WashU policy owners may request a formal review of new policies or substantial revisions to existing policies.
Policy on university policies
Approved by Chancellor Andrew D. Martin in 2025, the Policy on University Policies establishes a consistent set of standards and governance expectations for all university policies. It defines what constitutes a university policy and outlines a shared approach to policy development, review, approval, communication, and ongoing evaluation.
This policy provides a foundation for a more consistent approach to policy management across WashU.
Development and approval
Requirements
To be considered a university policy, the policy must set a standard that applies broadly across all schools and business units, including but not limited to:
- Risk management
- Legal or regulatory compliance
- Financial stewardship
- Safety
- University values
By contrast, a departmental policy applies only within a specific school or unit and offers guidance on procedures and best practices. Departmental policies must align with university policies. They may not override or reinterpret them.
A formal review is required when the policy is new or when changes are substantial. Substantial revisions are those that affect the policy’s intent, scope, responsibilities, compliance obligations, or institutional risk. Minor updates such as typographical corrections, formatting changes, office or title updates, or regulatory citation updates that do not alter policy intent do not require formal review.
When proposing a new university policy or making a substantial revision to an existing one, policy owners are required to submit the request form that follows.
Review process
After a policy owner submits a request for policy review, these steps follow:
Step 1
Policy intake
The policy owner completes a development worksheet and template. The proposal is evaluated to determine whether it constitutes a university policy.
Step 2
Policy Evaluation Committee review
The committee provides feedback to the policy owner.
Step 3
Approval
With a committee recommendation, the policy advances to the cabinet and then the chancellor for final approval.
Step 4
Publication and stewardship
Approved policies are published in the university policy library. Policy owners are responsible for implementation, communication, and ongoing review.
Policy evaluation committee
The Policy Evaluation Committee (PEC) provides cross-functional review and feedback on proposed university policies and substantial revisions.
The PEC helps ensure policies are clear, consistent, and aligned with institutional priorities. It evaluates stakeholder input and oversees policy governance. The PEC meets quarterly to review institutional policies, provide feedback, and recommend policies to the cabinet and chancellor.
Membership includes staff leadership from academic affairs, student affairs, administration, general counsel, human resources, and compliance.
Request a policy review
Policy review requests must be submitted by designated policy owners or their representatives. University staff will follow up with next steps, including access to a policy development toolkit and submission folder.