This document provides an overview and introduction to parliamentary procedure and Robert's Rules of Order. It discusses what parliamentary procedure is, its basic principles and benefits. It outlines who uses parliamentary procedure and why Robert's Rules is commonly adopted. The document then reviews key concepts like quorums, order of business, motions, voting procedures, and obtaining the floor. It aims to familiarize readers with the formal rules and processes used to conduct meetings efficiently and inclusively.

1. Parliamentary Procedure Workshop FAU Student Government Judicial Branch Florida Atlantic UniversityCreated and Presented byNicholas ScaliceMember, American Institute of Parliamentarians (AIP)

2. OverviewWhat is Parliamentary Procedure? BenefitsThe Basic PrinciplesWho Uses These Rules?Why Robert’s Rules…Rules!History of Robert’s Rules Robert’s Rules Official Books What is a Quorum? How to Act at a Meeting Cell Phone Procedures Agenda Standard Order of Business All About Motions 8 Steps in Processing a Motion Types of Motions Frequently Used Motions Getting Your Point Across Asking Questions Roll Call Voting Voting by Unanimous Consent Legislation For More Information Questions

3. What is Parliamentary Procedure?The formal procedures used by a deliberative assembly to present and discuss possible courses of action, make decisions and keep orderThe rules of democracy—the commonly accepted way in which a group of people come together to conduct their business

4. BenefitsEnhanced leadership credibilityFaster and more efficient meetingsPrevention of illegal actionsImproved communication skills

5. The Basic PrinciplesCourtesy and justice for allConsideration of only one subject at a timeRights of absent members must be protectedThe minority must be heardThe will of the majority must prevail

6. Who Uses These Rules?CongressStudent GovernmentCity Council MeetingsFaith-Based OrganizationsCorporate BoardsSchool BoardsHomeowners’ AssociationsProfessional AssociationsFraternities and SororitiesVarious Clubs

7. Why Robert’s Rules…Rules!Out of all organizations that use parliamentary procedure, approximately 95% choose Robert’s Rules of Order as their parliamentary authorityThe parliamentary authority used at FAU is the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised

8. History of Robert’s RulesFormalized by Henry M. RobertUS Army general and engineerBegan at a church meeting in 1863First edition published in 1876The most popular authorityOver 5 million copies in print“…I would never attend another meeting until I knew something of…parliamentary law.”“Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty.” – Henry M. Robert

9. Robert’s Rules Official BooksThere are only TWO official books currently in printWe currently use the 10th edition, published in 2000198 PAGES704 PAGESBest used for reference and technical detailsBest for beginners who need only the very basics

10. What is a Quorum?A quorum must be present to transact businessQuorum requirement is established by the statutesAccording to Section 458.210:“The percent of members of a Campus House of Representatives attending a meeting to establish a quorum must be 50% plus one of the membership rounded up.”

11. How to Act at a MeetingStand up when you are speakingRemain quiet while others are speakingAddress others by their title and avoid first namesIf you must leave the room, request permissionIf giving a speech, state your name and position

12. Cell Phone ProceduresRefrain from cell phone use during the meetingNo texting during the meetingHarsh fines can be imposed by the State of FloridaAll communications in a meeting are public record

13. AgendaAn agenda sets out the order in which specific items are to be consideredMust be approved by majority vote soon after the start of the meetingOnce approved, it is the property of the assembly

14. Standard Order of BusinessStartCall to Order Pledge of AllegianceRoll CallApprovalsOpen ForumOfficer ReportsProgram ReportsSG Advisor’s ReportHouse ForumChair ReportsVetoed Business

15. Standard Order of BusinessTabled BusinessOld BusinessNew BusinessSpecial Order SpeechesOpen ForumLegislative ReportRemindersFinal Roll CallAdjournmentFinish

16. All About MotionsDefining a MotionA formal proposal for consideration and action

17. Only one subject can be considered at a time

18. No main motion can be made while another motion is before the assemblyTo make a motion say “I move that…”Seconding motionsAfter it is seconded, it is stated by the chairDebating motionsVoting

19. 8 Steps in Processing a MotionStep 1: Member rises and addresses the chair when nothing else is pendingSay: “Mr. / Madam Speaker”Step 2: Chair recognizes member by nodding at the member or stating his/her nameChair replies: “Representative Smith”Step 3: Member states his/her motionSay: “I move that…”8 Steps in Processing a MotionStep 4: Another member seconds the motion by raising a hand and calling out “Second!”Step 5: Chair states the motion and places it before the assembly for discussion. “It is moved and seconded that...”

20. “Is there any discussion?” 8 Steps in Processing a MotionStep 6: Members have the right to get recognition and debate the motion. During debate, subsidiary motions (i.e. amend, refer ) may be introduced to help the assembly make a final decisionStep 7: Next, the chair puts the question to a vote“Are you ready for the question?”

21. “The question is on the adoption of the motion that...”

22. “Those in favor, say YES.”

23. “Those opposed, say NO.”

24. “Secretary, please take roll.”8 Steps in Processing a MotionStep 8: Chair announces the results of the vote.“The affirmative [or negative] has it; the motion is adopted [or lost];we will [not]…”“The next business in order is…”Types of MotionsMain Motion (Main)Brings new business (or next agenda item) before the assemblySubsidiary Motion (Sub)Changes or affects how a main motion is handledPrivileged Motion (Priv)Concerns matters of great importance or urgency that are unrelated to pending businessIncidental Motion (Inc)Provides a means of questioning procedure concerning other motions and must be considered before the other motionFrequently Used MotionsAmend (Sub)Insert, strike out, or strike out and insert words

25. Used to clarify or improve the wording of the original motion

26. Must be germane to that motionCall for the Orders of the Day (Priv)A demand to return to the order of businessCommit or Refer (Sub)Refers question to a specific committeeLay on the Table (Sub)Temporarily suspends further action on pending questionFrequently Used MotionsLimit or extend limits of debate (Main)Modifies the rules of debate, such as length of speaking timePostpone Indefinitely (Sub)Rejects the main motion without bringing it to a direct voteReconsider (Special Class)Can be made only by a member of the prevailing side who has changed position or viewSuspend the Rules (Inc)Allows for a violation of certain rules (depending on the context)

27. The object of the suspension must be specified Getting Your Point AcrossPoint of Order (Inc)Brings attention to an infraction of the rules of order

28. Must be raised immediately after the error is madePoint of Privilege (Priv)Pertains to noise, personal comfort, etc.

29. May interrupt only if necessary

30. Usually abbreviated as “POP”

31. Use this to request to leave the room for any reason

32. Upon return, someone should motion to “Admit All Members”Asking QuestionsParliamentary Inquiry (Inc)A question directed to the chair to obtain information on a matter of parliamentary law or other rules.Point of Information (Inc)A request directed to the chair, or through the chair to another person, for information relevant to the business at hand.

33. Usually abbreviated as “POI”Roll Call VotingMost votes are done by taking rollThree responses in which a member may vote:“For” (In favor of the motion or legislation)

34. “Against” (Opposed to the motion or legislation)

35. “Abstain” (Neither for nor against)Members may abstain only if there is a distinct conflict of interestPassing on a vote

36. Voting by Unanimous ConsentFor certain parliamentary motions, the chair may simply ask the assembly if there is any objection to taking the desired action.If no member objects, the chair declares that the action has been agreed to.If even one member objects, the chair must then state the question and follow the complete voting guidelines.

37. For More InformationBooksThe Complete Idiot’s Guide to Robert’s Rules

38. The Guerrilla Guide to Robert’s RulesWebsitesRobertsRules.com

39. RulesOnline.comQuestionswww.fau.edu/sgNicholas ScaliceChief Justice,FAU Student Governmentnscalice@fau.edu