According to the Faculty Senate Constitution, Article Six--Meetings and Voting,

Section Five--All meetings shall be conducted according to parliamentary laws as set forth in the latest edition of Roberts' Rules of Order, except where a contrary rule is provided by this constitution, or by the bylaws, or by any standing rules.

Section Seven--Except where the constitution or bylaws provide otherwise, all elections and matters voted upon shall be
determined by a majority of those voting.

Section Eight--Written ballots shall be used for elections. Other matters will be determined by a show of hands unless written
ballots are requested by at least three members of the Senate.

Conducting Business

To obtain the floor:  The UH Faculty Senate assumes a casual atmosphere and often uses raised hands to determine the order of speakers; however, the definitive word on parliamentary procedure, Roberts Rules of Order*, states:

If two or more members seek the floor, the chair will determine the order and each person must sit until their turn.  Should the chair choose a member who has already spoken before other members have had their turn to speak, a point of order may be raised by anyone to ensure that all voices are heard.

To move business:  Business comes to the floor by way of a main motion.  Motions can be introduced by a member or through written communication (committee report, officer's report, or a letter).  Motions from a committee do not require a second.

The member says, "I move that (state the motion)."  [page 32]

Another member states, "I second the motion" or "Second."  For discussion to occur a second must be made, except for motions arising from committee report.  A second for a motion only means another member feels the business should be brought before the Senate.  If no second is made, the chair moves on to the next agenda item.  [page 34]

To consider business:  Three basic steps occur, including debate by members, putting/calling the question and announcing the results of the vote.

To debate a member is recognized by the chair, then states his/her position and the reasons.  A member may speak twice on a matter, but not before all members wishing to speak have their turn.  Debate must be restricted to the merits of the matter.  Remarks should be addressed to the chair and maintain a civil tone.  No personal attacks are allowed and members must refrain from calling other members by name, using titles instead ("The Senator from NSM" for example).  [pages 41-43]

To close debate, the chair, hearing no further requests to speak, may ask, "Are you ready for the question?"  He/she then restates the motion to be voted on and calls for those in favor of the motion to raise their hands, followed by those opposed.  Any member may "call the question."  This stops debate and the chair will ask for a vote to close debate.  If the body votes in favor of closing debate, which requires a 2/3 vote, the main motion is then restated and a vote on the main motion proceeds.  If the body votes no, debate of the main motion continues.  [page 43]

The results of each vote are tallied and announced by the chair as to whether a motion passes or fails.

Other motions that may occur during debate, include:

       A "Move to amend" can be as simple as inserting a word or complex as rearranging sentences.  Examples:

"I move to amend by striking (word/phrase/sentence) and adding (word/phrase/sentence)."  [pages 142-150]

 "I move to amend by substitution" refers to a complete change of wording for the original motion.  [pages 150-156] 

"I would like to offer the following friendly amendment" seeks to clarify the intent of the original
  motion and may include a strike or a substitution.

A "Move to lay the question on the table" postpones discussion indefinitely unless a specific time is suggested for reconsidering it.  [pages 207-216]

A "Move to refer the question to committee" sends a motion to a specific committee for discussion.  [pages 165-176]

A "Move to postpone" can postpone discussion of a motion indefinitely or to a specific time.  [pages 123-127, 176-188]

       A "Move to adjourn" can close a meeting even if business is still pending.  [pages 232-241]

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*  Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 1990 Edition (9^th Edition), General Henry M. Robert, U.S. Army, A New and
   Enlarged Edition by Sarah Corbin Robert et al, ScottForesman, A Division of HaperCollins Publishers, USA