University SenateOrientation

2011-2012

http://www.und.edu/dept/registrar/senate/index.html

Sturgis 4th 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

MotionsPurpose: 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 Amendmentsmust 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 Motionsmay be amended

Amended Motionsmay 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.

VotingSometimes 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 order1. Amendments to Amendments

2. Amendments

3. Main Motion

Tabling a MotionPostponing 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 MotionPostponing 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 DebateIf 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 Amendments1. 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 amendment3. 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.

AdjournmentIf 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