded by Bauman, to exhaust the Speaker’s List.

Examples of Motions and Rules “Moved by Scott, seconded by Bauman, to exhaust the Speaker’s List.” Is also an example of LIMITING DEBATE