diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index 20f0f3808f..fd57d83e7d 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,3 +1,13 @@
 Fixes #
 
 **Description of the Change**
+<!-- We must be able to understand the design of your change from this description. -->
+
+**Alternate Designs**
+<!-- Explain what other alternates were considered and why the proposed version was selected -->
+
+**Release Notes**
+<!--
+Please describe the changes in a single line that explains this improvement in terms that a user can understand.
+This text will be used in BOINC's release notes.
+If this change is not user-facing or notable enough to be included in release notes you may use the strings "Not applicable" or "N/A" here. -->