How to Make a Public Comment
What is a public comment?
A public comment is input given by the public to a governing body about proposed legislation or regulation(s) during a comment period, and by the means set aside by the governing body. The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) is the student-based governing body for all graduate and professional students at UNLV. A comment period is the range of time the public has to submit input before the GPSA makes a final decision on a proposed rule. The GPSA will invite public comments prior to and during all GPSA Council, committee, subcommittee, and Executive Board meetings. The GPSA may also invite public comment in order to draft a position or resolution on current issues effecting graduate and professional students.
Why is public comment important?
Public comments are an important opportunity to make your voice heard. Public comments ensure you are heard on issues related in the development of effective rules and regulations that serve your community. Public comments can also create a record which can be used to challenge harmful or out-of-date laws and regulations. The GPSA will often collect public comments to develop advocacy campaigns and support our student improvement initiatives.
How to write a public comment?
A public comment can range in length. Typically, a public comment should include one or two sentences introducing yourself and your credentials as they relate to the comment and issue you are opining. Next provide the reason for your comment. This can be to raise concerns, inform the governing body of new information, provide supporting data or evidence regarding the topic at hand, etc. A good public comment should be clear, concise, and cite specific, measurable impacts. This could be data-driven research or even lived experiences. Avoid hearsay and misinformation. Finally, provide evidence for why the hearing body should make a particular decision, and if possible relate the evidence directly to the decision-making criteria.
How to submit a public comment to the GPSA?
The GPSA provides three ways for submitting public comment. One method is using this online form. The second method is to email gpsa@unlv.edu. The third method is to provide your spoken public comment in person at a public meeting where it will be recorded along with your name and entered into public record. Public comment made in person is limited to two minutes.