What is a College policy?
A College policy is a document that (1) states the college’s position on a particular issue, and (2) includes procedures for compliance. A College policy is defined by all of the following criteria:
- It has broad application throughout the College.
- It helps ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, promotes operational efficiencies, enhances the College’s mission, or reduces institutional risks
- The subject matter requires College board of trustees, president, and/or executive officer review and approval for policy issuance and major changes
If a policy fits these criteria, it is a College policy. If it does not, it is a departmental, office or unit policy. For more information on the policy process, see Formulation, Issuance and Maintenance of College Policies.
What is a procedure?
Procedures are steps taken to implement a policy. Generally, procedures will be provided as direct links to the appropriate procedures held on departmental websites.
How are the policies organized?
Policies are organized in functional-based sections grouping policies together under logical headings.
What is a policy template?
The policy template is an easy to use, standardized format to lend structure and ensure consistency from one policy document to another. An explanation of the terms used in the policy template is available here.
What kinds of policies do you write?
The External Affairs Office oversees development of policies that have application throughout the College, as represented by the College Regulations Sections. These policies are board, academic, administrative or financial in nature and cover subjects as diverse as governance, academic matters, fiscal management, operating practices, and human resources that affect faculty, students, staff, vendors and visitors.
Who makes and approves policies?
Senior executives (e.g., executive directors, vice presidents, CFO, CIO) provide general oversight of the College unit or department (the responsible office) that will develop a particular policy or revise an existing policy and be accountable for the accuracy of its subject matter, its issuance, and timely updating. This office also will be responsible to ensure that procedures and guidelines necessary to carry out the policy are current and available on the appropriate departmental or unit website. The final approving body will be the board of trustees.
How long does it take to develop a new policy or revise an existing one?
A policy in development or revision goes through a rigorous review and approval process during which the policy is “fleshed out,” meaning that appropriate college constituents are consulted. Depending on the nature of the policy, these constituents may include senior executives, vice presidents, deans, administrators, business managers, faculty, students, and others. The entire process to develop a new policy often takes six months or more. However, revisions to existing policy may take only a few days or weeks, depending on the extent and nature of the modifications.
How can I get a copy of a policy?
The policies that have been issued through the formal policy delegation process are available to read and print online at https://bergen.edu/about-us/college-policies/. Policies that have been standardized are accessible in PDF (portable document format). If you need information on a policy listed in the repository that has not yet been standardized, or if the policy is listed as “in revision,” contact the Responsible Office listed in the policy template. You can also contact [email protected] for assistance.
Can I make suggestions to improve a policy that has already been issued?
Absolutely. Feedback about policies may be sent directly to the Responsible Office contact listed in the policy template or the External Affairs Office at [email protected]. Typographical or other simple errors that you submit will be changed immediately online. Suggested changes of a more substantive nature will be forwarded to the senior executive responsible for the policy, and revision to the policy will take place when appropriate.
Where do I call if I have a question on a policy?
Policies posted on the College Policy Library website at https://bergen.edu/about-us/college-policies/ have a Contacts Section directing you to the appropriate office for answers to your questions. If you are unsure of where to call contact the Responsible Office or email [email protected] for assistance.
How can I get a college policy started from my office or department?
Please see the How to Create a Policy page on this website. Also, the External Affairs Office is equipped to assist you with questions you have about the process in general or if you want to know whether a college policy is warranted in a particular situation.
For questions or comments about this site, contact the Vice President of External Affairs at (201) 879-7650 or email [email protected].