University Senate
Orientation
2011-2012
http://www.und.edu/dept/registrar/senate/index.html
Sturgis
th
4 Edition
Senate Responsibilities
 Assemble to transact important business
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(exercise the powers of the University
Council)
Consider current developments affecting
the University
Exchange ideas and experiences
Work in community with those who share a
common interest
Exercise good judgment and vote wisely for
the good of . . .
Senator Duties
 First duty of each Senator is to vote for
what the Senator believes is the best for
the University as a whole
 Second duty is to vote for what is best for
the particular college he or she represents
Please remember to state your name when
addressing the Senate
Committees
 Perform the bulk of the work of the
Senate
 Are delegated to perform specified
tasks on behalf of the Senate
 Can formulate Reports, Proposals,
and Motions . . .
But, the final decision rests with the
entire Senate
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Advantages of Using
Committees
Greater freedom of discussion
More time available for discussion
Informal procedure for discussion
Better use of experts and consultants
Delicate and troublesome questions may be
addressed and settled without rancor
Hearings (forums) can be held to give Senators
opportunities to freely express their opinions
Provide the means for faculty to self-govern
Senate Responsibilities
to the Committees
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Senators must do their homework
Attend forums and voice an opinion
Read the agenda and attachments
Weigh the pros and cons of an issue
Be prepared to vote
Be prepared to make motions if needed
(preferably in writing)
Avoid micro-management, but provide
general oversight and direction
Committee Responsibilities
to the Senate
 Report to the Senate
Each committee will provide a short, written
and/or oral report of its activities once each
year or as required.
Method and date is part of the committee
description and included on the list of
committees.
Committees and Motions
 A committee report is presented by the
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chair or a designee
Recommendations of the committee can
be presented in the form of a motion
The committee chair makes the motion
and moves adoption
A motion submitted by a committee DOES
NOT require a second
The motion from a committee is
considered and acted upon as any other
main motion
A Few of the Standing Rules of
the University Senate
 Committee chairs who are not
members of the Senate may
present their committee reports
 Visitors speak only with the
consent of the Senate
 Members should not speak for
longer than 2 consecutive minutes
w/o Senate approval
Speaking Protocol
 Raise your hand if you wish to be
recognized to speak to a motion, an issue
or to raise a question.
 When you are recognized, stand, state
your name, and address the members of
the senate.
 Use your classroom voice so we all can
hear you!
Introduction to U-Life
Motions
Purpose: to bring a proposal
before the Senate for
discussion and decision
One subject at a time!
– only one main motion at a time
Discussion or Amendments
must be GERMANE
- Meaning that they must be relevant to
and
have a direct bearing upon
the subject of the pending motion
Main Motions
 No motion may be ignored
(unless it is out of order)
 Motions must be acted upon:
- approved
- defeated
- withdrawn
- referred (back to a committee)
- postponed (tabled)
Main Motions
may be amended
Amended Motions
may be amended
Why amend a motion?
In order to modify a motion so
that it will better express the
will of the Senate.
Four Types of Amendments
1. Amendment by addition (insertion)
“I move to amend the motion by inserting
the word ‘three’ before the word
delegates.”
The University Senate will send three
delegates to the Staff Senate and
Dean’s Council.
Four Types of Amendments
2. Amendment by deletion (striking out)
“I move to amend the motion by striking
out the words ‘and Dean’s Council.’ ”
The University Senate will send three
delegates to the Staff Senate and Dean’s
Council.
Four Types of Amendments
3. Amendment by striking out and
inserting.
“I move to amend the motion by striking
out the word ‘delegates’ and inserting in
its place the word ‘representatives.’ ”
The University Senate will send three
delegates representatives to the Staff
Senate.
Four Types of Amendments
4. Amendment by substitution
“I move to amend the motion by substituting
for it the following motion: The University
Senate will send a letter to the Staff Senate
expressing its interest in having
representatives from the University Senate
included as a part of the Staff Senate.“
The University Senate will send “three”
representatives to the Staff Senate.
Amendments may be Hostile
May nullify or change completely the
effect of the motion
“I move to amend the motion by striking
out the word ‘condemns’ and inserting in
its place the word ‘endorses’ ”
The University Senate condemns endorses
the delegation’s position.
Voting
Sometimes votes are recorded;
sometimes not.
In general, votes taken during the
Consent Calendar portion of the
meeting are not recorded.
Votes taken during the Business
Calendar are recorded.
Voting on Motions
In reverse order
1. Amendments to Amendments
2. Amendments
3. Main Motion
Tabling a Motion
Postponing Temporarily
 To an undetermined time
(presumably at the same meeting)
 Not debatable
 Requires a second
 Requires a majority vote –
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(2/3 majority vote when it suppresses debate)
Assembly can resume consideration at any
time with a motion to do so
Tabling a Motion
Postponing To A Certain Time
 Not really tabling a motion
 Simply creating a new agenda
item for a future meeting
Calling the Question
(Not the proper approach
according to Sturgis)
Correct way is to move to
close debate
Motion to Close Debate
(Calling the Question)
 Not Debatable
 Requires a second
 Requires a majority vote
(2/3 majority vote when it suppresses debate)
 However, a lull in discussion can be
taken by the chair as an indication to
proceed to a vote
Closing Debate
If approved by a 2/3 majority, it . . .
– prevents further debate
– prevents further amendments
– prevents further motions
except for postponing temporarily –
If this is the case, when consideration
is resumed, the motion comes to an
immediate vote.
Friendly Amendments
1. A member proposes an amendment to
a motion that he/she feels would be
acceptable to the maker of a motion
2. Maker may accept the friendly
amendment
3. However, if the maker or another
member objects,
the friendly amendment would need a
second, and would be voted upon as
any other amendment
Adjournment
5:30
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earlier time, or unless someone moves to
adjourn at a specified later time.
Courtesy dictates that if someone is talking
at 5:30, they are permitted to finish their
comments, at which time the meeting is
adjourned if no one immediately moves to
extend the time.
Adjournment
If there is a lull in discussion or the agenda
is completed, the Chair can simply
declare the meeting adjourned
or ask for a motion to do so.
 Anyone can move to adjourn
 Not debatable
 Requires a second
 Requires a majority vote