Academic Staff Assembly Resolutions
A resolution is a formal statement expressing the collective position, recommendation, or request of the Academic Staff Assembly.
Resolutions are most effective when they:
- Address issues affecting large portions of academic staff
- Propose actionable recommendations
- Have been vetted through discussion and revision
Steps to writing a resolution:
- Identify the issue
- Define the problem, concern, or action being requested.
- Confirm whether a resolution is the appropriate governance mechanism.
- Draft the resolution
- Title the resolution clearly.
- Include “whereas” clauses that establish factual background, context, and justification for the resolution. These statements should be objective, accurate, and verifiable. Sources should be cited when application.
- Include “resolved” clauses that clearly state the requested action, recommendation, decision, or position of the Assembly.
- Review and consult with stakeholders
- Contact the Academic Staff Executive Committee (ASEC) at least one month before the Assembly meeting at which you hope to have a first reading.
- Consult with other relevant governance committees or subject-matter experts.
- Verify factual accuracy and incorporate feedback.
- Identify the resolution sponsor and submit for a first reading
- Identify the committee or Assembly member that will sponsor the resolution. The resolution author(s) should be included as a sponsor.
- Submit the resolution to ASEC via email to soas@soas.wisc.edu at least 10 working days prior to the Assembly meeting.
- Academic Staff Assembly – First Reading
- The sponsor presents the resolution in person for a first reading before the Assembly.
- The Assembly provides input on the resolution and may ask questions of the sponsor. There are no formal amendments or votes taken during a first reading.
- Academic Staff Assembly – Formal consideration and vote
- The sponsor presents the resolution in person for approval.
- The Assembly debates, amends (if needed), and votes on the resolution.
- Resolutions require a majority vote for approval.
- If approved, resolution is distributed
- The Office of the Secretary of the Academic Staff sends the resolutions to relevant University leaders.
Why do I need to consult with ASEC?
ASEC reviews proposed agenda items before approving the Academic Staff Assembly agenda. ASEC reviews resolutions for proper form and may suggest changes to the resolution’s authors.
Why is early review and editing so important?
Thoughtful drafting results in stronger, more representative outcomes. Early review ensures:
- The resolution is clear, actionable, and grounded in accurate information
- Recommendations are policy compliant and legal
- Stakeholders have time to review and provide feedback
- Authors have time to engage with constituents, obtain feedback, understand the range of perspectives, and craft language that reflects shared priorities helping produce a resolution that the full Assembly can support
- The Assembly can focus on substance rather than editing during meetings
What happens during the first reading?
A first reading serves primarily to introduce a resolution for information and discussion. It allows the Assembly time to:
- Surface questions
- Identify concerns
- Suggest improvements
- Clarify intent
- Build consensus
Typically, a resolution presented as a first reading will be voted on by the Assembly at the following meeting.
Do resolutions have to represent the entire Academic Staff body?
Resolutions should reflect the interests and perspectives of academic staff broadly, not a unit, department, group, or individual concern. If an issue is highly localized, another tool may be more appropriate.
What other options exist in addition to resolutions?
A resolution is not the only mechanism for raising awareness or concerns regarding a topic. Choosing the right tool can lead to faster and more specific outcomes. Other effective options include:
- Inviting a campus leader to speak at an Academic Staff Assembly (ASA) and/or Academic Staff Executive Committee (ASEC) meeting
- Submitting a topic for discussion at ASEC
- Writing a letter to a campus leader(s) in collaboration with ASEC
- Requesting a policy clarification from the appropriate office
Assembly members are strongly encouraged to bring issues to ASEC for discussion/feedback/consideration before making an official Assembly agenda item request.