Role of the President

Presiding Officer
Information Source
Link with the Administration
General Custodian of Faculty Interests

Role of the Committees and Councils (Standing and Special)

Provide reports for Senate agenda

Reports should cover:
1.  Charge to committee/how committee generated task
2.  Report of data collected
3.  Findings/conclusions drawn
4.  Recommendations/resolutions
   - Senate usually considers for adoption only recommendations and resolutions

Committee chair (or designated representative; not an ex-officio) should present reports.

Role of Senators in Conducting Senate Business

1.  Enhance quality of deliberations by pre-meeting planning

  • Acquaintance with the agenda and its documents
  • Caucuses/consultations with colleagues and fellow senators

2.  Listen to a proposal, debate it and make a decision

3.  Improve quality of decision-making by acquiring procedural savvy

  • Main motions are the basis of decision-making
  • Usually main motions come from committee reports
  • They may, however, originate on the floor of the Senate
  • These motions may be disposed of by applying subsidiary motions
  • Changes of mind are addressed through motions that bring a matter again before the assembly

If in doubt, exercise these options:

  • "Parliamentary Inquiry" to the President
  • "Point of Information" to the President

Or, DO IT and let the chips fall where they may.

Role of Senate

1.  Serve as the ultimate authority of the Faculty
2.  Receive all reports from committees and councils
3.  Report Senate decisions to the administration

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