{"id":1606,"date":"2015-05-21T17:27:18","date_gmt":"2015-05-21T21:27:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/?page_id=1606"},"modified":"2026-08-12T09:31:46","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T13:31:46","slug":"about-policies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/about-policies\/","title":{"rendered":"About Policies"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap\">Boston University policies connect our daily activities to the University&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap\">Policies serve to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards<\/li>\n<li>Promote consistent and efficient operations across all schools, colleges, departments, and administrative units<\/li>\n<li>Support the University&#8217;s strategic and educational mission<\/li>\n<li>Protect community members and safeguard University resources and reputation<\/li>\n<li>Reduce institutional risks (legal, regulatory, operational, and financial)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><span>A University Policy meets <\/span><strong><span>all<\/span><\/strong><span> of the following criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"true\">\n<li><strong><span>Broad application:<\/span><\/strong><span> 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span>Institutional purpose:<\/span><\/strong><span> It helps ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, promotes operational efficiencies, enhances or supports the University\u2019s mission, or reduces institutional risks. A policy may serve one or more of these purposes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span>Mandatory requirements and defined outcomes:<\/span><\/strong><span> 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>More details outlining the <strong>Policy Approval Process<\/strong> are available within a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-approval-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Procedure document on this Policies website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h1>Features of this Policy Website<\/h1>\n<p>Each Policy\/Procedure hosted through the www.bu.edu\/policies website includes the following features:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment8930\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment8930\" style=\"width: 806px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/policies\/files\/2019\/06\/policy-features-1-636x481.jpg\" alt=\"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.\" width=\"796\" height=\"602\" class=\"wp-image-8930\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/files\/2019\/06\/policy-features-1-636x481.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/files\/2019\/06\/policy-features-1-768x581.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/files\/2019\/06\/policy-features-1.jpg 959w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 796px) 100vw, 796px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment8930\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Graphic Showing Policy Features<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Scope of the Policies Available Through this Website<\/h1>\n<p>This website features institution-wide Policies and Procedures, so not all\u00a0 of the institution&#8217;s policies, procedures, and related documents are available through this site.\u00a0Some of the Policies and Procedures available through this site are externally hosted on other Boston University webpages, including <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/policies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dean of Students policies<\/a>,\u00a0 the Provost&#8217;s Office\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/handbook\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Faculty Handbook<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/policies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Academic policies<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/research\/information-for\/researchers\/policies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Research policies<\/a>, and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ehs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Environmental Health and Safety policies<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>This site does not include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Localized Policies, Procedures, and business processes<br \/>\n<\/strong>In addition to University-wide policies, schools, colleges and departments may have policies or policies specific to their particular area.\u00a0 These should be clearly written, approved and communicated through appropriate channels, and consistent with (though they may be more restrictive than) University Policies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Policies of the Individual Schools and Colleges<br \/>\n<\/strong>In addition to University-wide policies, schools, colleges and departments may have policies or policies specific to their particular area.\u00a0 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/individual-schools-colleges-policies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Policies Website Categorization<\/h1>\n<p>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, <span>guidelines, rules, forms, or other document that might be relevant to their situation. Note that m<\/span>any of the policies, procedures, and other resources featured on the site appear throughout multiple categories.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/academics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Academics<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">These policies govern all academic programs across the University. Policies for individual schools and colleges are available through the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/individual-schools-colleges-policies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> individual schools and colleges webpages<\/a>.\u00a0The\u00a0<a target=\"_blank\" title=\"University Bulletin\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/about-the-bulletin\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">University Bulletin<\/a> is the document of authority for all academic programs.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/access-and-inclusion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Access and Inclusion<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">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\u2019s academic, professional, and community environments. Here you will find policies related to accessibility, accommodations, equal opportunity, and fostering a respectful and welcoming campus culture.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/employment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Employment<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">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\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/individual-schools-colleges-policies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/ethics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ethics<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span>The single most important core value of the Boston University community is ethical conduct in all we do. \u00a0The 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/finance-and-administration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Finance and Administration<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Boston University is no small operation. \u00a0From its nearly 2,000 sponsored research projects to its substantial endowment, finances are a critical part of the University\u2019s success. \u00a0Here you will find the policies that govern the University\u2019s finances, including buying goods and services, arranging travel, and managing sponsored research.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/governance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Governance<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Effective governance is essential to advancing the University\u2019s mission and ensuring institutional accountability. This category features policies that define the structure, authority, and responsibilities of the University\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/healthcare-privacy-security\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Healthcare<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">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.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/information-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Information Management<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u00a0<span>Information\u00a0 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/international\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">International<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span>The University has a global footprint. This category features policies specific to international activities, or policies that apply in an international\u00a0setting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/privacy-security\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Privacy and Security<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span>Information is the cornerstone of the University\u2019s teaching, research and administrative efforts. \u00a0Although 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. \u00a0The security and operation of the University\u2019s technology systems depend on the cooperation and vigilance of everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/research-and-scholarly-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Research and Scholarly Activities<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">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.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/safety\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Safety<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">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.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/policies\/policy-category\/student-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Student Life<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">T<span>hese 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Boston University policies connect our daily activities to the University&#8217;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. 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