Policy Process
The university maintains several key portfolios of governing policies applicable to the university community and guests visiting our campus. Many of these portfolios can be accessed through the homepage on this website.
Each institution in the UT System is required to maintain a Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) containing important policies directing the governance, operation and academic functions of the university. This HOP supplements The University of Texas Board of Regents’ Rules and Regulations and UT System’s “UTS” policies which also apply to our university community.
Policy Process
Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) Policies
Official university HOP policies are created following a defined policy process culminating in consideration by the president for adoption into the HOP. Following the president’s approval, formal adoption generally concludes with review/approval by the UT System’s Office of General Counsel and the Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.
The University Policy Office staff work with policy owners, the Executive Sponsor (VP or higher) and members of the Policy Office Advisory Group to facilitate proposed administrative/operational HOP policy amendments through this process. As a new policy or revision to a policy is advanced, a stakeholder review plan is established to allow for appropriate review and advisory input. Early stakeholder and governance advisory input is encouraged.
Key elements of the formative stage of HOP policy development for administrative/operational policy include:
- Early stakeholder input
- Use of standardized policy format
- Policy Office Advisory Group review/comment periods
- Final legal sufficiency review.
Significant changes to HOP policies will post to this website’s “Policy Place News” page. An RSS feed option allows users to subscribe to news as it is posted to the site.
Faculty's Role in HOP Policy Development:
The Board of Regents' affirms the role of faculty in formulation of educational policies as covered in Regents Rule 40101. HOP amendments brought forward through faculty proposed legislation are managed through Faculty Council's governing processes in accordance with this Regents' Rule. Similar to administrative/operational policy process steps, consideration and approval rests with the president following input from the Offices of the Provost and Legal Affairs. In most cases, UT System must review and approve policy before final adoption into the HOP.
The University Policy Office will assist in monitoring HOP policies for periodic reviews by the policy owner. HOP amendments may also occur whenever other external drivers influence the need for updates. These may include changes to state and federal law, Board of Regents' Rules and Regulations, and UT System Policies.
Forms