On February 13, 2025, President’s Council approved the following policy actions:
Entrance to Stage 1
Policy 662 Graduate Program Continuation, Credit, and Graduation Requirements
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Jim Bailey, Kyle Hicken |
| Policy Actions | Revision |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 1 |
| Policy Document | Stage 1 Draft |
NOTE: This policy was previously Policy 524 Graduate Program Continuation, Credit, and Graduation Requirements.
Who does this apply to? Graduate students, graduate faculty and program administrators
What is being added in this policy? During November 2024, USHE Policy R475 Section 5.5.2.2 was amended as follows: “Credit from 5000 level coursework may be used for graduate certificates and to fulfill up to 12 credits of graduate degree requirements.” This change allows UVU to now use advanced undergraduate 5000 level courses for graduate certificates, which can be stackable toward a master’s degree.
Now that this policy is in Stage 1, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact the Policy Office or the steward.
Policy 545 Veterans Services
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Michelle Kearns |
| Policy Stewards | Spencer Ebert |
| Policy Actions | Revision |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 1 |
| Policy Document | Stage 1 Draft |
Who does this apply to? Students who are currently serving in the military or who are veterans
What is being added in this policy? This policy will be expanded and updated to contain language similar to the current Military-Affiliated Student Hub (MASH) User Agreement that Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit recipients agree to, as well as the MASH language in the UVU Catalog. It will also expand the policy to include language regarding Department of Defense (DoD) and Utah State benefit programs, as well as other procedures and programs relevant to military-affiliated students. The policy will be updated to also update language to support UVU’s compliance efforts with VA, DoD, and state requirements.
Now that this policy is in Stage 1, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact the Policy Office or the steward.
Policy 605 Curriculum Process
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Laurie Sharp, Jordan Allen |
| Policy Actions | Revision |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 1 |
| Policy Document | Stage 1 Draft |
Who does this apply to? Faculty and staff involved in curriculum review
What is being added in this policy? This policy has reached its scheduled five-year review date. While the policy remains largely effective, only minor revisions are necessary to align the policy’s language with its intended purpose, ensuring clarity and accuracy. No significant fiscal, legal, or compliance impacts are anticipated because of these updates.
Now that this policy is in Stage 1, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact the Policy Office or the steward.
Policy 608 Internship Program Requirements and Implementation
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Kat Brown |
| Policy Actions | Revision |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 1 |
| Policy Document | Stage 1 Draft |
Who does this apply to? University employees involved in developing or overseeing internship programs for their areas
What is being added in this policy? Limited scope revisions are needed to update language in the policy to be consistent
with current practice.
Now that this policy is in Stage 1, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact the Policy Office or the steward.
Policy 635 Faculty Rights and Professional Responsibilities
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Kat Brown |
| Policy Actions | Revision |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 1 |
| Policy Document | Stage 1 Draft |
Who does this apply to? Faculty
What is being revised in this policy? Revisions will address these needed updates and clarifications to the policy:
- Teaching Expectations: There is some misunderstanding among faculty regarding teaching expectations, such as taking personal vacation that interferes with holding regular class during the semester and not altering or reducing their contract teaching period.
- Technology Accessibility: Title II changes regarding technology accessibility requirements went into effect this past year and need to be specifically shared with faculty so the University remains in compliance with federal standards.
Now that this policy is in Stage 1, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact the Policy Office or the steward.
Entrance to Stage 2
Policy 172 Advertising
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Kara Schneck |
| Policy Stewards | Matt Chambers |
| Policy Actions | New |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 2 |
| Policy Document | Stage 2 Draft |
Who does this apply to? University employees involved in advertising
What is being revised in this policy? This new policy creates a process for determining whether a donation should be addressed as a qualified sponsorship, advertising, or exclusive provider and a process for a transaction with non-charitable elements. It also establishes who has the authority to approve advertising. The policy also includes definitions for advertising, non-campus businesses, and commercial enterprises.
Now that this policy is in Stage 2, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact your senator. Stage 2 ends April 10.
Policy 234 Qualified Sponsorships
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Kyle Reyes |
| Policy Stewards | Melanie Lafranca |
| Policy Actions | New |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 2 |
| Policy Document | Stage 2 Draft |
Who does this apply to? Those involved in the qualified sponsorship process
What is being revised in this policy? This policy outlines the procedures by which UVU entities and third parties may establish
a qualified sponsorship under U.S. tax law and by which the sponsor will receive a
charitable deduction.
Now that this policy is in Stage 2, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact your senator. Stage 2 ends April 10.
Policy 447 Information Security
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Chistina Baum |
| Policy Stewards | Brett McKeachnie |
| Policy Actions | Revision |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 2 |
| Policy Document | Stage 2 Draft |
Who does this apply to? All university community members who use the University’s IT resources.
What is being revised in this policy? We are deleting Policy 449 Private Sensitive Information and inserting relevant private sensitive information material, the definition, and
procedures into this policy.
Now that this policy is in Stage 2, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact your senator. Stage 2 ends April 10.
Policy 449 Private Sensitive Information
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Christina Baum |
| Policy Stewards | Brett McKeachnie |
| Policy Actions | Deletion |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 2 |
| Policy Document | Stage 2 Draft |
Who does this apply to? All university community members who use the University’s IT resources.
What is being revised in this policy? We are deleting Policy 449 Private Sensitive Information and inserting relevant private sensitive information material, the definition, and
procedures into Policy 447 Information Security.
Now that this policy is in Stage 2, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact your senator. Stage 2 ends April 10.
Policy 452 Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Christina Baum |
| Policy Stewards | Brett McKeachnie |
| Policy Actions | Revision |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 2 |
| Policy Document | Stage 2 Draft |
Who does this apply to? All university community members who use the University’s IT resources.
What is being revised in this policy? Updates were made to reflect the current status and function of the University Accessibility Committee.
Now that this policy is in Stage 2, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact your senator. Stage 2 ends April 10.
Policy 601 Classroom Management
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Kat Brown |
| Policy Actions | Revision |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 2 |
| Policy Document | Stage 2 Draft |
Note: This policy is bundled with Policy 153 Religious Accommodations.
Who does this apply to? Faculty and students
What is being revised in this policy? Updates were made to the procedure for students requesting religious accommodations to align the procedures with Policy 153. A new section was also added to address the issue of enrolled students bringing minors to the classroom. Content was also added from Policy 704 Minors on Campus and from the consulting bundle. Two of the drafts of 601 have been consolidated into this one draft and removed from the pipeline.
Now that this policy is in Stage 2, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact your senator. Stage 2 ends April 10.
Policy 616 Regular and Substantive Interaction
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Laurie Sharp |
| Policy Actions | Revision—Limited Scope |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 2 |
| Policy Document | Stage 2 Draft |
Note: This policy version will replace the current temporary policy in place.
Who does this apply to? Faculty and staff involved in design, instruction, and administrative oversight of distance learning courses
What is being revised in this policy? This draft differs from the temporary policy by providing clarification of responsibilities and procedures that ensure the University meets Department of Education and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities requirements about regular and substantive interaction between instructors and students in distance learning courses.
Now that this policy is in Stage 2, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact your senator. Stage 2 ends April 10.
Policy 649 Faculty Discipline and Dismissal for Cause
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Kat Brown |
| Policy Actions | Revision—Limited Scope |
|
President's Council Action |
Entrance to Stage 2 |
|
Policy Document |
Stage 2 Draft |
Who does this apply to? Faculty
What is being revised in this policy? The current process for submitting the FSAC’s written report does not include the
dean and deputy provost as recipients, despite their crucial roles in this process.
Additionally, the dean, who has a deeper understanding of the situation is not consulted
during the President’s decision-making phase. This lack of comprehensive consultation
may result in the President making a final decision that is not fully informed and
potentially open to criticism. Limited scope revisions will address these issues.
Now that this policy is in Stage 2, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact your senator. Stage 2 ends April 10.
Policy 655 Graduate Faculty
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Jim Bailey |
| Policy Actions | Revision |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 2 |
| Policy Document | Stage 2 Draft |
Who does this apply to? Faculty
What is being revised in this policy? Updates to this policy will address these issues:
- Some individuals are confused with the differences between full and associate professors and full and associate graduate faculty.
- Graduate faculty minimum qualifications vary widely among colleges and schools at UVU.
- The graduate faculty applications process includes approvals by individuals who may not be familiar with graduate faculty criteria.
- There is a need to clarify whether non-tenured/tenure-track faculty can serve in graduate program service roles.
Now that this policy is in Stage 2, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact your senator. Stage 2 ends April 10.
Policy 658 Establishment and Administration of Graduate Programs
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Kat Brown, Jim Bailey |
| Policy Actions | Revision—Limited Scope |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 2 |
| Policy Document | Stage 2 Draft |
Who does this apply to? Faculty
What is being revised in this policy? Proposed changes in graduate faculty definitions in Policy 655 Graduate Faculty need to be reflected in this policy.
Now that this policy is in Stage 2, what does this mean for me? If you have comments or concerns, contact your senator. Stage 2 ends April 10.
Entrance to Stage 3
Policy 116 Student Communications
| Approval Process | Regular | ||
| Policy Sponsor | Michelle Kearns | ||
| Policy Stewards | Derek Kent | ||
| Policy Actions | New | ||
| President's Council Action |
|
|
Review |
| Policy Document | Stage 3 Draft |
NOTE: This policy is already approved for Board of Trustees Review but was pulled from the January meeting to make some additional changes. It was resubmited for review and approval of these additional revisions.
Who does this apply to? University employees involved in student communications
What is being revised in this policy? Following a recommendation from Office of General Counsel, in section 4.8.1, “express” was inserted before “student consent.” A similar revision was made in section 4.8.2, 5.2.1, and 5.4.4. These changes comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which requires prior express consent before sending certain text messages. (47 U.S.C. § 227, 47 C.F.R. § 64.1200(a)(2)). A sentence was also removed from section 4.8.1 that was not in alignment with the TCPA regarding revocation of consent.
Now that this policy is in Stage 3, what does this mean for me? Those with a need to communicate electronically with students will need to comply with this policy.
Policy 606 Adoption of Course Materials and Textbooks
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Kat Brown |
| Policy Actions | Revision |
| President's Council Action | Entrance to Stage 3 |
| Policy Document | Stage 3 Draft |
Who does this apply to? University employees involved in decisions for course materials
What is being revised in this policy? UVU Internal Audit has recommended some changes to this policy. A review of the policy
revealed confusion surrounding the definition of key terms and the scope and applicability
of the policy. The policy should undergo revision to provide clarity and streamline
processes within the policy.
Now that this policy is in Stage 3, what does this mean for me? Faculty and others involved in decisions about course materials and textbooks will want to become familiar with policy updates.
Policy 640 Faculty Sabbatical Leave
| Approval Process | Regular |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Kat Brown |
| Policy Actions | Revision |
| President's Council Action |
Review |
| Policy Document | Stage 3 Draft |
Who does this apply to? Faculty
What is being revised in this policy? We changed the final decision maker from Board of Trustees to the President in consultation with the Board of Trustees to comply with the law.
Now that this policy is in Stage 3, what does this mean for me? Those wishing to apply for sabbatical leave and those involved in making decisions about sabbatical leave will want to become familiar with policy updates.
Temporary Process
Policy 649 Faculty Discipline and Dismissal for Cause
| Approval Process | Temporary |
| Policy Sponsor | Wayne Vaught |
| Policy Stewards | Kat Brown |
| Policy Actions | Revision—Limited Scope |
|
President's Council Action |
Approval |
|
Policy Document |
Policy 649 (TEMPORARY) |
Who does this apply to? Faculty
What is being revised in this policy? The current process for submitting the FSAC’s written report does not include the
dean and deputy provost as recipients, despite their crucial roles in this process.
Furthermore, the dean, who has a deeper understanding of the situation is not consulted
during the President’s decision-making phase. This lack of comprehensive consultation
may result in the President making a final decision that is not fully informed and
potentially open to criticism. Limited scope revisions will address these issues.
Now that this policy is in Stage 2, what does this mean for me? President’s Council has approved this policy and it is now in effect. The Board of Trustees will ratify it in March.
Information Item
Stage 2 was extended for Policy 522 Undergraduate Credit and Transcripts and Policy 610 Credit Hour.
For questions or comments regarding any of the above actions, contact the policy sponsor or steward(s) listed, or contact the Policy Office. To learn more about the policy approval process at UVU, visit the Policy Office's Policy Process webpage.
Please note that some of the above links may become outdated or broken as the policy drafts progress through the policy approval process, or are approved for adoption to or deletion from the Policy Manual. For the most up-to-date status regarding a policy or proposed policy draft, see the Policy Manual and Policy Approval Pipeline pages. To request a previous version of a policy or policy draft or for addition questions, contact the Policy Office.