30 Policy Development and Review

Approved by Board of Trustees
Effective Date: June 5, 2017
Responsible Division: President
Responsible Office:  Office of the University Counsel
Responsible Officer:  University Counsel

I. Purpose

This policy provides for an orderly process of creating, drafting, revising, reviewing, and adopting policies for the governance and management of the University. A policy advances the mission as an institution of higher education by providing for compliance with applicable laws, ethical norms, and accepted best practices; the promotion of operational efficiencies; the enhancement of opportunities to achieve the University’s goals; and the reduction of institutional risks. Policies for Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU or University) will be classified as either Board policies or University policies.                   

II. Scope

The responsibility for the development and revision of Board policies, as defined below, rests solely with the Board of Trustees (Board). Therefore, this University policy and its procedures do not apply to Board policies. 

III. Definitions

A.  Board of Trustees Policy (Board Policy). Board policies relate solely to the organization, administration, and responsibilities of the Board as the body that governs the University. 

B.  University Policy. A statement of general principle, plan, or course of action that guides the University, its employees, and students in the management of duties and responsibilities, obligations, and expectations.

C.  Initiator. The budgetary head or University committee that creates a proposal for a new policy or changes in an existing policy. The Board, or a Board committee, may also be an initiator by directing the Provost, a Vice President, or the University Counsel to draft or revise a policy.

D.  Responsible Office. The University unit responsible for developing, coordinating, and maintaining a University policy.

E.  Responsible Officer. The individual responsible for developing, coordinating, and maintaining the policy.

IV. Responsibility

The Provost and each Vice President have the overall responsibility for ensuring that policies falling within their area of responsibility are accurate and kept current. The Office of the University Counsel is similarly responsible for policies concerning governance and compliance, and general and miscellaneous policies not otherwise the responsibility of the Provost or a Vice President. The Office of the University Counsel is also responsible for maintaining the University policy website.

V. Procedure

A.  Initiating a New Policy or Policy Revision. The initiator will initiate proposals for new policies or changes in existing policies (proposal) through the Provost, the appropriate Vice President, or the University Counsel. The Board or a Board committee may also direct that a policy be drafted or revised. Along with the draft, the initiator should indicate the basis for, and explanation of, the proposal. Questions regarding the substance of the proposal should be directed to the initiator through the Provost, Vice President, or the University Counsel, as appropriate.