About University Policies

A University policy is an official statement expressing the position of the University on an issue of institution-wide importance. A policy guides the decisions and actions of the institution and is consistent with its mission. As such it meets the following criteria:

• The administrative authority of the University and its governing boards has sanctioned it.
• It has a broad institution-wide application.
• It is a governing principle for both established and future activities of the University.
• It exists to ensure consistency in University practice to conform with the University's mission and goals, Federal and State legislation, collective bargaining agreements and other legal requirements.

If a policy fits these criteria, it is a University policy. If it does not, it is a departmental, office or unit policy or guideline.

About University Procedures

Procedures and protocols are methods established for the implementation of policies. If a policy is “what” the institution does, its procedures and protocols are “how” it carries out the requirements of a policy.