Policy is a tool that enables the University to operate effectively and efficiently. It promotes equity and consistency by establishing a clear set of parameters that apply University wide, allowing all staff to work under the same guiding principles.
When used effectively, policy:
- provides the grounds for consistent decision making.
- promotes compliance with legal and legislative requirements.
- enables quality assurance and improvement.
The development and maintenance of UOW Policy is governed by the Policy Management Policy, which is supported by the Policy Management Procedures and the Local Protocol Management Procedures.
Factors influencing UOW Policy
As an educational institution, UOW is subject to a range of standards and legislative requirements that must be considered when developing or reviewing policy. These may include:
- Immigration laws and visa regulations
- Higher education policy and legislation
- Workplace health and safety legislation
- Academic standards and regulations
When developing UOW policy, custodians should also consider internal influences such as:
- The UOW Strategic Plan
- UOW Rules
- Operational considerations
- Internal reviews and audits
UOW Policy Framework
The UOW Policy Framework describes the functioning structure of University Policy. At the top of the chain are UOW Policies, which are supported by Procedures and Guidelines.
UOW Policy
An Academic Policy is a university-wide instrument governing teaching, learning, research or internationalisation. It must comply with all relevant legislation and rules and will be approved by appropriate delegated authority, as outlined in the Standard on UOW Policy.
An Operational Policy is a university-wide instrument governing administrative or operational functions of the University. It must comply with all relevant legislation and rules and will be approved by appropriate delegated authority, as outlined in the Standard on UOW Policy.
UOW Procedures
Procedures are documented instructions for the completion of specified actions. Procedures that support policy are mandated directions, and usually include flowcharts and contain statements describing how a task should be accomplished. The items apply in a particular circumstance. They are written in simple language (often dot points) and the sequence is important.
UOW Guidelines
Guidelines are “best practice” advice on how to reach a specific goal or accomplish a task. They may also describe how stipulations contained in UOW Policy may be implemented.
What is the difference between a policy, procedure, or guideline?
Policies, procedures, and guidelines are significantly different styles of documents; a policy describes what must be done, and a procedure describes how things must be done.
A guideline informs best practice in how a task might be undertaken.
Procedures and guidelines should always comply with relevant policies.
Local Protocols
Local Protocols are operational procedures or practices that apply within a particular Academic Group or Division. They ares subordinate to and must be consistent with all Policy Documents above them in the Policy Document hierarchy.