The position description is initiated in the Academic Program Planning and Review (APP&R or ASSPP&R) process, in discussions between the dean and the unit administrator concerning program priorities and unit staffing needs. Depending on the programmatic priorities of a unit, the characteristics of an open position may be quite different from its historical function. The position description is used to communicate the unit administrator's vision for and justification of the open position. The unit administrator may wish to solicit participation in developing the position description from the unit's advisory committee, search committee or other faculty bodies involved in the planning process.