Skip to main content
Metropolitan State University (Home)

Policy 1000: University Policies and Procedures

University Policy #1000

Section 1. Purpose

It is the purpose of this policy to assure that the Metropolitan State University community has convenient and reliable access to a body of policies and procedures that provide the authority and structure governing the operations of the university. These policies and procedures will support the mission of the university; provide clear and concise direction to employees, students, stakeholders, and guests; document how the university conducts its work; and provide accountability. This policy is also intended to guide the development and maintenance of the university’s policies and procedures.

This policy will be followed in initiating, drafting or revising, reviewing, consulting with stakeholders about, adopting, and communicating university policies, procedures, and guidelines. University policies and procedures will guide the conduct of the business and functions of the university as authorized by and in compliance with Minnesota State Board of Trustees policies, system procedures, federal and state statutes, federal and state agency rules, and collective bargaining agreements.

Section 2. Definitions

  • A “university policy” is an institutionally approved and published high- level statement of guiding principles and standards that articulates the University’s values and communicates behavioral expectations and requirements with broad application across the University, or for major components of the University, and that enhances the University’s mission and vision, promotes operational efficiencies, or seeks to reduce institutional risk, while addressing issues of compliance with Minnesota State Board policies and system procedures by the authority delegated to the President by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees.
  • A “university procedure” delineates the course of action to be followed by the university and by its employees, students, and visitors in order to implement a university policy so as to facilitate the continuing functions of the University and to deal with special situations or events that may arise during the course of operations.
  • An “operating guideline” is written documentation that supports or clarifies daily operations of the university, particularly regarding information that is subject to frequent changes. Operating guidelines are primarily used by employees responsible for implementing procedures or legal requirements, and shall be shared with stakeholders who receive services and support. Guidelines can provide detail and consistency regarding implementation of both university procedures and requirements under law not otherwise contained in university procedures. These may include expertise, advice, and information (i.e., regulatory information) regarding current or past practice.
  • “Institutionally approved and published” means that the policy or procedure:
    • Has been reviewed through the shared governance process,
    • Has complied with Minnesota State Board of Trustees policies, system procedures, federal and state statutes, federal and state agency rules, and collective bargaining agreements.
    • Has been formally approved by the University’s President, and
    • Has been made accessible to the University community (e.g., by inclusion online in an accessible format in the Policies and Procedures section of the University’s website).

Section 3. Policy

University policies and procedures are developed and updated as needed to articulate the university’s compliance with external mandates, provide direction on university positions and promote consistency by those acting for the institution. Every university policy must have an accompanying procedure.

As needed, university divisions, offices, or departments may develop operating guidelines to direct employees consistent with this policy. Offices or individuals responsible for such guidelines are expected to seek input from stakeholders, make guideline documentation readily available to interested parties, and proactively communicate changes in guidelines prior to their implementation. Guidelines shall not constitute policymaking outside the regular policy process. Members or constituencies of the university may request a review of guidelines for potential policymaking. Such request may be brought forward through meet and confer, collective bargaining leadership, or other governance groups, such as university councils.

Consistent with the university’s vision of becoming an anti-racist and inclusive learning community, each new or revised university policy or procedure will be reviewed for potential differential impacts based on racial, cultural, or social group identity, affinity, or ability, and will be drafted to minimize any identified differential impact to the extent practicable.
The university will implement this policy in accordance with Procedure 100 by

  • Maintaining an official file of university policies and procedures in the President’s office and making the university policies and procedures available on the university website.
  • Establishing a clear process by which university policies and procedures can be proposed, revised, approved, or revoked.
  • Periodically reviewing policies and procedures and updating, modifying, or revoking them as appropriate to ensure compliance of university policies and procedures with Minnesota State Board of Trustees policies and system procedures, state and federal law and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and actual and best practices.
  • Holding members of the university community accountable for operating within the parameters of all enacted university policies and procedures and state and system laws and policies that govern the Minnesota State system.

Any changes to policies and procedures, including revocation, will only be made after consultation with affected stakeholders.

Section 4. Authority

This policy is issued pursuant to the authority granted under Minnesota State Board of Trustees Policy 1A.1, “Minnesota State Administration and Organization,” Part 3, Subpart E, and Part 6, Subpart G.

Section 5. Effective Date

This university policy shall become effective upon signature by the President, and shall remain in effect until modified or expressly revoked.

Section 6. Responsibility

The President or their designee is responsible for implementation of this policy.

Section 7. Review

This policy will be reviewed every five years, or as needed.

Section 8, Signature

Issued on: 09/20/2024.

Virginia “Ginny” Arthur, JD
President

Revised:06/28/18, 03/17/23, 09/20/2024