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University Policies

The University Policy Office is responsible for assisting University units in the creation of new policy documents as well as editing existing policy documents. In addition, the University Policy Office is responsible for maintaining a current and complete repository of all administrative policy documents. All University policies, procedures and standards are stored in the University Electronic Policy Repository. If you have general UNC-Chapel Hill policy questions, please contact University Policy.

Academic policies are not maintained through the University Policy Office. Questions about academic policies should be directed to the University Registrar.

Policy Lifecycle

A policy progresses through six stages in its lifecycle. A detailed explanation of the University policy lifecycle is included in the University Policy Framework and University Procedure for Policy Management.

Six colorful circles depict the six stages of the policy lifecycle.

1. Policy Development

Issuing Unit subject matter experts create new policy or update existing policy.

2. Policy Feedback

Issuing Unit gets feedback about draft from relevant stakeholders.

3. Policy Review Committee (PRC)

Issuing unit shares new or substantively updated policies with Policy Liaisons on the PRC for written comment and verbal discussion.

4. Policy Approval

Issuing Unit Vice Chancellor or Dean (or designee) approves final draft.
If high-risk: the Executive Policy Approval Committee (EPAC) also reviews and approves.

5. Policy Communication

Issuing Unit communicates policy update to relevant stakeholders. Policy Office publishes finalized draft on policies.unc.edu. The Vice Chancellor for Institutional Integrity and Risk Management (IIRM) briefs cabinet monthly on policy updates.

6. Policy Maintenance

Issuing unit reviews policy document at least once every three years to ensure policy content remains up-to-date. Proceed to Policy Development step if edits are needed.