Parliamentary Procedure

Last updated 12/11/2020

Parliamentary procedure is a formal set of rules for conduct at meetings that allows everyone to be heard and to make decisions without confusion. The SSFC uses Robert's Rules of Order to conduct meetings.

Non-SSFC members (to include GSSF leaders) may only address the committee during open forum, during their designated presentation times, or if a committee member invites them to speak.
There is no expectation that GSSF leaders become well-versed in Robert's Rules in order to participate in their hearings. A typical rule of thumb is that if it is your turn to speak, you will be directly asked to do so by a committee member or the SSFC Chair. This takes a lot of the guess work out of when you should be doing something.
As a reminder, all SSFC meetings are public under the Wisconsin State Law. the doors cannot be closed and all business related to a vote (debate, discussion, Q&A) must be conducted openly so that it may be reviewed. Meetings are recorded and uploaded for historical record-keeping.
The following decorum in the meetings should be followed:
  • Not engaging in side conversations, texting, or emailing during a hearing
  • Not interrupting the committee during debate, even if you don't agree with what is being said
If you are ever confused on parliamentary procedure, you can directly speak with the ASM Funding Advisor during the meeting. The ASM Funding Advisor is a non-partial and non-voting member of the SSFC and attends all meetings.