All motions for the General Assembly must be submitted by email to bod-chair@seuo-uosu.com ahead of the advertised deadline. They may be submitted in either official language – we will take care of translation!

Motions adopted by the General Assembly direct and bind the UOSU. For example, an amendment to the Constitution which is adopted by the GA changes the rules and governance of the Union. Additions or amendments to the Positions Book lay out the UOSU’s position on a given political and/or social issue, and compel the organization to action. Other motions which do not fit in these two categories.

When writing a General Assembly Motion, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

1. Is the motion pertaining to actions or policies under the purview of the UOSU?

• If the motion is instead directed at the actions or policies of the University of Ottawa, consider formulating your motion in a different way, such as calling on the Union to take a stand or represent a position to uOttawa. Although the UOSU can attempt to influence and challenge uOttawa, they are two separate, independent organizations.

2. Is the motion clear and specific about the action it wants to take?

• Although symbolic motions can be important, motions that are specific about the kinds of action they would empower the Union to take are also powerful. If you would like the Union to sign on to a specific petition or endorse a campaign, the motion should say so. If you would like the Union Executive to write a report or attend specific meetings, the motion should say so.
• For political stances or social causes, adopting a change to the Positions Book empowers the Executive Committee to support the new Position and take action.
• Unclear and/or vague motions that get adopted might have rhetorical or symbolic value, but might not realistically be meaningfully implemented.
• Keep in mind that your motion will be debated by dozens, if not hundreds of students. Confusing or inflammatory language may generate high tensions or hours of changes at the General Assembly.

3. Is the motion formatted in the correct manner?

• There are three parts to a motion: a title, Whereas clauses, and Be it resolved clauses.
• The title of the motion outlines what the motion is about. ‍
• Whereas clauses list out facts or arguments regarding your motion. Think of Whereas clauses as evidence or justification for why your motion is factually important and relevant. ‍
• Be it resolved clauses outline the specific action items that you would like to see take place if the motion passes.
• Motions will be listed in the agenda and read out at the start of debate by the Chair of the General Assembly, so formatting them properly and persuasively is a great way to get your point across, before anyone even starts speaking!

Amendments will be made on the day of the General Assembly. If it is a friendly amendment (from the mover or approved by the mover), we can just change your motion. If it is an unfriendly amendment (not approved by the mover), then we will need a seconder for the amendment and we will have a separate debate and vote on the amendment.

For questions, feel free to contact the Chair of the Board (bod-chair@seuo-uosu.com)