voting on motion--suspending the rules?

[Guest Laura]

Hi: I'm an academic who just started at a new university. I am being told that a motion cannot be voted on in the faculty meeting in which it's introduced. We have to wait until the next meeting per Robert's rules. I've never heard of this. Also, I cannot find mention of this in Robert's rules. I've read the faculty and organization's by-laws and did not see mention of this. In order to vote on a motion in the same meeting it's introduced, we have to suspend the rules. Has anyone heard of this?

[Joshua Katz]

There is no such general rule in RONR, and people often mix up various concepts, such as notice. However, I am surprised that you did not find such a rule in your bylaws, which typically are the source for such a rule.

[Richard Brown]

Agreeing with Mr. Katz, there is no such rule in RONR. Any rule such as that which you described must be contained in your own bylaws, special rules of order, or other governing documents. 

[Gary Novosielski]

Agreeing with Messrs. Katz and Brown, I would add that since there is no such rule in RONR, and if there is no such rule in your governing documents, then this might be just a well entrenched custom which should nevertheless fall to the ground upon the sustaining of a Point of Order that there exists no requirement for such a delay.

[Rob Elsman]

As an academic, you will remember the old saying: "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proofs." Next time, pull a Dr. Stackpole and say, "Show me". 🙂