The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Faculty Senate Rules of Order
- Robert's Rules of Order (as revised) are the Official Rules for use in the Faculty
Senate meetings as outlined in the Constitution of the UTRGV Faculty Senate.
HOP – ADM 05-100 - Members of the Faculty Senate shall utilize, whenever possible, the simplest
and least complicated procedures (within Robert's Rules in making and
adjusting motions). Unnecessary amendments and substitute motions are to
be avoided. - Each motion shall be restated with the maker and seconder noted so that all
faculty senators can review the motion for discussion. Makers of motions may
seek the advice of the parliamentarian as to their format. The correct form for
making a motion is “I move that…” - No discussion will be permitted on an item until a motion has been properly
made, seconded and placed on the floor by the FS President. - The FS President shall recognize members before they speak. Comments
should be directed to the FS President. Avoid satellite conversations. - No individuals shall speak to an issue a second time until all who desire to
speak have been heard for the first time. - No member shall speak more than twice to the same question on the same day.
- Merely asking a question or making a brief suggestion is not counted as
speaking in debate, nor is the making a secondary motion counted as speaking in
debate. - To stop debate, a member must seek recognition by the FS President and
then say, “I call the question.” If the motion is seconded, no further discussion
can take place, and the FS President must call for the vote on stopping
debate. If the motion receives at least two-thirds of the votes, the FS
President will immediately call for a vote on the main motion. If the motion
receives less than two-thirds of the votes, debate continues. - Vote will be voice unless the vote is uncertain or challenged. If the vote is
uncertain, a second vote will be taken by hand. If the vote is challenged, a
final vote will be taken by written ballot.