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About UOW Policy

Policy at UOW

Policy is a tool that enables the University to operate effectively and efficiently. It promotes equity and consistency by establishing a clear set of parameters that apply University wide, allowing all staff to work under the same guiding principles.

When used effectively, policy:

    • provides the grounds for consistent decision making.
    • promotes compliance with legal and legislative requirements.
    • enables continuous quality assurance and improvement.

The development and maintenance of UOW Policy is governed by the Policy Management Policy, which is supported by the Policy Management Procedure.

Factors influencing UOW Policy

UOW Act and By-Law 

There are a number of legislative instruments specific to the operation of the University, under which its governance framework is established. 

University of Wollongong Act 1989 (NSW) 

The University of Wollongong Act (1989) establishes the University of Wollongong and provides for its governance. 

University of Wollongong By-law 2005

The University of Wollongong By-law (2005) provides for detailed requirements in relation to certain matters contained in the UOW Act, eg elections.

Standards and legislative requirements 

As an educational institution, UOW is subject to a range of standards and legislative requirements that must be considered when developing or reviewing policy. These may include: 

  • Immigration laws and visa regulations 
  • Higher education policy and legislation 
  • Workplace health and safety legislation 
  • Academic standards and regulations 

Internal Influences 

When developing UOW policy, custodians should also consider internal influences such as: 

UOW Policy Framework

The UOW Policy Framework describes the functioning structure of University Policy. At the top of the chain are rules, followed by codes and policies, which are supported by procedures and guidelines. 

 

What is the difference between a rule, code, policy, procedure, guideline, and local protocol?

Policies, procedures, and guidelines are significantly different styles of documents; a policy describes what must be done, a procedure describes how things must be done, and a guideline informs best practice in how a task might be undertaken.

Procedures and guidelines should always comply with relevant policies.

 

Rules

Document setting out ethical standards, roles, responsibilities and behaviours with regard to an issue or topic. Codes have the same mandatory effect as policies.

 

Codes

Document setting out ethical standards, roles, responsibilities and behaviours with regard to an issue or topic. Codes have the same mandatory effect as policies.

 

Policies

An Academic Policy is a university-wide instrument governing teaching, learning, research, or internationalisation. It must comply with all relevant legislation and rules and will be approved by the appropriate Delegated Authority, as outlined in the Policy Management Policy.

An Operational Policy is a university-wide instrument governing administrative or operational functions of the University. It must comply with all relevant legislation and rules and will be approved by the appropriate Delegated Authority, as outlined in the Policy Management Policy.

 

Procedures

Procedures are documented instructions for the completion of specified actions. Procedures that support policy are mandated directions, and usually include flowcharts and contain statements describing how a task should be accomplished. The items apply in a particular circumstance. They are written in simple language (often dot points) and the sequence is important.

 

Guidelines

Guidelines are “best practice” advice on how to reach a specific goal or accomplish a task. They may also describe how stipulations contained in UOW Policy may be implemented.

 

Local Protocols

Local Protocols are operational procedures or practices that apply within a particular Academic Group or Division. They are subordinate to, and must be consistent with, all Policy Documents above them in the Policy Document hierarchy.

Stages of Policy Development and Review

The Policy Management Procedure outlines the 6 stages of policy development and review for all UOW policy documents.

If you are thinking about developing or reviewing a University-wide policy document, please contact the Policy Unit to discuss your project.