Definition

A policy is a statement of principles and values that guide institutional activities. Effective policies are flexible, coordinated, comprehensive, ethical, and clear. A procedure is a defined course of established methods used to achieve an objective.

To achieve their goals, units within the university establish policies and procedures, many of which affect faculty.

This section clarifies the types of policies governing faculty roles at the University of Houston. It also describes procedures for amending the policies should they not meet the characteristics of effective policies described above.

Administrative Policies may be proposed by any individual or unit on campus and are approved by the Vice President for Administration and Finance, who is responsible for seeking the Chancellor/President's approval. Frequently Administrative Policies are developed in response to a State of Texas law or legal opinion. Administrative Policies are published in the University of Houston Manual of Administrative Policies and Procedures (MAPP). Procedures for amending the MAPP are described in MAPP Procedure 1.01.01. Faculty travel, payment of human subjects, and consulting are examples of Administrative Policies that relate to faculty roles and are summarized in the Faculty Handbook.

Because of their academic role, policies related to faculty roles such as hiring, workload, evaluation, and promotion, are considered Academic Policies at the University of Houston. Such policies are frequently reviewed by faculty governance bodies and the Provost's Office to assure due process and academic excellence. The Provost is responsible for all academic policies on campus and, therefore, makes the final decision on all university-wide academic policies before seeking the Chancellor/President's approval.

Any member of the University of Houston community may suggest a change in Academic Policies on Faculty Roles. Because of its leadership position, the Faculty Senate frequently recommends policy changes to the Provost. The Grievance and Promotion and Tenure Committees also recommend changes when the lack of policies or their unintended consequences impinge on faculty rights or due process. At times the Provost may establish a Task Force or assign a staff member to study an issue and make policy recommendations. After consultation with the appropriate faculty governance bodies, the Provost may also establish policies to meet a specific need. The Provost will seek the Chancellor/President's approval then distribute new and amended policies to the faculty through the deans.

To include policies in the Faculty Handbook, the Provost will review the proposed policies or amendments, revise the recommendations, if necessary, and forward them to the Handbook Committee. The policies should be reviewed by the faculty governance bodies represented by the Handbook Committee members. (Please see section Guidelines for Revision of the Faculty Handbook, page 145). Should the faculty committees suggest substantive changes, the Provost will review those recommendations before submitting the final policy to the Chancellor/President for approval. The policy will appear in the Handbook as approved by the Chancellor/President.