Faculty Bylaws: Appendix A. Roberts Rules of Order - Simplified

Guiding Principles:

1)    Everyone has the right to participate in discussion if they wish, and to speak without being interrupted. Only urgent matters may interrupt a speaker.
2)    Everyone has the right to know what is going on at all times. The following mechanisms may be used to uphold this principle:

a)    Request for information - may be called for to get information about business
b)    Point of parliamentary inquiry - may be called for to get information about procedure 
c)    Point of order - may be called for if there is a breach of the rules
d)    Point of personal privilege - may be called for if a member can’t hear, for safety reasons, comfort, etc.

A motion is the topic under discussion (e.g., “I move that we add a coffee break to this meeting”). After being recognized by the chair, any member can introduce a motion. A motion requires a second to be considered, unless it is a motion from committee. Each motion must be disposed of (passed, defeated, killed, postponed, or referred to committee). Only one motion can be discussed at a time, unless the new motion directly pertains to the original by amending it, limiting or closing discussion, or by providing a method of disposal.

How to:
1)    Bring up a new idea before the group.

After recognition by the chair, present the motion. A second is required for the motion to go to the floor for discussion, or consideration.

2)    Amend a motion under discussion.

After recognition by the chair, move to amend the motion. These amendments must be agreed to by the individual who made the motion, and the individual who seconded the motion.

3)    Send a motion to committee.

Move to refer to a committee. Such a motion must be accompanied by a specific charge to a specific committee.

4)    Limit the current discussion.

Move to limit discussion to a set period of time or to a set number of speakers. This action requires a 2/3rds vote.

5)    Close the current discussion.

Move to close the discussion. This action requires a 2/3rds vote.

6)    Postpone a motion until a definite later time.

Move to postpone and specify a time or date.

7)    Postpone a motion for an indefinite amount of time.

Move to table the motion. If the motion is not taken from the table by the end of the next meeting, it is dead. To kill a motion at the time it is tabled requires a 2/3rds vote. A majority is required to table a motion without killing it.

8)    Reconsider something that was voted on earlier in the meeting.

Move to reconsider. The motion is made by someone on the prevailing side in the initial vote. If the majority agrees, the motion comes back on the floor as though the vote had not occurred.

9)    Change an action voted on at an earlier meeting.

Move to rescind. Prior written notice is required for a motion to rescind.

10)    Bring back a discussion that has drifted away from the agenda.

Call for orders of the day.

11)    Take a short break.

Move to recess for a set period of time, not to exceed 15 minutes.

12)    End the meeting.

Move to adjourn.

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