Systems Advisory Working Group
Working Agreement

ATTENDANCE

Members arrive on time.

If unable to attend, members notify the chair and send any input or documents. Members may ask to have agenda items tabled if they want to be present for discussion or decision. Agenda items added at the meeting may be tabled if input of absent members is needed.

If a member anticipates missing 4 or more consecutive meetings, s/he will notify the chair in advance, and an alternate may attend those meetings.

Members assume responsibility for informing themselves of what occurred at missed meetings.

PREPARATION

Members are prepared for every meeting.

Members read all agenda-related materials sent ahead of time.

Members bring necessary handouts.

Members are ready to lead discussions of assigned agenda items.

PARTICIPATION

Members assume individual responsibility to participate fully.

Members act collegially.

Members respect everyone’s right to speak and be listened to without interruption.

Members are free to ask for clarification or restatement.

Members allow constructive criticism of their ideas or proposals as part of the group process.

Members are free to express their feelings and are sensitive to the feelings of other members.

Members are free to suggest a break, as needed.

CONSENSUS

Members make decisions by consensus.

Definition: Consensus means that each member has an opportunity to participate in the development of the decision, and that all members are willing to "live with" the decision. It does not mean that the decision is necessarily everyone’s first choice, but that all members commit to working toward the implementation of the decision and not obstruct its implementation.

OPERATING PROCEDURES

Members take a system-wide perspective when problem solving.

Members are free to try new things that may deviate from current or past procedures; new groups should establish new points of reference.

At the end of each meeting:

Members set a tentative agenda for the next meeting.

Members confirm decisions made and how best to communicate them to everyone.

Members review and confirm assigned tasks.

Members review the "Working Agreements " each Fall.

Revised 9/27/01