Policy Development
The Policy Oversight Committee (POC) is tasked with working with institutional Policy Sponsors to review and make recommendations for developing institutional policies related to general administrative and business operations of the College and to manage the policy development process from the initial proposal until the policy document is ready for final review by the President’s staff and, ultimately, final approval by the President. This responsibility includes ensuring: 1) consultation occurs with Policy Stakeholders and internal review groups; 2) adherence to Framework guidelines and standards; 3) proper socialization of policies; 4) congruency with existing Institutional Policies; and 5) publication, access, and retention of Institutional Policies. The POC does not approve policy document content. The Faculty Manual, Student Code, Student Handbook, and Academic Catalog are not subject to this Framework. However, the POC works with stakeholders in a timely manner to ensure that institutional policies contained in each of these publications are accurately and consistently written.
The Framework does not apply to departmental policies or policies that must be implemented as an interim measure due to an emergency or compliance with legal requirements. Departmental Policies must be reviewed by the General Counsel to ensure that they are not Institutional Policies subject to this Framework. Any Departmental Policy involving financial or budgetary matters must first be approved by the Chief Financial Officer before it is reviewed by the General Counsel.
CRITERIA TO DETERMINE IF A POLICY MAY BE NEEDED
Issues can emerge as a result of federal, state, or local legislation; incidents or trends that emerge within or outside of the College; a shift in College values or priorities; or a host of other sources. Issues arising to the level that need to be addressed through the College’s institutional policy process share a number of characteristics that include but are not limited to:
- Endure across time and administrations; change infrequently and set the course for the foreseeable future.
- Manifest and operationalize the College’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan.
- Apply broadly across the College.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Promote operational efficiency and reduce bureaucracy.
- Manage institutional risk.
POLICY DEVLOPMENT, APPROVAL & IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
