About Indiana University Policies
Purpose of University Policies
University policies establish the requirements, responsibilities, standards, and processes that govern university operations and activities. Policies support Indiana University's mission by promoting consistency, accountability, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and effective decision-making across the university.
University policies provide guidance to members of the university community and help ensure that institutional practices are aligned with the university's values, strategic priorities, and governance framework.
Authority for University Policies
University policies are adopted pursuant to the authority of the Board of Trustees, the President, or other delegated university officials. Policies serve as official university statements regarding institutional requirements and expectations.
University policies may implement applicable federal and state laws, Board of Trustees actions, accreditation requirements, and university administrative and academic directives.
Scope and Applicability
University policies apply to the individuals, units, and activities identified within each policy. Depending on the subject matter, a policy may apply to:
- Faculty
- Staff
- Students
- Administrators
- Volunteers
- Contractors
- University affiliates
- University units and departments
- Members of the university community
Each policy should be reviewed carefully to determine its specific scope and applicability.
Policy Administration
Each university policy identifies a responsible office charged with interpreting, implementing, and administering the policy.
Questions regarding the meaning, application, or implementation of a policy should be directed to the policy contact identified within the policy.
Policy Development and Review
University policies are developed and reviewed through a collaborative process that may include consultation with subject matter experts, university leaders, faculty governance organizations, staff representatives, and other stakeholders, as appropriate. Policies are periodically reviewed to ensure continued effectiveness and alignment with legal, regulatory, and operational requirements.
The development, revision, and retirement of university-level policies are governed by BOT-02: Policy Development, Revision, and Retirement, which outlines the university's policy governance and approval framework.
Individuals seeking to propose a new policy or request revisions to an existing policy may submit a Policy Proposal Form. All proposals are reviewed in accordance with applicable governance and approval requirements.
Compliance and Enforcement
University policies establish institutional requirements, responsibilities, and standards governing university operations and activities. Members of the university community are expected to comply with applicable policies.
Violations of university policies may be addressed through applicable university administrative processes, including corrective actions, disciplinary processes, or other procedures described in university policies, rules, or governing documents.
Legal Status of University Policies
University policies support the university's governance and administration and may be enforced through applicable university processes. They do not constitute contracts and are not intended to create contractual rights or a separate legal basis for claims by any individual or entity.
Policies are reviewed and updated through established university approval processes. The policies published on this website represent the current official policies of Indiana University.
Additional Information
For questions regarding university policy development or administration, contact policies@iu.edu.
