Which policies are candidates for change?
Those policies whose original intent is no longer clear or relevant; those which are a continual source of frustration to faculty, students and staff alike; those requiring an overly complex process to execute, and those that placing an undue burden on other departments -- we need to scrutinize these in particular.

What should the policies be changed to?
That's up to the departments, managers, administrators or regents. But they need to sensible, efficient, and consistent.

Why is consistency across campuses and programs important?
Inconsistency costs time and money. Each different calendar start or end date means additional information is added to the software to accommodate the different date – and four different dates for each term quickly adds up to at least 12 sets of information to maintain in the system, print in catologs, and explain to students and staff.

This is just one example. Many departments on different campuses – academic and administrative – do things "just a little bit differently." It adds up.

Who decides on policy changes?
Unit managers can change those policies that appear to be simple relics from the past. Department managers can change policies that result in redundant approvals, forms, or paperwork. Others can be changed or eliminated through a simple advise and consent process with university administrators. Larger issues, like grading policies and the calendars require action by senior management, and sometimes, the Board of Regents.

The Team Leads from the student service areas have been extraordinarily helpful here. They've lived with the complexity, can describe it in detail, and are able to make solid recommendations for change or elimination.

A Policy Team has been formed co-chaired by Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Bob Kvavik and Registrar Sam Lewis. Contact Bob Kvavik or Sue Van Voorhis with suggestions for policy change.

More information:
The Record, March, 1997: "Simplifying student systems is a complicated problem." Discusses the relationship of policy simplification/elimination to the new technology and the processes they support.

Policy changes affecting the Student System