diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE
index 633a65f07..15f81e414 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE
@@ -14,17 +14,9 @@ The algorithm is described at https://wikipedia.org/wiki/McGillicutty_Algorithm
 Fixes #159
 -->
 
-## User Explanation
-
-<!-- How would you explain this change to the user? If this
-change doesn't create any user-facing changes, you can leave
-this blank. If filled out, add the `docs` label -->
-
 ## Checklist
 
 - [ ] reference any related issues
-- [ ] updated docs
 - [ ] updated unit tests
-- [ ] updated UPGRADING.md
 - [ ] add appropriate tag (`improvement` / `bug` / etc)
 - [ ] ready for review