A policy is a concise statement of principles and rules that outline the University’s approach or position on governance, academic or operational matters. Policies set out the University’s expectations of staff and students in undertaking University activities, as well as what staff and students can expect from the University. Policies help to guide decision-making and communicate roles and responsibilities.
Policies must be consistent with, and will often aim to facilitate, compliance with legislative or regulatory obligations. Where this is the case, policies should explain rules arising from these instruments within the Monash context i.e. how a piece of legislation is applied at the University, but should not repeat sections of that legislation.
Each policy must have at least one procedure, providing guidance to staff and students on how to comply with the overarching rules and requirements. Policies should be written clearly, using plain english and explaining acronyms.
All policies must be developed using the Policy Template in accordance with the University’s Policy Framework Policy and Procedure.
Examples:
- the University’s Corporate Credit Card and Reimbursements Policy outlines the principles for purchases that staff may make on behalf of the University, i.e. staff are expected to exercise honesty and reasonable judgement when making expenditure.
- the University's Student Academic Progress Policy sets out the principles that guide the University in monitoring students who are at risk of making unsatisfactory progress in their studies and the circumstances when students can appeal or seek review of decisions made in the academic progress process.