Each item on the agenda should begin with an action word (verb). These items should frame the expectations of attendees.
Common action words |
Example agenda items
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decide
discuss
review
select
inish |
Decide best methodlogy for student follow-up survey (phone, web, E-mail, etc.)
Discuss after-hours building security
Review recommendations from accreditation report
Select speakers for symposium
Finish reviewing graduate applications
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The table below illustrates some well and poorly written agenda items.
Poor
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Better
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TA Assignment
Retreat |
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Although the committee chair or group leader usually has the final say on the agenda, it should be created with at least some input from other members.
Ways to Involve the Membership in Agenda Creation
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1. Create a subcommittee of two or three people to help the chair plan agendas.
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2. Spend time at the end of each meeting identifying key issues for the next agenda.
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3. Send out a call for agenda items before the meeting.
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Regardless of how input is elicited, the involvement of the membership in agenda creation can help ensure that the group addresses issues that might not even be on the "screen" of the chair.
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