How to Create a New Policy

1

Review and complete the Policy Needs assessment to determine if a new policy is truly needed, if an update to an existing policy would work, or if creating internal procedures would be better.

2

If a new policy is needed and appropriate, follow these steps to create an outline for your draft:

  1. Succinctly state the purpose of policy
  2. Identify related and relevant SUU and USHE policies and federal and state laws (if any)
  3. List and define/explain terms, abbreviations, and acronyms that will be used repeatedly or are not commonly known and would benefit from being defined in the policy.
  4. State scope of policy. What is the applicable jurisdiction? To whom does it apply?
  5. State who will be obligated to do what under the policy. 
  6. Are there exclusions or any special situations that need to be addressed in the policy?
  7. State what office will be listed as the responsible office for questions related to the policy and updates.
  8. Identify who needs to provide input, either based on the subject matter and based on the approval process applicable to the type of policy.
  9. Consider supplementary material and anything that can assist policy implementation

3

Fill out the Policy Action Request Form

Following the submission of the form, you will be provided with a policy template and a recommended policy number, and you will be notified if anyone else on campus is working to address any related issues through policy.

When you receive the template, review the comments in the template before removing them, as they provide guidance on policy formatting requirements.

4

Fill in the appropriate sections of the template with the new policy language, including the policy title.

Ensure you are adhering to the Policy Style Guide & Writing Manual

If there will be no content in a particular section, such as Section II References, Section III Definitions, or Section V Relevant Links/Forms, replace the template section holder with “N/A”

5

As necessary, create supplemental material(s). Generally, policies are needed when a group across campus needs to know requirements, consistency in requirements, and/or how to implement internal or external requirements. Supplementary documents are easier to change than policy, and can provide increased flexibility. These may include guidelines, procedures, forms, checklists, or any other documents that can streamline policy implementation, and/or reduce policy language needed.

6

Work with the appropriate Vice President, who will shepherd the policy through the approval process.

7

Wait! You can follow the policy’s approval steps with the Policy Progress Tracker

Once it has been approved by the University’s Board of Trustees, the policy will be added online within five (5) business days.