Definitions

A non-academic university policy:

  • states the university’s position on matters which have a university-wide application;
  • embodies the university’s governing principles and helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
  • enhances the university’s mission or reduces institutional risk;
  • changes infrequently;
  • is formally approved by the BCA Board of Governors;
  • is a statement of “what” and/or “why”;
  • 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 “how”, “when”, and/or sometimes “who”;
  • 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.