Policy Development and Approval Process

Key Role of the PLAC in the Policy Process

Policy initiatives may arise from individuals, departments, constituent groups, or from changes in laws or regulations. When the need for a new policy or policy revision is identified, the Policy Library Advisory Committee (PLAC) is to be notified so that it can serve as adviser to policy developers and policy approvers. The PLAC:

  • Meets on a regular schedule, as needed, to oversee and provide guidance on the development and content of university policies.
  • Strengthens and facilitates the policy development process by collaborating with policy initiators at critical stages in the process without adding unnecessary bureaucracy and delays.
  • Provides a multi-perspective review of the policy.
  • Coordinates with the Faculty Senate Executive Board on policies that arise through the Faculty Senate's process.
  • Does not create or approve policies.

Exceptions

  • Non-substantive edits are not subject to the PLAC review process described below.
  • The steps below are subject to customization based on unique circumstances and the significance of the policy or revision.

PLAC Representation

  • Division of Academic Affairs
  • Division of Operations and Finance
  • Division of Student Affairs
  • Faculty Senate President-Elect
  • Faculty Senate Governance Council 
  • Professional and Scientific Council Policies and Procedures Committee 
  • University Human Resources
  • Office of Equal Opportunity
  • Office of Internal Audit
  • Office of General Counsel
  • Policy Administration
  • Graduate Council
  • Students-Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS)
  • Students-Student Government (Undergraduates)

Policy Development Process and PLAC

The PLAC will meet with policy developers for discussion at the following points in the policy development or revision process:

Concept

To assure that university officials will support the policy concept and the investment of human and other resources required for the policy's development.

Policy Development Plan (PDP)

To assure the PDP incorporates consideration of all the significant factors and stakeholders relevant to development of the policy draft and implementation of the policy.

Policy Draft

To assure that the policy as drafted:

  • Complies with all requirements of the Policy Library
  • Is stated and organized clearly and concisely
  • Serves the intended purpose

Final Approval and Implementation

At the conclusion of the policy development process, the policy administrator prepares and routes a Final Approval Form with the final draft of the policy for signature approval by university officials as provided in the PDP. Following final approval, the policy is posted and announced in the Policy Library. In some cases, announcement may be made in university internal publications, also. Training, if needed, will be developed and made available by the policy developers according to the PDP.

Policies specific to faculty are subject to Faculty Senate processes and approval. Faculty policies are maintained in the Faculty Handbook.