Policy Development and Administration

How University Policies are developed

Any NAU community member may propose a new policy, or an improvement to an existing policy For assistance, speak with your policy liaison, the Director for Policy, or the head of the prospective Responsible Office. As the first step, University Policy proposals must be officially sponsored by the prospective Responsible Executive with subject matter jurisdiction. The process then continues with the preparation of a policy impact statement.

The Responsible Executive will then assign the new policy idea to the appropriate Responsible Office for further investigation, stakeholder engagement, and perhaps the drafting of preliminary policy text. Policy writers must use the University Policy template when developing draft policy documents for wider review and consideration. View the FAQ for quick answers to common policy questions, or read the policy on policies for a complete understanding of how University Policies are developed and administered.

How University Policies are administered

Each University Policy is overseen by the appropriate Responsible Office(s), which typically is the unit that most directly relies on the policy for its their daily work. All University Polices are supervised by at least one Responsible Executive, who is usually a member of the President’s executive team. Together, the Responsible Executive/Responsible Office team must ensure that all those affected by a particular University Policies have meaningful opportunities to learn about its intent and purpose, and any standards, requirements, or constraints it may establish. This administrative team is also responsible for ensuring compliance with the policies they administer.

Because of the important role policy plays in good governance, risk mitigation, and effective administration, all NAU community members, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, volunteers, visitors, and all persons or entities who may provide services to or act as agents for the University, are responsible for knowing and complying with all University Policies applicable to their duties, responsibilities, or activities.