Policy Program Framework

• The university policy process is designed to be well-defined, understandable, transparent, and easy to navigate, providing formally approved university policies presented in a consistent format and housed in a central policy library.
• Input and feedback from the university community are broadly sought, valued, and appropriately used; however, policy ownership lies with the responsible officer/policy owner.
• Policy owners are responsible for reviewing, updating, and retiring policies as needed and at a minimum of every five years.
• Leaders, supervisors, managers, and individuals are responsible for understanding, implementing, and upholding university policies, university rules, and unit governing documents.

A formal policy in a given area may be needed for a variety of reasons. Examples may include: Issues that arise as a result of federal, state, or local legislation or regulation; incidents or trends that emerge within or outside of the university; a shift in university values or priorities; or concerns raised by the university community, among other reasons.

Issues are only addressed through the university policy process if the resulting policy would meet the following criteria:

• The policy will have broad application throughout the university.
• The policy will enhance the university’s mission, set behavioral expectations, promote ethical standards and integrity.
• The policy will promote operational efficiencies, manage institutional risk.
• The policy will help achieve compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• The policy will be reviewed and approved by the PAC and PC.
• The policy provides procedures for implementation.

Some issues may be better addressed through training and/or improved communication strategies rather than a new university-wide policy. Or, sometimes the issue can be addressed by revising existing policies, rules, or other governing documents.