UMass is governed by a set of policies and standards that define proper procedures in areas that affect faculty, staff, students, and, in some cases, others affiliated with the University, such as consultants.
The UMass Board of Trustees issues the policies that govern the University. University policies contain concise statements of direction and required action and are assigned a Board of Trustee’s document number (e.g., Doc.T97-010).
Once policies are established, the President issues University standards. These standards are designed to achieve the requirements of University policies by establishing specific criteria that must be met in campus procedures.
Each campus develops the procedures for implementing the policies and standards. These campus procedures are designed to comply with the requirements of University standards by establishing specific criteria that must be met by University students, staff, consultants, etc.
The President may also issue University procedures establishing specific processes that must be adhered to by University students, staff, consultants, etc.