Basic Concepts
What is a quorum?
The minimum number of voting members required for a meeting to be valid (In our case 2/3rds of the senators)
What is a main motion?
A proposal that introduces a new piece of business or discussion for the group to discuss
What is a majority vote in Student Senate?
2/3rds of voting members
Who is the chair of Student Senate meetings?
The President (President Patt)
What happens if we don't follow the agenda?
Chaos or forgetting of things to be discussed, potentially leading to an unfair meeting
What is an amendment?
A formal change proposed to a motion or document
What is a motion to table?
A motion used to postpone consideration of a motion/discussion item for a period of time
What does abstention mean?
A member choosing to vote neither "yay" or "nay" typically due to a conflict of interest
Who keeps the minutes of the agenda and sends out the meeting agenda(s)
The Chief of Staff (CoS Ruggles)
What is speaking out of turn?
When a member speaks without recognition from the chair
What is a point of order?
a concern raised when a member feels that the rules of a meeting are being violated
How do you make a motion to recess?
I motion to recess until "x:xx"
What is a Voice Vote?
A method for voting in which members express their vote verbally
Who has voting rights during Student Senate General Business meetings?
Student Senators
What makes a point of order different from a point of information?
Point of order is used to handle violation(s) of meeting rules. Point of information is used to seek clarity on a topic or document.
What is the purpose of a discussion?
To discuss and exchange information, ideas, and opinions among members of a group
What is a point of information?
a motion used to seek clarification on facts, procedures, etc...
What happens if there is an exact tie during a vote?
The motion will not pass unless the President or another member has voting privilege in cases like an exact vote
What is the purpose of an Advisor?
Serve as a consultant to the Student Senate and the primary fiscal agent.
Can a tabled motion be left on the table without consideration?
No, all tabled motions must eventually "leave" the table
What is Parliamentary procedure?
A set of rules and guidelines used to conduct meetings and make decisions in a structured and efficient matter
What is a privileged motion?
A motion that takes precedence over other motions and is considered immediately because of its urgency or importance.
What is voting by general consent?
A method for approving a motion without a formal vote when there appears to be no opposition.
What is the purpose of an administrative liaison?
Act as a liaison between Student Senate and
campus administration
How many internal committees are there on Student Senate?
8! (SOC, IAC, AAC, LAC, FAC, DEI, EAC, MEC)