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 University Created and Presented by Nicholas Scalice Member, American Institute of Parliamentarians (AIP)

2. Overview What is Parliamentary Procedure? Benefits The Basic Principles Who 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 order The rules of democracy—the commonly accepted way in which a group of people come together to conduct their business

4. Benefits Enhanced leadership credibility Faster and more efficient meetings Prevention of illegal actions Improved communication skills

5. The Basic Principles Courtesy and justice for all Consideration of only one subject at a time Rights of absent members must be protected The minority must be heard The will of the majority must prevail

6. Who Uses These Rules? Congress Student Government City Council Meetings Faith-Based Organizations Corporate Boards School Boards Homeowners’ Associations Professional Associations Fraternities and Sororities Various 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 authority The parliamentary authority used at FAU is the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised

8. History of Robert’s Rules Formalized by Henry M. Robert US Army general and engineer Began at a church meeting in 1863 First edition published in 1876 The most popular authority Over 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 Books There are only TWO official books currently in print We currently use the 10th edition, published in 2000 198 PAGES 704 PAGES Best used for reference and technical details Best for beginners who need only the very basics

10. What is a Quorum? A quorum must be present to transact business Quorum requirement is established by the statutes According 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 Meeting Stand up when you are speaking Remain quiet while others are speaking Address others by their title and avoid first names If you must leave the room, request permission If giving a speech, state your name and position

12. Cell Phone Procedures Refrain from cell phone use during the meeting No texting during the meeting Harsh fines can be imposed by the State of Florida All communications in a meeting are public record

13. Agenda An agenda sets out the order in which specific items are to be considered Must be approved by majority vote soon after the start of the meeting Once approved, it is the property of the assembly

14. Standard Order of Business Start Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Approvals Open Forum Officer Reports Program Reports SG Advisor’s Report House Forum Chair Reports Vetoed Business

15. Standard Order of Business Tabled Business Old Business New Business Special Order Speeches Open Forum Legislative Report Reminders Final Roll Call Adjournment Finish

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 motions After it is seconded, it is stated by the chair Debating motions Voting

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

22. “Those in favor, say YES.”

23. “Those opposed, say NO.”

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

29. May interrupt only if necessary

30. Usually abbreviated as “POP”

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

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 interest Passing on a vote

36. Voting by Unanimous Consent For 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.