Weekly Project Status Update

Project managers are required to post a weekly project status update, including weeks when there has been no material change. These updates support leadership decisions and keep the campus-accessible DoIT Project Portfolio Report accurate.

How to Post an Update:

  1. Go to Project Details > Update

  2. Review Status and ensure it is up to date. If the project is placed 'On Hold', explain why in the Current Status section of Comments, including any known conditions or anticipated timing for resuming work.

  3. Review Health and select the value that reflects the project’s actual condition. See the definitions below.

  4. Review Percent Complete and adjust to reflect actual progress.

  5. Open the Comments section, click Templates, and select Weekly Project Status Update. Complete all four sections using the guiding prompts in the template (see below for more details)

  6. In the Notification section, select the appropriate recipients, such as the project team, sponsors, or stakeholders.

  7. Click Save to post the update.

Project Health Definitions

Health indicates whether the project is on track or needs attention.

Health Value:  Definition
None Project health has not yet been assessed. Typically used before work begins.
Green Project is on track to meet agreed scope, schedule, and intended outcomes within available resources. Any issues are manageable within the project team.
Yellow Risks or issues threaten agreed scope, schedule, resources, or intended outcomes. Mitigation is underway, but recovery or resolution is not yet assured. Sponsor should be informed.
Red Significant issues are preventing—or are likely to prevent—the project from meeting agreed commitments. Sponsor escalation is required to secure decisions, support, or approval of a recovery plan.

Important Note: If no updates are posted within 8 business days, the project health will automatically downgrade by one level.

What to include in the Comments section:

1. Current Status

  • Summarize overall project health and whether the project is on track.

  • If Yellow or Red, clearly state why and the impact on scope, schedule, resources, or intended outcomes.

  • If On Hold, explain why, including any known conditions or anticipated timing for resuming work.

2. Key Highlights/Steps Completed

  • Summarize accomplishments and milestones completed since the last update.

3. Risks, Issues, & Leadership Considerations

  • Identify concerns, actions being taken, and any decisions or support needed.

  • If there are no concerns, indicate “None.”

4. Estimated Timeline / Next Major Milestones

  • List upcoming milestones and target dates, noting any schedule changes.