Frequently Asked Questions
What is a university policy?
A university policy applies broadly across the university or to one or more of its major components; enhances the university’s mission; addresses issues of compliance with laws, regulations, and internal standards; promotes operational efficiencies; and reduces institutional risk. Examples of university policies are the Code of Ethical Conduct, Policy on Appropriate Use of Computer and Network Resources, and the Whistleblower Policy.
Local or “unit-level” policies, on the other hand, apply only to a specific unit or department or address internal operations of a specific division, such as a parking policy for a specific campus, or a policy setting access requirements to certain lab areas within a department or college.
What is the difference between policy and procedure?
Policies are the broad rules and principles that provide a framework for compliance. Procedures are task-oriented, operational details or steps for implementing policies; essentially a set of instructions or protocols for carrying out activities in accordance with one or more policies. For example, the Policy on Asset Disposition (policy) outlines the requirements for disposing of university-owned personal property and capital assets purchased with U.S. federal funds, while the Asset Disposition Form (procedure) includes step-by-step instructions how to transfer or dispose of different kinds of equipment and property, including what approvals are needed and where to route requests.
How do I find out if a policy has changed?
All university policies end with the date of their last revision. When a policy is updated, it appears on the University Policy History Report, which can be searched by name or date. Similarly, newly approved university policies posted to the University Policy website are listed on the policy history report as new.
What if I think the university needs a policy it doesn’t already have?
There is an established process for proposing a new policy. First, read the Policy on the Development, Approval and Management of University Policies, which sets applicable definitions and requirements, including review and approval authority, for new policies. Talk to the appropriate people within your unit or department, as well as any other units or departments that would have an interest in the policy (i.e., Key Stakeholders), to reach consensus as to whether there is an issue that is best addressed by a university policy, and if so, the potential focus and scope. Visit the Policy Resources page on this site and complete and submit the Policy Proposal, Implementation and Communication Form to the relevant member of the Senior Leadership Team for their approval. Once the competed form is approved by the SLT member, forward both the form and the approval to policies@northeastern.edu. If the Policy Oversight Committee approves the proposal, follow the Policy Development Guidelines to draft the policy, and then complete the steps for review set out in the Policy on the Development, Approval and Management of University Policies.
What if I notice something in a university policy that is out of date or incorrect?
If a policy needs a small correction or updated citation, send an e-mail to policies@northeastern.edu. Otherwise, the process for revising or retiring a policy is similar to developing a new policy. Use the Policy Proposal, Implementation and Communication Form.
My unit wants to list or refer to some university policies (for which we are the Responsible Office) on our website. Can we do that even though there is a central University Policies webpage?
Yes. Units and departments are encouraged to link to any relevant university policies on their individual webpages, even if they aren’t the Responsible Office, as long as they directly link to the version published on the University Policy webpage. Do not download or scan and post a stand-alone version of any policies, as these may become out of date. The only approved version of a university policy is the one on the University Policies webpage. Please contact your website administrator or the Office of Information Technology Services if you need assistance with linking to university policies from this website.
Who approves policies?
For some university policies, approval by the Board of Trustees is required. For most others, final approval of a new or substantially revised or updated university policy will be by the President’s Senior Leadership Team. The approval process appears in the Policy on the Development, Approval and Management of University Policies.
If I have questions about policy development or approval, where do I go?
You can refer to the University Policy Resources page which provides helpful guidance and direction. In addition, you can refer to the Policy on the Development, Approval and Management of University Policies. You can also contact a member of the Global Compliance department at policies@northeastern.edu for assistance.