TCU Senate
215 Mayer Campus Center
POLICY
Jumbo’s Rules of Order
Standard Meeting Agenda
· 1) Call to Order getting the show on the road [President]
· 2) Call of the Roll & Approval of the Minutes [Historian]
· 3) Invited Guests* [President]
· 4) Public Forum so the public can speak! [President]
· 5) Treasury Appeals* and Resolutions* [Treasurer] / [Parliamentarian]
· 6) Reports updates on the happenings of Tufts/Senate o President: what’s new in the TCU [President] o Vice President: the latest on projects & committees [VP] o Treasurer: hear what ALBO gave away this week [Treasurer] o Historian: attendance, The Daily, and outreach, oh my! [Historian] o Parliamentarian: keepin’-up with the J and Parli-Pro [Parliamentarian]
· 7) Open Forum free time for Senators to talk [President]
· 8) Meet the Press/Meet the J question time [President]
· 9) Closed Session to discuss the Good & Welfare of senate [As necessary]
· 10) Adjournment the light at the end of the tunnel [President]
***If there is a (*) next to the item, it only applies to some meetings***
Debate Structures
(Resolutions, Bylaws Amendments, etc.)
1. An agenda item is presented by the chair. (1 minute)
2. The chair (or presenter/sponsor) explains what’s being debated. For resolutions, this starts with a reading by the Historian. In addition, the members of the Rules
Committee may summarize the meeting’s discussions. (5 minutes)
3. Anyone in the room can ask questions. (10 minutes) a. Question time is not debate time. This is to find-out more information so you can debate it properly, not to start debates. If you find yourself asking multiple follow-up questions, you’re probably starting a debate. b. Friendly amendments or clerical amendments may also be made during this time.

4. A main motion is heard. (1 minute)
5. Debate begins if there is an objection! (up to 30 minutes) a. A speaker’s list is created as necessary. b. Additional motions can be heard between speakers. (limit 5 min. per motion) c. Debate ends when there are no more speakers, when the main motion is tabled, or when the previous question is called (see list of motions).
6. Voting, if necessary. (2 minutes)
(Supplementary Fund Requests)
1. The Treasurer explains what’s being debated. (2 minutes)
2. ALBO members may describe points from the ALBO debate. (Keep in mind that
ALBO meetings are confidential, so “who said what” should never be revealed. (2 minutes)
3. Anyone in the room can ask QUESTIONS. (2 minutes)
4. A main motion is heard (to approve the ALBO recommendation). (1 minute)
5. Debate begins ONLY if there is an objection (up to 10 minutes) a. A speaker’s list is created as necessary. b. Additional motions, such as points of inquiry, information and parliamentary procedure can be heard between speakers. (limit 5 min. per motion) c. Debate ends when there is no more speakers, when the main motion is tabled, or when the previous question is called (see list of motions). d. The number being debated cannot be amended. To change it, vote against it and propose a new number.
6. Voting, if necessary. (2 minutes)
7. If the motion fails, return to step 4 and repeat until a number passes ($0 s considered a number) a. Once the ALBO recommendation fails, multiple numbers can be proposed and debated at a time. b. All new numbers MUST provide an explanation (such as “this number excludes advertisement, since it was decided it was unnecessary”).
(Treasury Appeals)
1. The Treasurer gives a non-bias narrative of the situation. (2 minutes)
2. The appealing group states their side of the argument. (5 minutes)
3. The Treasurer and ALBO states their side of the argument. (5 minutes)
4. Anyone in the room can ask QUESTIONS. (7 minutes)

5. A main motion is heard (to approve the ALBO recommendation). (1 minute)
6. Debate!(up to 10 minutes) a. A speaker’s list is created as necessary. b. Additional motions can be heard between speakers. (limit 2 min. per motion) c. Debate ends when there is no more speakers, when the main motion is tabled, or when the previous question is called (see list of motions). d. The number being debated cannot be amended. To change it, vote against it and propose a new number.
7. Voting, if necessary. (2 minutes)
8. If the motion fails, return to step 4 and repeat until a number passes ($0 s considered a number) a. Once the ALBO recommendation fails, multiple numbers can be proposed and debated at a time. b. All new numbers MUST provide an explanation.
How to Submit a Resolution
1. Inform the Parliamentarian when you plan to create a resolution. Feel free to ask the
Parliamentarian, a committee chair, or others for help.
2. Submit a draft resolution to the Parliamentarian.
3. The Rules Committee will meet to discuss the resolution, and will be empowered to make grammatical, spelling, or formatting corrections. The committee can also correct facts or remove incorrect ones. It is highly encouraged for the sponsor(s) of the resolution to attend this meeting.
4. Any resolutions submitted less than an hour before the Rules Committee meeting will be heard the following week.
5. The Rules Committee will decide to recommend the resolution to the full senate. The
Senate will hear the resolution following the debate procedure.
General Meeting Guidelines
· All meetings follow the agenda, as seen above. The Executive Board will tell you specific items for each before every meeting.
· Attendance will be taken immediately after the meeting is convened. A quorum (half the voting membership) must be present to have a real meeting (to have votes that are actually binding).
· The Chair is the person with the gavel. The chair of each section is listed above. They can choose who is speaking, and whether or not to recognize motions and points. In extreme cases, the chair can control who is in the room, as well as the meeting’s location.

· During meetings, anyone in the room can speak. Only voting members can actually vote, though.
· Meetings will be in session (and attendance counted) until they are adjourned. A break in a session is called a recess. o Adjournment is usually only appropriate at the end of the agenda.
· Everyone in the meeting is expected to follow proper decorum. Examples include: o Speaking ONLY when recognized or authorized. o Keeping comments respectful and appropriate. o Not interrupting other speakers by making loud noises. o Not leaving the room or standing in the middle of a speaker. o Not doing something that makes it harder for other people to hear or understand what’s going on.
Proposing a Motion
1. Between speakers, say “I move to [insert motion here]”
2. Wait for someone to second the motion (saying “I second”). This implies that person wants to see the motion debated or voted upon. You do not have to support a motion that you second.
3. The chair calls for objections for motions that are objectionable. An objection can mean different things for different motions.
4. Debate! Works the same as a formal debate with a speaker’s list, but is held to 5 min.
5. Voting. Different motions require different votes to pass.
Caucuses
A caucus is a detour from the speaker’s list to focus debate on a specific issue. It can be a moderated (creates a rapid-fire speaker’s list) or unmoderated (anyone can speak to anyone).
Motions entering into a caucus specify which one and for how long. During a caucus, no motions can be made. During an unmoderated caucus, no points are heard (since you can just talk to people). Members are expected to remain in debate.
List of Acceptable Motions, Points & Voting Procedure
Motions: Doing Stuff
Main Motions
(Gives Senate something to debate)
· Motion to Accept the Minutes – says that the minutes from last week’s meeting are correct. Simple majority.
· Motion to Accept the ALBO Recommendation – approves the ALBO recommendation.
Simple majority.

· Motion to Allocate the Supplementary Fund – used only when the ALBO recommendation fails. The motion must include a specific amount, but may be $0.
Simple majority.
· Motion to Amend the [Senate] Bylaws – use to change the bylaws of Senate, or any similar document that needs the approval of senate. 2/3 supermajority.
· Motion for a Resolution – beings debate on a resolution. (The similar Motion for a
Resolution as Amended must be made to vote on it after it’s been amended). Simple majority.
· Motion to Hear from the Table – although not commonly used, it “untables” something that was tabled at a previous meeting.
Incidental Motions
(Does something to debate)
· Motion to Appeal the Decision of the Chair – Self-explanatory but confusing procedurally. Ask before using. Simple majority against. (Yes that does say
‘against’…)
· Motion to Enter into Caucus – Basically a detour from the speaker’s list. See the section on caucuses for more info. Simple majority.
· Motion to Extend Debate – Extends the time allotted for debate. Simple majority (2/3 for ALBO appeals as this is actually a suspension of the rules).
· Motion to Extend the Speaking Time – Extends how long people can speak. Simple majority.
· Motion to Reconsider (the Question) – Basically a redo on the vote. Can only be made by someone voting on the side that won. Simple majority.
· Motion to Suspend the Rules – Allows Senate to bypass nearly any rule, whether it be in the bylaws, ALBO bylaws, committee bylaws, TPM, or this guide. However, it only applies to the specific instance it’s used. A rule in the TCU Constitution cannot be suspended. 2/3 supermajority.
· Motion to remand to the Rules Committee: This motion will be entertained ten minutes after the initial reading of a resolution and the proposal of two amendments. This motion is not debatable, but allows for a two minute speech by whomever makes the motion immediately after it is seconded. It immediately sends a resolution back to the
Rules Committee with the understanding that it will be placed on the next week’s docket. 2/3 supermajority.
· Motion to refer to a committee on the Resolution: This works in much the same way as the motion above, but is debatable. If passed, the Parliamentarian will create a committee (generally limited to seven senators) for the purpose of marking up a resolution, expiring at the second Senate meeting after the motion is passed, or when the resolution is next considered, whichever is sooner. The resolution sponsor(s) and whomever makes the motion will be offered the first chance to sit on this committee.
2/3 supermajority
Subsidiary Motions
(Does something to a main motion)
· Motion to Amend – changes something in a resolution, bylaw, or other document.

· Motion to Call the (Previous) Question – Ends debate on a “question” (whatever motion is being debate). 2/3 supermajority.
· Motion to (Lay on the) Table – Delays the debate to another meeting. Simple majority.
· Motion to Pass by Acclimation – when made and seconded, the “question” will pass without an objection. Does not require a vote.
Privileged Motions
(Do something for the members)
· Motion to Adjourn – Ends the meeting. Simple majority.
· Motion to Recess – Pauses the meeting for a specific period of time. Allows people to leave the room. Simple majority.
Points: Getting Your *Point* Across
Respectfully make these motions between speakers:
· Point of Information – a question to the chair.
· Point of Inquiry – a question to someone other than the chair.
· Point of Pause – stops debate to clarify a point when the body seems to be confused or veering off the right path.
· Point of Personal Privilege – to correct an urgent situation not related to debate.
· Point of Parliamentary Procedure– a question to the chair clarifying procedure.
Voting: Coming to a Decision
· Standing Vote – Standard for simple majority. Members simply raise their hands for
“in favor,” “opposed,” or “abstaining.” The chair determines whether the motion passes without counting.
· Division – Standard for 2/3 majorities. Can be called by saying “division” during a standing vote. Members raise their hands, but this time two members of the Executive
Board count and verify the number of hands raised for each.
· Roll Call – Only when someone calls for “roll call.” The Historian calls the roll, and members announce their vote, either “yes,” “no,” or “abstain.” Two members of the
Executive Board then record and tally the votes.
· Acclimation – not actually a vote, but a method to pass a motion (see motions).
Appendix A: Terms & Definitions
Abstain – To refrain from voting.
Acclimation – Unanimity; a type of motion to pass another motion without a vote.
Ad-Hoc – For a particular purpose. (Ad-Hoc members usually cannot vote; ad-hoc committees are usually temporary).
Agenda – A list of the items to be discussed or decided upon at a given meeting.

Amendment – A change in a document, either a deletion, addition, both, or some other form of change.
Appeal – To un-do a decision you disagree with.
Call the Question – A motion that ends debate.
Caucus – A time in a debate when the Speaker’s List is not used. A shorter Speaker’s List can be made, or there could be no restrictions to speaking. Usually to focus discussion on a particular issue, or alternatively to delay debate to gather information vital to continuing the debate.
Chair – The presiding officer.
Clerical Amendment – An amendment that does not change the meaning of a provision.
Usually involves punctuation, dates, spelling, grammar, or formatting.
Dilatory – Something intended to obstruct or delay business. This is out of order.
Division – The division of the Senate is the official vote tally. A vote by division is a vote that records this tally.
Exhausted – Ended, or no longer in effect.
Friendly Amendment – An amendment agreed to by the sponsor of a proposal.
Filibuster – An attempt to keep debate going by extending one’s speaker time beyond the given limit. Also used to prevent an end to the speaker’s list and thus stall a vote. This is out of order.
Gavel – The hammer held by the chair. It bangs against a Sound Block.
Germane – Relating to the business at-hand.
Member – A person authorized and expected per the TCU Constitution to participate in proceedings of the senate.
Minutes – The official record of the proceedings of a meeting.
Motion – A proposal for action made in a deliberative assembly. Usually, it changes a document, policy, position, or even another motion.
Objection – An outcry usually used to express displeasure with a motion. Can cause debate on the motion, or may defeat it altogether.
Out of Order – Something that violates the rules or procedure.
Point – An outcry used to pause debate in order to resolve a pressing concern.
Question – Another name for a motion (as in call the question).
Quorum – The necessary amount of voting members present for business to take place. A quorum for us is 50%+1.
Recognize – When the chair allows someone to speak.
Roll – The list of members.

Second – To support or endorse the debate and voting upon a motion. Someone who seconds a motion need not agree with it.
Simple Majority – A majority, comprising more than half of the members (50%+1).
Speaker – A person that is authorized by the Chair to speak.
Speaker’s List – A list detailing the order in which the chair will recognize people as speakers. Debate ends upon its expiration. The Chair determines the names on it and the order it is in.
Special Meeting – An unscheduled meeting for a specific purpose.
Sponsor – The person submitting a proposal.
Substantive Amendment – An amendment that changes the means or meaning of a provision.
Super Majority – A majority, comprising more members than a simple majority (usually two-thirds instead of half).
Table – To leave a debate unresolved until another point in time.
Unanimous – When everyone is in agreement.
Appendix B: Motion Overview
Obj? = objectionable? Rec? = can it be reconsidered?
Main Motion
Motion
“I move to…” Obj? Rec? Debate? Amend? To Pass
t the
Minutes
Move to approve the
[date] minutes
Yes Yes Yes Yes 50%+1
Accept the
ALBO
Recommendatio n
Move the
ALBO recommendatio n
Yes Yes Yes Yes 50%+1
Allocate the
Supplementary
Fund
Move to allocate [$] to
[group]
Yes Yes Yes Yes 50%+1

Amend the
Bylaws
Move to amend
[document]
Yes Yes Yes Yes 2/3
Hear
[resolution]
Move the resolution as amended
Yes Yes Yes Yes 50%+1
Remove from the Table
Move to remove [item] from the table.
Yes No Yes Yes 50%+1
Subsidiary Motions
Motion
“Move to” Obj? Rec? Debate? Amend? To Pass
Call the
Previous
Question
Table
OR
Move to strike
[text]
OR
Move to add
[text]
OR
Call the
Question
Move to table
[Main motion]
Yes Yes Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
50%+1
2/3
50%+1

Pass by
Acclimation
Move by acclimation
Yes No No
Remand to the
Rules
Committee
Move to remand to the
Rules
Committee
No Yes No
No
No
N/A
2/3
Remand to a committee on the resolution
Move to remand to a committee on the Resolution
Yes No Yes
Incidental Motions
Motion
No 2/3
“Move to” Obj? Rec? Debate? Amend? To Pass
’s decision to
[thing]
Enter Caucus
OR
Move to enter a [time] unmoderated caucus
Extend Debate Move to extend debate by [time]
Yes Yes Yes
Yes No Yes
Yes No Yes
No
Yes
Yes
50%+1 against
50%+1
2/3

Extend
Speaking Time
Move to extend the speaking time by [time]
Yes No Yes
Reconsider
Suspend the
Rules
Move to suspend the
[document] to
[do what you want]
Yes No Yes
Yes No Yes
Other Motions
Motion
Yes
Yes
Yes
2/3
50%+1
2/3
“Move to” Obj? Rec? Debate? Amend? To Pass
No 50%+1
Recess
Move to adjourn
OR
Move to recess until
[time]
No No No
No No No Yes 50%+1