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Definitions

Definitions used in policy development processes.

TermDefinition
EPRG (Executive Policy Review Group):standing committee of university executives who provide institutional review and endorsement of final policy drafts prior to publication
PAG (Policy Advisory Group)policy-specific committee of stakeholders, subject matter experts, comprised by the Responsible Office to provide feedback on policies undergoing standard policy development processes
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 policy will be operationalized through:

  • Business objectives and metrics
  • Detailed roles and responsibilities
  • Training obligations
  • Document management
    • List of and where to find procedures, forms, etc
Procedure:standardized step-by-step instructions to complete a task with a concise beginning, middle, and end, that generates consistent outcomes and behaviors
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:

  • Non-substantial Revisions: routine, minor changes that do not alter the meaning or scope of the policy and are considered general maintenance; 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
  • 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