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Definitions

The following terms are found throughout the University Policy website.

EPRG (Executive Policy Review Group): committee of university executives who provide institutional review and endorsement of final policy drafts prior to publication

PAG (Policy Advisory Group): committee of stakeholders, subject matter experts, and standing representatives from University Audit and General Counsel comprised by the Responsible Office to review drafts of policies in development

Policy: official university directive that mandates requirements of or provisions for members of the Cornell University community; has broad application throughout the university; enhances the university’s mission, reduces institutional risk, and/or promotes operational efficiency; and helps achieve compliance with any applicable laws and regulations (see Create or Revise a Policy)

Program: written document that specifies how the expectations set forth in a policy will be accomplished and tracked through:

  • Business objectives and metrics
  • Detailed roles and responsibilities 
  • Training obligations
  • Document management
  • Where to find SOPs

Procedure: standardized step-by-step instructions to complete a task with a concise beginning, middle, and end, that generates consistent outcomes

Responsible executive: vice president, dean, or unit head who creates, implements, and gains compliance for, or "sponsors," a university policy that falls under their jurisdiction 

Responsible office: office designated by the responsible executive(s) to develop and administer a policy, communicate with and train the university community in its requirements, and execute its timely updating and revisions 

Revisions (two types):

  • Minor/Housekeeping Revisions routine, minor changes that do not alter the meaning or scope of the policy; for example, changes in unit or department names, individual titles, items listed in the resources section, and contact information, as well as corrections for broken links, typographical errors, and formatting issues (follows Policy Process "Light")

  • Substantial Revisions: changes that alter the meaning or scope of an existing policy; for example, changing the policy statement, requirements, scope, who is covered, and responsibilities of specific units (follows standard Policy Development Process)

Supporting documents: Additional documents that support university policies, programs, and procedures, such as forms, manuals, registers, and handbooks