The rules govern meeting organization.

"They need to understand if we want meetings to go fairly and have everyone heard," said Academic Assembly internal vice chair Tom Morse, who gave the presentation.

Roberts' Rules, originally printed in 1876 and written by U.S. Army general Henry Robert, are used nationally by governments and councils.

New members to student government groups at MSU say they sometimes find themselves bogged down with the technical procedure of meetings.

"When I ran last spring, one of my pledges was to read that book," Morse said, gesturing to the 704-page rule book.

He did, and at the inquiry of several new assembly members, put together the presentation.

But learning the rules hasn't always been that structured.

When Academic Assembly Chairperson Jared English first joined ASMSU, there was no orientation on Robert's Rules of Order.

"It was kind of like sink or swim," he said. "Orientation can be annoying for the old members, but it's good for the new (members)."

The Residence Halls Association, which also uses Robert's Rules of Order at its meetings, has developed "Robert's Rules of Order - the RHA Way," a 16-page document compiled by former internal vice president John Sturk.

All assembly members for RHA also have a blue card, which they can raise any time they're confused during a meeting.

That was helpful for Amy Payne, who joined RHA this year.

"The rules are kind of a necessary evil," the Women's Council representative said, adding that the cards helped.

"You should never feel like you're voting on something you don't understand."

For more information, visit rha.msu.ed/ga/const.