What Do Student Officer Parliamentarians Do?

Student officer parliamentarians are responsible for ensuring that student government meetings are run smoothly and efficiently. They are also responsible for interpreting the student government constitution and bylaws, and for advising the student government president on parliamentary procedure.

Responsibilities of Student Officer Parliamentarians

The specific responsibilities of student officer parliamentarians vary from school to school, but typically include the following:

• Presiding over student government meetings. Student officer parliamentarians are responsible for calling meetings to order, leading the discussion, and ensuring that all members of the student government have an opportunity to speak. They also rule on points of order and enforce the student government constitution and bylaws.
• Interpreting the student government constitution and bylaws. Student officer parliamentarians are responsible for interpreting the student government constitution and bylaws and for advising the student government president on parliamentary procedure. They may also be responsible for drafting amendments to the student government constitution and bylaws.
• Advising the student government president. Student officer parliamentarians are responsible for advising the student government president on parliamentary procedure and on the interpretation of the student government constitution and bylaws. They may also be responsible for assisting the student government president with other tasks, such as preparing for meetings and drafting legislation.

Qualifications of Student Officer Parliamentarians

To be eligible to serve as a student officer parliamentarian, students must typically meet the following qualifications:

• Be a currently enrolled student in good academic standing.
• Have a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure.
• Be able to think critically and solve problems.
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits of Serving as a Student Officer Parliamentarian

There are many benefits to serving as a student officer parliamentarian, including:

• Developing leadership skills. Student officer parliamentarians develop their leadership skills by presiding over meetings, interpreting the student government constitution and bylaws, and advising the student government president.
• Gaining experience in parliamentary procedure. Student officer parliamentarians gain valuable experience in parliamentary procedure, which can be helpful in a variety of settings, such as business meetings, community organizations, and government.
• Making a difference on campus. Student officer parliamentarians play a vital role in student government, and they can make a real difference on campus by helping to create a more efficient and effective student government.

How to Become a Student Officer Parliamentarian

To become a student officer parliamentarian, students should typically follow these steps:

1. Declare your candidacy. Students who are interested in serving as a student officer parliamentarian should declare their candidacy by submitting a petition to the student government elections committee.
2. Campaign for office. Students who have declared their candidacy must campaign for office by meeting with students, handing out flyers, and making speeches.
3. Win the election. Students who win the election will be sworn into office as student officer parliamentarians.

Tips for Student Officer Parliamentarians

Here are a few tips for student officer parliamentarians:

• Be prepared. Student officer parliamentarians should be prepared for each meeting by reviewing the agenda and any relevant materials.
• Be fair and impartial. Student officer parliamentarians should be fair and impartial in their rulings and should not favor one side over the other.
• Be respectful. Student officer parliamentarians should be respectful of all members of the student government, even those with whom they disagree.
• Be patient. Student officer parliamentarians should be patient with students who are new to parliamentary procedure and should be willing to explain the rules to them.
• Have fun! Serving as a student officer parliamentarian can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. Enjoy the experience and make the most of it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes that student officer parliamentarians should avoid:

• Ruling on points of order without understanding the issue. Student officer parliamentarians should always make sure that they understand the issue before ruling on a point of order.
• Favoring one side over the other. Student officer parliamentarians should be fair and impartial in their rulings and should not favor one side over the other.
• Being disrespectful to members of the student government. Student officer parliamentarians should be respectful of all members of the student government, even those with whom they disagree.
• Getting bogged down in the details. Student officer parliamentarians should focus on the big picture and should not get bogged down in the details.
• Taking themselves too seriously. Student officer parliamentarians should have a sense of humor and should not take themselves too seriously.