Doc. T13-093, as amended
Passed by the Board of Trustees on September 18, 2013
Latest revision: September 16, 2015

I. Introduction

In addition to state and federal laws and regulations, the University of Massachusetts is managed in part through a series of University of Massachusetts Board Policies. This Board Policy and related Standards outline the protocol for issuing, revising and rescinding University of Massachusetts Board Policies. Board Policies are policies that affect the entire University and require Board of Trustee approval.

  1. Board Policies and Standards

    Board Policies include those specific actions which may be required by federal law or state law and any other matters for which the Board determines to establish Policy. The authority to establish specific standards related to the policies rests with the President.

  2. Campus policies and guidelines

    Campus policies are not approved by the Board and apply only to a specific campus. Policies established by a campus are not required to follow all the provisions of the review process set forth in this Policy. Campus policies and related guidelines and procedures shall be consistent with, and not in conflict with, the Board Policies. Campus policies may be more detailed or restrictive than Board Policies, but shall not be less restrictive.

    In the event of a conflict between a Board Policy and a Campus policy, the Board Policy supersedes the Campus policy.

    This Policy applies to all University employees who participate in the evaluation, formulation, revision, approval, or maintenance of Board Policies.

II. Policy Statement

  1. A Board Policy is defined by all of the following criteria:
    1. It has broad application throughout the University;
    2. It contains specific procedures for compliance with applicable laws and regulations, promotes operational efficiencies, supports the University’s mission;
    3. The subject matter requires approval by the Board of Trustees.
  2. Board Policies will be kept current and made readily available electronically in a timely manner, to assure compliance, to support relevant management principles, and to establish accountability.
  3. This document and related standards define a Board Policy, provide a standard Policy format, outline the steps for formulating, approving, issuing, and amending Board policies, describe the roles and responsibilities of the various individuals and groups involved in the process, and define terminology used.
  4. Board Policies and related standards will continue to remain in effect until amended or rescinded by the Board of Trustees.

III. Responsibilities for Issuing, Revising or Rescinding a Policy

  1. Policy Review
    1. President’s Council
      The President’s Council (President, Executive & Senior Vice Presidents, and Chancellors) shall be responsible for the review of new or revised Board Policies and for the review of Board Policies to be rescinded. The President’s Council will recommend policies for approval by the Board.
    2. University Councils
      The University Councils (e.g. Academic Affairs, Administration & Finance, Information Technology), under the direction of the pertinent Executive reporting to or designated by the President, shall be responsible for the development or review of the drafts of new or revised Policies. The pertinent Council will make recommendations for issuing, revising or rescinding a Board Policy to the President’s Council.

    3. Board Policy Working Group
      The Board Policy Working Group shall be responsible for the editorial review of the working draft of new or revised Policies. The Board Policy Working Group (BPWG) is charged with ensuring campus review is done with all appropriate campus Departmental and Executive leadership. The BPWG will be staffed with appropriate campus personnel and subject matter experts as the Policy dictates.

      The Members of the Board Policy Working Group are appointed by the President and Chancellors (President’s Council).

    4. Office of the General Counsel
      Under the direction of the President’s Council, the Office of the General Counsel will provide legal review and oversight for Board Policies to the President, University Councils and the Board Policy Working Group.
    5. Secretary to the Board
      Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, the Secretary to the Board will provide administrative oversight for the Board Policy development process.

  2. Board Policy Updates

    All Board Policies shall be reviewed to determine whether an update is necessary on a regular cycle. At the direction of the President’s Council, the Secretary to the Board of Trustees will send updated notices to the pertinent Executive reporting to or designated by the President for each policy.

IV. Standards

The President, in consultation with the Vice President(s) and Chancellors, will issue Standards to implement this Board Policy. Campuses may establish Campus policies, procedures and guidelines within the scope of this Board Policy (and Standards). Campus policies, procedures and guidelines may be more, but not less, restrictive than the standards.

 

Doc. T13-093, as amended | Policy for Creating and Establishing Board Policy & Standards
Passed by the Board of Trustees on September 18, 2013
Revised:
September 16, 2015