Robert’s Rules of Order

Robert’s Rules of Order

All SGA meetings are be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.

Ranking order of rules:

1. Laws: federal, state, and local laws.
2. Constitution: the structure of the Liberty University SGA.
3. Bylaws: the official rules laid out by the SGA.
4. Robert’s Rules of Order: parliamentary procedure—rules for how a meeting is to be run.
5. Standing Rules: administrative details not included in the bylaws or constitution.
6. Custom: a habit—how things have always been done.

Words to use in a meeting:

A motion is a formal proposal of a course of action made by a member.

A motion must be seconded by another member in order to be considered.

Example:

“I move that the vote be counted.”

“Second”

When discussion has been opened, wait to be recognized before standing. State your last name if the chair doesn’t: “Senator ___”, and then make your statement. Specific motions:

After being recognized by the chair:

• “I move to adjourn” — to end a meeting.
• “I move to amend” [item] “to say” / “by inserting” / “by removing” [specific part] — to edit the motion or legislation.
• “I move the previous question” — to end debate immediately.
• “I move that the vote be counted” — to count the precise number of senators for or against.

Before being recognized by the chair:

• Stand, say “a parliamentary inquiry, please”, wait to be recognized, and then ask a question about procedure.
• Stand, say “point of information”, wait to be recognized, and then ask for specific information relative to the discussion.
• Stand, say “point of order”, wait to be recognized, and then state a specific rule that has been broken.
• “Point of personal privilege” — used in the SGA’s Senate meetings to be excused.

Helpful Resources:

Terminology (PDF)