Sergeant-at-Arms Handbook

Sergeant-at-Arms Election

The Vice President shall oversee the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms election. Candidates shall speak before Senate if called upon to do so and must be nominated by their colleagues. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall be selected from the candidates by a Senate majority vote. In the election, if one candidate does not receive the majority vote, the candidate with the least number of votes will be dropped from the ballot and a vote will be taken for the remaining candidates. The Vice President shall determine the method for resolving ties.

Should the office of Senate Sergeant-at-Arms become vacant, the Vice President shall hold a special election in accordance with Senate Sergeant-at-Arms election procedures within 10 days of the vacancy, per Article II, Section C, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution. The Secretay will notify all qualified individuals about the vacancy no less than 72 hours before the special election.

For additional information, see Senate Officers.

Duties of Sergeant-at-Arms

Congratulations! You're the Sergeant-at-Arms. So what exactly do you do? Essentially, your duties consist of:

• Enforcing all legislation related to the internal workings of Senate

• Maintaining general order in Senate Assembly

• Be familiar with Robert's Rules of Order

Powers of Sergeant-at-Arms

• Issue two warnings to a Senator for non-disruptive infraction of Senate Bylaws.

• Upon a third infraction, the Sergeant-at-Arms may escort the infracting Senator from the Assembly or prevent the Senator from attending future Assemblies until the infraction is corrected.

• The Sergeant-at-Arms reserves the right to expel any disturbances in the Assembly. If necessary, the Sergeant-at-Arms may enlist other Senators to aid them in their duties.

General Advice

Being the Sergeant-at-Arms is a fantastic way to get more involved in Senate. It's a large responsibility, but a good Sergeant-at-Arms will take that responsibility and go far with it. As Sergeant-at-Arms, you will work extremely hard. Senators will look to you for leadership, so lead. Do not tell someone to do something you are not willing to do yourself. Never be afraid to go to the Vice President or Secretary for advice or assistance - you are now a part of the Senate leadership team.

Lead well, and best of luck in your term as Sergeant-at-Arms.