Academic Staff Assembly (ASA)

The Assembly debates and votes on policy and governance issues affecting academic staff and hears reports from university leaders, the Academic Staff Executive Committee (ASEC), the Academic Staff Professional Representation Organization (ASPRO), and governance committees.

The provost is the presiding officer and chairs Assembly meetings. If the provost is unavailable, another university leader will chair the meeting.

Assembly meetings are conducted according to the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Revised and the Assembly rules as set forth in Chapter 13 of Academic Staff Policies and Procedures (ASPP). A parliamentarian is present at each meeting to ensure Robert’s Rules are observed during the proceedings and to advise the chair in procedural matters.

At least one week before each meeting, all academic staff will receive an email with links to the agenda and meeting materials. Sometimes, additional documents are distributed at the meeting.

Any member of the university community may speak at Assembly meetings, but only Assembly representatives (or alternates if the representative is not present) may offer motions, second motions, or vote. When an individual rises to speak at a meeting or to make a motion from the floor, they should go to the nearest microphone, wait to be recognized by the chair, and state their name and district number (if a representative or alternate). Lengthy motions should be given to the Secretary in writing so the presiding officer can repeat the motion if necessary during debate.

Typically, a voice vote is used. For situations where it is difficult for the chair to determine the result of a voice vote, the chair may call for a rising vote or a show of hands to determine the outcome. Assembly members may request an individual voice vote (roll-call) or a vote by written ballot.