About Policies

Boston University policies connect our daily activities to the University’s mission by establishing clear expectations, providing consistent guidance, and clarifying processes for all community members. They help people understand what is expected of them, what actions are permitted or prohibited, and where to seek additional support.

Policies serve to:

Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards
Promote consistent and efficient operations across all schools, colleges, departments, and administrative units
Support the University’s strategic and educational mission
Protect community members and safeguard University resources and reputation
Reduce institutional risks (legal, regulatory, operational, and financial)

By establishing a coherent framework for decision-making and activity across the University, policies create clarity and accountability while enabling the institution to operate effectively toward its mission.

A University Policy meets all of the following criteria:

Broad application: It applies broadly across the University or to multiple schools, colleges, departments, units, or categories of community members, rather than addressing an isolated or highly specific operational matter.
Institutional purpose: It helps ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, promotes operational efficiencies, enhances or supports the University’s mission, or reduces institutional risks. A policy may serve one or more of these purposes.
Mandatory requirements and defined outcomes: It establishes requirements, mandates actions or imposes constraints, provides specific procedures or standards for compliance, and/or articulates desired outcomes. Policies therefore establish expectations that community members are required to follow, rather than simply offering optional recommendations or general guidance.

More details outlining the Policy Approval Process are available within a Procedure document on this Policies website.

Features of this Policy Website

Each Policy/Procedure hosted through the www.bu.edu/policies website includes the following features:

Renovated Policies website tips: Each policy has a permanent URL; Each policy has a red rectangle link on the top left-hand side of the page. Clicking the link downloads a PDF and printer-friendly version of the Policy; The Policy Header contains information about the policy, including the following: (1) The top right-hand side of the Policy provides the date the Policy is effective and when the Policy was most recently revised; (2) the type of document (Policy, Procedure, or Guidelines) is located above the name of the Policy; (3) Each policy falls under one or more related categories. The related categories are found just above the name of the policy; (3) The Policy title is prominently displayed, and (5) Below the Policy title is the Responsible Office (Policy owner) with a link to other Policies from the same Policy owner. In addition, a red circle with a white up arrow appears on the bottom right-hand side of the screen as a scroll tool that returns the user to the top of the Policy. At the bottom of each policy page is a section for additional resources including: related policies, BU websites and information, forms, appendices, and other useful information. — Graphic Showing Policy Features

Scope of the Policies Available Through this Website

This website features institution-wide Policies and Procedures, so not all of the institution’s policies, procedures, and related documents are available through this site. Some of the Policies and Procedures available through this site are externally hosted on other Boston University webpages, including Dean of Students policies, the Provost’s Office Faculty Handbook and Academic policies, Research policies, and Environmental Health and Safety policies.

This site does not include:

Localized Policies, Procedures, and business processes
In addition to University-wide policies, schools, colleges and departments may have policies or policies specific to their particular area. These should be clearly written, approved and communicated through appropriate channels, and consistent with (though they may be more restrictive than) University Policies.
Policies of the Individual Schools and Colleges
In addition to University-wide policies, schools, colleges and departments may have policies or policies specific to their particular area. These should be clearly written, approved and communicated through appropriate channels, and consistent with (though they may be more restrictive than) University Policies. A list of the individual schools and colleges with links to their Policy pages is available here.

Policies Website Categorization

The Policies and Procedures featured on the website are divided into subject-matter categories to assist the site user with finding the relevant campus policies procedures, guidelines, rules, forms, or other document that might be relevant to their situation. Note that many of the policies, procedures, and other resources featured on the site appear throughout multiple categories.

Academics

These policies govern all academic programs across the University. Policies for individual schools and colleges are available through the individual schools and colleges webpages. The University Bulletin is the document of authority for all academic programs.

Access and Inclusion

Boston University values a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where all individuals have the opportunity to participate fully in University life. This category features policies that support equal access, prohibit discrimination and harassment, and promote inclusion across the University’s academic, professional, and community environments. Here you will find policies related to accessibility, accommodations, equal opportunity, and fostering a respectful and welcoming campus culture.

Employment

Boston University employees power a global, innovative research institution. The policies on this page describe the processes and activities around employment, define the expected conduct of employees, and confirm the University’s commitment to a safe, vibrant, and diverse workplace. Faculty, Non-Represented Staff, and Union-Represented Staff policies apply to the employees within these groups. Access to a specific school or college policy is available here.

Ethics

The single most important core value of the Boston University community is ethical conduct in all we do. The University is committed to dealing with others honestly and in good faith and avoiding conflicts of interest and commitment, both in fact and in appearance. Here you will find the policies that specify the commitment to ethical behavior expected of all members of our community.

Finance and Administration

Boston University is no small operation. From its nearly 2,000 sponsored research projects to its substantial endowment, finances are a critical part of the University’s success. Here you will find the policies that govern the University’s finances, including buying goods and services, arranging travel, and managing sponsored research.

Governance

Effective governance is essential to advancing the University’s mission and ensuring institutional accountability. This category features policies that define the structure, authority, and responsibilities of the University’s governing bodies, leadership, and administrative processes. Here you will find policies related to institutional decision-making, compliance, delegation of authority, and the orderly operation of the University.

Healthcare

Boston University is committed to promoting the health and well-being of its students, faculty, staff, patients, and broader community. This category features policies that govern healthcare-related services, clinical activities, patient care, public health practices, and compliance with applicable healthcare laws and regulations. Here you will find policies related to health services, medical information, clinical operations, and healthcare standards.

Information Management

Information is a critical asset to the University, and so it must be managed appropriately. This category features policies governing records retention, and ways in which information can and must be managed and shared.

International

The University has a global footprint. This category features policies specific to international activities, or policies that apply in an international setting.

Privacy and Security

Information is the cornerstone of the University’s teaching, research and administrative efforts. Although much of that information is open to the world, it is important to understand what types of information must be secured and how to secure each type, and the individual privacy constraints for specific types of information, like health information subject to HIPAA. The security and operation of the University’s technology systems depend on the cooperation and vigilance of everyone.

Research and Scholarly Activities

With 17 schools and colleges and more than 250 fields of study, Boston University is a hub of research and scholarly activities. Here you will find policies that govern those activities, including policies concerning research generally, grant application and administration, and research compliance.

Safety

The University is committed to maintaining a safe campus community. This category features Policies that outline standards and procedures to make on-campus and university activities safer.

Student Life

These policies describe the responsibilities of Boston University students as individuals, members of the community, and representatives of the institution, as well as the rights, protections, and privileges that come with being part of the BU family.