{"id":3595,"date":"2019-04-12T12:50:38","date_gmt":"2019-04-12T17:50:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/?page_id=3595"},"modified":"2026-03-26T13:19:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T18:19:56","slug":"administrative-policy-development","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/administrative-policy-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Administrative Policy Development"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"cfct-build-3595\" class=\"cfct-build grid\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-3 cfct-block\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-module cfct-supplemental\">\n\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"cfct-mod-content\">\n    <nav class=\"widget widget_meta\" >\n\n        <div class=\"menu-cfct-module-d17c58798aa7738b44d4f47cb7e18440-container\"><ul id = \"menu-policy-process\" class = \"menu nav\"><li id=\"menu-item-4216\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-4216\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/administrative-policy-development\/\">Administrative Policy Development<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-4217\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-4217\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/admin-policy-resources-for-policy-owners-and-responsible-officers\/\">Resources for Administrative Policy Owners<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>    <\/nav>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><div class=\"col-md-9 cfct-block\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-module uwsa-rich-text\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-mod-content copy\"><div id=\"toc\" class=\"uwsa-toc callout hidden-print\"><\/div><style>@media (min-width: 768px) {#toc { max-width: 50%} <\/style><script>jQuery(document).ready(function() {\n \t\t\t\t\tgenerateTOC(\"\", \"\", \"div.entry-content\" ,3 ,\"\", \"toc\");\n \t\t\t\t\t });<\/script>\n<p>UW System Administrative Policies and Procedures (SYS) are applicable systemwide and cover academic, financial, and general administration issues. The University Personnel System (UPS) Operational Policies, integrated as the SYS 1200 series, provide the framework for UW universities, other than UW-Madison, to extend the UW Board of Regents\u2019 authority to the university workforce.\u00a0 The SYS policies and procedures provide specific direction to UW System universities and are central to the governance of the UW System.<\/p>\n<h3>2026 University Distribution Schedule<\/h3>\n<p>The 2026 university distribution schedule dictates when a revised or newly drafted policy will be distributed to UW universities for review. It allows affected stakeholders to review a draft policy, provide comments and feedback, and prepare for policy implementation. For UWSA policy owners, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/uw-administration-policy-committees-uwsapc-2026-key-dates-and-deadlines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UW Administration Policy Committees (UWSAPC): 2026 Key Dates and Deadlines webpage<\/a> for the full policy review schedule.<\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 249px; width: 874.609px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 1440.61px; text-align: center;\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>Date of Distribution<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 723px;\">January 23, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 717.609px;\">July 24, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 723px;\">February 20, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 717.609px;\">August 21, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 723px;\">March 20, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 717.609px;\">September 25, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 723px;\">April 24, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 717.609px;\">October 23, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 723px;\">May 22, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 717.609px;\">November 20, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 723px;\">June 19, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 717.609px;\">December 18, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>About the Policy Development Process<\/h3>\n<p>You can learn about the Policy Development Process by watching this short video.<a id=\"video\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" aria-label=\"Policy Development Process\" width=\"608\" height=\"342\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdnapisec.kaltura.com\/p\/2370711\/sp\/237071100\/embedIframeJs\/uiconf_id\/42909941\/partner_id\/2370711?iframeembed=true&amp;playerId=kaltura_player&amp;entry_id=1_mtje8upz&amp;flashvars[streamerType]=auto&amp;flashvars[localizationCode]=en&amp;flashvars[leadWithHTML5]=true&amp;flashvars[sideBarContainer.plugin]=true&amp;flashvars[sideBarContainer.position]=left&amp;flashvars[sideBarContainer.clickToClose]=true&amp;flashvars[chapters.plugin]=true&amp;flashvars[chapters.layout]=vertical&amp;flashvars[chapters.thumbnailRotator]=false&amp;flashvars[streamSelector.plugin]=true&amp;flashvars[EmbedPlayer.SpinnerTarget]=videoHolder&amp;flashvars[dualScreen.plugin]=true&amp;flashvars[Kaltura.addCrossoriginToIframe]=true&amp;&amp;wid=1_y3d2cygk\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>General Policy Framework<\/h3>\n<p>UW System Administrative Policies, also referred to as SYS Policies and Procedures, are one part of a larger framework of regulation and policies that govern Universities of Wisconsin practices.<\/p>\n<p>This diagram below shows the relationship of policies for the Universities of Wisconsin from the broadest national level to the university level. It represents how the outer levels inform the inner levels, and how the inner levels comply with the outer levels.<\/p>\n<p>This also illustrates how UW System policies and procedures encapsulate other Board of Regents, state, and national requirements.<a id=\"policyonion\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-12632 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2024\/07\/Policy-Onion-UWSA-colors-1024x668.png\" alt=\"Diagram that depicts the general UW system policy framework to demonstrate the different levels of policy that impact the system. From highest authority to lowest, the levels are: federal legislation and administrative policies; Wisconsin state statutes and administrative code; Board of Regents policy documents: UW System Administrative policies and procedures; University policies, procedures, and handbooks; University guidance and FAQs; Department policies, procedures, and handbooks.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2024\/07\/Policy-Onion-UWSA-colors-1024x668.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2024\/07\/Policy-Onion-UWSA-colors-300x196.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2024\/07\/Policy-Onion-UWSA-colors-768x501.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2024\/07\/Policy-Onion-UWSA-colors-1536x1001.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2024\/07\/Policy-Onion-UWSA-colors-2048x1335.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Policy Areas\/committees<\/h3>\n<p>There are two general SYS administrative policy areas: Academic and Student Affairs, and Finance and General Administration. The Universities of Wisconsin Administration Policy Committee (UWSAPC)\u00a0is composed of two policy review subcommittees within UW System Administration (UWSA). The committee and subcommittees meet monthly to discuss policies, procedures, and guidance documents being drafted or revised.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Academic and Student Affairs<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Academic and Student Affairs policies (SYS 100 series) govern areas such as international education, program audits, program planning and review, etc.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Academic and Student Affairs Policy Committee (ASAPC) provides an internal review of changes to these policies. The committee is comprised of several members as described in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/uw-system-administrative-policies\/development-revision-and-approval-of-uw-system-administrative-policies-procedures-guidelines\/uw-system-administrative-policy-procedure-guidance-development-review-and-approval-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SYS 1.A, <em>UW System Administrative Policy, Procedure, &amp; Guidance Development, Review, and Approval Process<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Finance and General Administration<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Finance and General Administration policies (all SYS policies except for the 100 series) govern areas such as human resources, information security, tuition and fees, capital planning and budget, risk management, etc.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Finance and General Administration Policy Committee (FGAPC) provides an internal review of changes to financial and administrative policies. The committee is comprised of several members as described in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/uw-system-administrative-policies\/development-revision-and-approval-of-uw-system-administrative-policies-procedures-guidelines\/uw-system-administrative-policy-procedure-guidance-development-review-and-approval-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SYS 1.A, <em>UW System Administrative Policy, Procedure, &amp; Guidance Development, Review, and Approval Process<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Policy Development Steps<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Universities of Wisconsin has an eight-step policy development framework that is described more in detail below. The length of each step varies based on the complexity and input of each policy.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-10447 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2023\/02\/PMO-PD-Steps-no-title-1024x462.png\" alt=\"the 8 steps of the uw system administrative policy development process\" width=\"1024\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2023\/02\/PMO-PD-Steps-no-title-1024x462.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2023\/02\/PMO-PD-Steps-no-title-300x135.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2023\/02\/PMO-PD-Steps-no-title-768x346.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2023\/02\/PMO-PD-Steps-no-title-1536x693.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/246\/2023\/02\/PMO-PD-Steps-no-title-2048x923.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>1. Identify and Prioritize Needs. <\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Policies are prioritized in two ways: formally through the annual policy prioritization process with university input and as priorities emerge throughout the year.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>2. Responsible UWSA Offices Initiates Review and Drafting.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Policy Owner initiates a policy review. Policies are drafted largely in collaboration between experts and the relevant committee chair.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>3. UWSA Committee Review.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">After the Policy Owner has confirmed that changes to the policy are reasonably complete, the Universities of Wisconsin Administration Policy Committees chair will prepare the policy for an internal review.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>4. Review Comments and Prepare for Distribution.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Working with the committees, the Policy Owner addresses any comments, feedback, or revision suggestions before sending the policy to the universities.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>5. University Review.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">This step presents an opportunity for stakeholders across the Universities of Wisconsin to share feedback on a proposed policy revision or new policy.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>6.<\/strong> <strong>Responsible UWSA Officer Revisions.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The Policy Owner addresses the universities\u2019 feedback and makes revisions in collaboration with the relevant committee chair.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>7. Approval by UW System President.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Policies are issued and approved by the UW System President, and procedures are issued and approved by the appropriate UW System Vice President.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>8. Communication and Implementation.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The SYS custodian sends notification of the approval to the affected stakeholders. Training, FAQs, and other guidance may be issued to ease policy implementation.<a id=\"contact\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Contact Information<\/h3>\n<p>For questions specific to policies, please contact the Responsible UWSA Officer associated with each policy. This information can be found on the bottom right of the specific policy page. For general questions regarding our policy process, please contact the Chair of the UWSAPC, Sarah Ebben: <a href=\"mailto:sarah.ebben@wisconsin.edu\">sarah.ebben@wisconsin.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2512,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3595","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","cfct-can-haz-build"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3595","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2512"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3595"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3595\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16333,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3595\/revisions\/16333"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}