Definitions

An academic university policy:

  • Defines rules and parameters for the establishment and governance of academic programs
  • Provides a framework for the delivery of academic services to students
  • Regulates the conduct of student and faculty academic and research work 
  • Supports the University鈥檚 mission of teaching, research and service
  • Is formally approved by the Senate
  • Is periodically reviewed according to a formal review process

A non-academic university policy:

  • states the university鈥檚 position on matters which have a university-wide application;
  • embodies the university鈥檚 governing principles and helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
  • enhances the university鈥檚 mission or reduces institutional risk;
  • changes infrequently;
  • is formally approved by the 精童欲女 Board of Governors;
  • is a statement of 鈥渨hat鈥 and/or 鈥渨hy鈥;
  • addresses major operational processes;
  • is periodically reviewed according to a formal review process.

A university procedure:

  • articulates the method by which a policy is carried out;
  • outlines a set of instructions, often in detail, that must be followed in order to achieve a specific purpose or outcome;
  • identifies roles and responsibilities;
  • is prone to change;
  • is a statement of 鈥渉ow鈥, 鈥渨hen鈥, and/or sometimes 鈥渨ho鈥;
  • is periodically reviewed according to a formal review process.

A statement of operating procedure:

  • is a set of step-by-step instructions on execution of routine operations;
  • is task-oriented;
  • identifies responsibilities over tasks;
  • usually includes forms and templates to facilitate execution of tasks;
  • is under the responsibility of the respective department/faculty/school;
  • is formally approved by the department head;
  • is periodically reviewed according to a formal review process.