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University Faculty Senate
University Faculty Senate

Checklist for Report Preparation

The purpose of the checklist is to aid Senate Office staff and Committee Chairs in preparing written reports in a format that can be reviewed and acted upon expeditiously.

Format of Reports

Legislative Reports

  1. Introduction: Define the issues that require the legislative action and provide the historical context, if appropriate.
  2. Discussion and Rationale: Identify the issues over which the Senate has authority, discuss the reasons for the proposal, and identify its consequences. Where applicable, costs of implementation should be included.
  3. Recommendations: Move the specific action that the Senate can implement. This section should be brief and specific, so that it is very clear what the Senate is voting on.
  4. Effective Date: Recommend the date of implementation.
  5. Ending: List the committee members proposing legislation.

Advisory and Consultative Reports

  1. Introduction: Define the issues germane to the faculty’s interest.
  2. Discussion: Discuss why the proposed action needs to be taken. Where applicable, costs of implementation should be included.
  3. Advisory Proposal: Specify the actions the Senate would like to implement. This section should be brief and specific, so that it is very clear what the Senate is voting on.
  4. Ending: List the committee members preparing the report.

Informational Reports (Mandated and Non-mandated)

  1. Introduction: Define the issues germane to the faculty’s interest, and state the reason why the report is necessary.
  2. Information: Present the data or other information as needed.
  3. Discussion and Conclusion: State the implications for the faculty.
  4. Ending: List the committee members preparing the report.